In early December, Yancy Weinrich, senior vice president at Reed Jewelry Group, attended Art Basel Miami Beach “to glean inspiration.” She’ll put her lessons learned to work at JIS Miami from Jan. 16 to 18, and JCK Tucson, which runs Feb. 3–7.

JCK: What was the feedback on the October JIS show?

Yancy Weinrich: The JIS Retailer of the Year competition was really well received. We’ll continue to push on those levers: people who are doing jewelry right. Plus, the Galleria Lounge space looked amazing. We also heard good things about bringing the LUXURY concept to Miami, and the exhibitors understand the importance of the Latin American market. Attendance was up 16 percent and it was the largest JIS October show in its history. We continue to improve the experience at JIS and are leveraging the aggregated retail lists to ensure strong attendance. 

JCK: How is the January edition of JIS shaping up?

YW: Great! We’re selling out the exhibitors, momentum is building, registration is open. 

JCK: What’s important about the JIS show in January?

YW: It’s the largest jewelry show before Valentine’s Day. The timing works well for restocking inventory levels for tourist and resort seasons in the Caribbean and Florida. Order writing and at-show delivery are permitted. And Miami Beach is a hot place to be at that time of the year!

JCK: Then it’s on to Arizona?

YW: Yes! JCK Tucson is on fire. Todd Reed and Sarah Graham are featured speakers. The Design area is sold out, and we’ve added a few booths to accommodate demand. The show has a new vibe, new energy. On Friday night, Feb. 5, we’ll do a screening of the gem trade documentary Sharing the Rough. We’ll have “movie night under the stars” in a relaxed atmosphere. We’re excited to be sharing it with the industry.

(Images: On the floor at October’s JIS Miami show)