The change is set for 2019.
The American Gem Trade Association and U.S. Antique Shows announced that their Las Vegas events — AGTA GemFair Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show — will be co-located at the Las Vegas Convention Center starting in June 2019.
“Through on-going conversations with our members, as well as multiple discussions within the board and in committees, we came to the conclusion that it’s time for an evolution for AGTA GemFair Las Vegas,” said Douglas K. Hucker, CEO of AGTA, in a press release “The collaboration with [owner of U.S. Antique Shows] Emerald Expositions was a logical choice; not only is the move mutually beneficial to both of our exhibitors and attendees, but there is also a commonality in the perspectives and goals of each of our organizations.”
Gannon Brousseau, senior vice president of Emerald Expositions’ jewelry group, said his company is “thrilled to join forces with the AGTA during Las Vegas Market Week.”
“There is tremendous cross-promotional appeal between these two autonomous yet complementary events, and this partnership will ultimately contribute to the prosperity of the entire trade,” he said.
Jeffrey Bilgore, president of the AGTA board of directors, said: “Establishing our independence in Las Vegas provides us with so many opportunities for growth and improvement, and partnering with a like-minded organization like Emerald Expositions allows us to provide a vital and affordable show experience for our members, and to expand our resources in strategic and consequential ways.”
Further information about the 2019 events will be released in the coming months, according to the release. Vendors or buyers interested in more information about AGTA GemFair Las Vegas can contact Mary Lou Keen at marylou@agta.org or (214) 742-4367, while anyone interested in The Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show can visit https://www.usantiqueshows.com/.