A pre-show conference is set for March 3.
(Press Release) ATLANTA, GA — The Atlanta Jewelry Show will be held March 4-6 at the Cobb Galleria Centre, with a new pre-show conference on Friday, March 3.
“We’re redesigning the trade show experience for our community of independent jewelers this spring,” said Carol Young, executive director, Southern Jewelry Travelers Association, producer of the semi-annual show. “From the new pre-show conference featuring over 25 business-building sessions on Friday, March 3, to the launch of POKEN, the newest tool to connect our community, to the cultivation of new talent via the Savanah College of Art and Design student design competition, attendees will encounter new resources at every turn designed to reinvigorate their enthusiasm after the holiday season.”
Jewelers will be welcomed at the registration/engagement lobby relocated inside the show hall, and introduced to POKEN. This networking tool is the latest trend to enhance community connectivity at trade shows. A simple touch of one POKEN to another POKEN immediately connects members, companies and retail attendees during and after the show.
The show’s new floorplan has been designed to maximize exploration and discovery. The addition of learning labs and new product destinations — the Gallery and Signature Collection — as well as the centrally located Plaza and enhanced Loupe Pavilion will compel jewelers to cover all areas of the exhibition hall. In this way they can find the latest offerings from current suppliers, discover new products from first-time exhibitors and participate in learning sessions.
The Atlanta Jewelry Show is also presenting an expanded AJSU education program.
Kicking off the spring show, the new Pre-Show Conference on March 3 provides a full-scale educational program designed for jewelers looking for tips and strategies to stay strong in today’s retail environment. Jewelers can select from more than 25 sessions on topics ranging from marketing and social media to interactive peer-to-peer panels discussing store design, operations and more.
Keynote speakers will kick off the show experience on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
The art of enhancing your brand through storytelling will be discussed by Mike Whittenstein of Storyminers in Saturday’s keynote session “Want to Beat the Big Guys? Use Storytelling as your Strategy.” Tom LaForge, MACROFORCES Inc. and former global director human and cultural insights for The Coca Cola Co., will enlighten the audience about the cultural forces shaping business today and strategies for profiting from them now and in the future in Sunday’s keynote session, “10 Cultural Forces Reshaping your Future Success.”
For the complete education calendar and description of all AJS U Sessions, visit www.atlantajewelryshow.com/education-events. Advanced registration is recommended for all seminar presentations.
For details on achieving and maintaining AJS Certified Jeweler status, visit www.atlantajewelryshow.com/certified-jeweler-program.
Offering business boosting products and services from selected industry partners, the AJS Buyers group, The Loupe, will be presenting resources, tools and services to meet the needs of jewelers navigating the ever-changing business landscape. The enhanced Loupe Pavilion, located on the show floor, will be the destination for those seeking specific knowledge as well as one-on-one business consultations with the growing list of Loupe partners.
Jewelers can earn AJS Rewards points for orders placed during the show, which can be redeemed for hotel and travel packages, electronics and gift cards. Jewelers may stop by the AJS Rewards counter during the show for information or visit www.atlantajewelryshow.com. Enrollment is automatic.
Jewelers can enroll in two popular GIA lab sessions during the spring edition:
- The GIA Colored Stone Grading Lab Session is offered Wednesday, March 1, to Friday, March 3, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cobb Galleria Centre, Room 102. The fee for this session is $1,658 (payable by check) or $1,708 (payable by credit card).
- GIA Pearl Grading Lab Session will be offered on Saturday, March 4, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cobb Galleria Centre, Room 102. The fee is $500 (payable by check) or $520 (payable by credit card).
Space for the GIA lab sessions is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. For information and to register, contact Judy Lince at jlince@atlantajewelryshow.com or call 800-241-0399 or 404-634-3434.
The Atlanta Jewelry Show will celebrate the industry’s up-and-coming artisans as the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and the AJS co-host the 14th Annual Student Design Competition. Co-sponsored by Stuller Inc., the competition recognizes student entries in four categories: rings, broaches, earrings, and necklaces. The entries will be displayed on the exhibition floor; jewelers are invited to stop by to see the designs and vote for “Best of Show.” Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Sunday, March 5, at 3 p.m.
The Atlanta Jewelry Show invites you to Mix it up at Mingle!, the after-hours gathering each evening after the show. Mingle! is the perfect setting for networking with POKEN and for relaxing with jewelers, exhibitors and industry peers before heading out for the evening. It’s held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the lobby of the Renaissance Waverly Hotel.
Attendees enjoy discounted rates and added-value incentives at hotels in the official Atlanta Jewelry Show room block. To receive the discounted show rate, contact hotels directly and inform the reservationist that you are attending the SJTA/Atlanta Jewelry Show. To make reservations on line, visit www.atlantajewelryshow.com/hotel-accommodations.
The show’s official sponsor and producer, the Southern Jewelry Travelers Association, is the nation’s oldest association for independent jewelry representatives. For information about the spring show, visit www.atlantajewelryshow.com, send an email to info@atlantajewelryshow.com or call 800-241-0399 or 404-634-3434.