(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.
Ready to Relocate? Wilkerson Makes Your Move Seamless
When Brockhaus Jewelry decided to leave their longtime West Main Street storefront for a standalone building elsewhere in Norman, Oklahoma, owners John Brockhaus and Brad Shipman faced a familiar challenge: how to efficiently reduce inventory before the big move. Their solution? Partnering with liquidation specialists Wilkerson for a second time.
"We'd already experienced Wilkerson's professionalism during a previous sale," Shipman recalls. "But their approach to our relocation event truly impressed us. They strategically prioritized our existing pieces while tactfully introducing complementary merchandise as inventory levels decreased." The carefully orchestrated sale didn't just meet targets—it shattered them.
Asked if they'd endorse Wilkerson to industry colleagues planning similar transitions—whether relocating, retiring, or refreshing their space—both partners were emphatic in their approval. "The entire process was remarkably straightforward," Shipman notes. "Wilkerson delivered a well-structured program, paired us with a knowledgeable advisor, and managed every detail flawlessly from concept to completion."
