It’s amazing: 2016 is drawing to a close. By the time you read this letter, the election will be over (thank goodness), and the holiday sales season will have begun.

The past couple of months have been busy in my world. October took me both to sunny Southern California for the GIA Career Fair, and to sunny Miami for the JIS Miami show.

My annual trip to Carlsbad to participate in the GIA Career Fair is always one of my favorite events, and this year was no exception. I was honored to be included on the opening panel, alongside Ben Bridge Jeweler’s Mary Todd-McGinnis, Rahaminov Diamonds’ Melanie Goldfiner, and jeweler Martin Katz. We were asked to speak to the graduating GIA students about the personal and professional rewards that come from building a career in this industry as well as the importance of passion, networking, and good relationships. Talk about a layup! Love for the business and the joys of networking are two of the most meaningful aspects of this job, and key among the reasons I chose this profession.

Congratulations to fair organizer Kathryn Kimmel, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at GIA, and to GIA president and CEO Susan Jacques on another great fair. And thanks again for allowing me to share my passion!

The next night was the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California’s black-tie dinner dance, which returned to its old haunt at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The evening ended where it began: in the hotel’s famed Polo Lounge for drinks with JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and various fun industry friends. (Thank goodness for Uber!)

Last month, I gave a shout-out to my friend and mentee Jen Cullen Williams of the Luxury Brand Group for winning the Women’s Jewelry Association Marketing and Communications Award for Excellence, and here I go again, as Jen also received the evening’s Rising Star award at the 24K event! Once again, the love and cheers in the room were amazing. Congrats, Jen.

This year’s October edition of the JIS Miami show (the second one held under the auspices of Reed Exhibitions) was better than ever. As always, exhibitors who did strong preshow and at-show marketing, brought fresh product, and pre-arranged their meetings saw terrific results. A salute to JIS industry vice president Jordan Tuchband on another great edition.

Back home in the New York City office, we’re making exciting plans for 2017. We plan to completely redesign (the already award-winning) JCK magazine and JCKonline.com. I’m personally excited to see our owner, Reed Exhibitions, make the investments necessary to keep the magazine and website fresh, cutting-edge, and best-in-class.

All my best wishes to you and your families for a terrific holiday season, both in business and in your personal lives. See you in 2017!

Top: At the GIA Career Fair with Susan Jacques, Martin Katz, Melanie Goldfiner, and Mary Todd-McGinnis

(Smelzer photograph by Michael Falco)