Press Releases

IJO to Hold Virtual Conference

It will happen via Zoom on July 27 and 28.

Published

3 years ago

July 13, 2020

INSTORE Staff

(PRESS RELEASE) SOUTHPORT, CT — After having to cancel its semi-annual conference for the first time in almost 48 years, the Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) has announced that it will hold a “virtual conference” via Zoom on July 27 and 28 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern.

“Just because we can’t meet in person doesn’t mean we can’t meet at all,” said IJO President and CEO Jeff Roberts. “One comment I hear from our members after every conference is ‘I can’t wait until the next one!’ so this will be a little different, but we’re still getting together.”

Included in the lineup of industry expert speakers are Andrew Rickard from RDI Diamonds, Ben Smithee from The Smithee Group, Becka Kibby from The Edge Retail Academy, Ross Cockerham from Punchmark, Craig MacBean from Ostbye, Crystal Vilkaitis of Crystal Media, Shannon Blake from Podium, Jeff Wynkoop from Quality Gold, Brandon Wright CEO of Clientbook, John Dougherty, CPA, John Kennedy of Jewelers Security Alliance, Mike Buley of Jewelry Ads That Work and a keynote by Shane Decker.

“Also included are two moderated panel discussions and we’re bringing some of the brightest minds directly to our members,” said IJO’s Conference Planner Jennifer Herold. “Our program offers something for everyone and we’re very excited about what we’ve put together!”

Registration for this two-day event is free and open to all IJO members. If you would like information on membership in IJO, contact Penny Palmer at 800.624.9252 or email penny@ijo.com.

Wilkerson Testimonials

Wilkerson: “They Feel Like Family”

Newton’s Jewelers in Fort Smith, Ark., was a true institution. But after being at the helm for most of his life, owner (and descendent of the original founder) Kelly Newton decided it was time to retire. He chose Wilkerson to handle the sale. “I’ve known the owners of Wilkerson for a long, long time. I felt at home with them,” he says. The final retirement sale was just a “blast” and the Wilkerson sales team made it so very simple and straightforward, says Newton. Would he recommend Wilkerson to others? Absolutely. “They’ve done incredible work,” says Newton. “They feel like family.”