Press Releases

Jewelers of America Announces Education Program for JA New York Spring Show

Published

7 years ago

February 22, 2017

INSTORE Staff

The show is set for March 12-14.

(Press Release) NEW YORK, NY — Jewelers of America announced the full schedule of its education program for the JA New York Spring Show, to be held at the Javits Center March 12-14.

With topics that range from building an online presence in a competitive retail market, to best practices for hiring sales associates, the Jewelers of America Education Program, sponsored by Synchrony Financial, will offer practical advice to attendees.

“It’s so important for us to add value to our attendee’s experience through our partnership with Jewelers of America and their education conference,” said Drew Lawsky, group show director for JA New York Shows. “Continuing education is so important for the sustainability of our industry, and our shows are a great opportunity to source new product, stock up on best sellers, and take home some knowledge in the process!”

In addition to regular format sessions such as Shane O’Neill’s session, “Competing Online—How to Build an Online Presence,” and Kate Peterson’s presentation on “Hiring and Keeping Sales Superstars for the Future,” JA is also offering panel discussions on social media, as well as a free breakfast “Idea Exchange.”

“The Idea Exchange was created as a direct response to the needs of our retail members,” said Susan Thea Posnock, director of public affairs and education for Jewelers of America. “We spend a lot of time interacting with our members from across the country, and we discovered that many of them share the same concerns and challenges. By hosting a roundtable discussion, we’ll be providing a comfortable forum for peers to learn from one another and benefit from one another’s experiences.”

The special breakfast session will be held on Monday, March 13 from 8:00am to 10:00am and will be facilitated by Jewelers of America. Space is limited and RSVP’s are required.

To RSVP for the Idea Exchange, click here. For the full list of educational sessions, please click here.

When There’s No Succession Plan, Call Wilkerson

Bob Wesley, owner of Robert C. Wesley Jewelers in Scottsdale, Ariz., was a third-generation jeweler. When it was time to enjoy life on the other side of the counter, he weighed his options. His lease was nearing renewal time and with no succession plan, he decided it was time to call Wilkerson. There was plenty of inventory to sell and at first, says Wesley, he thought he might try to manage a sale himself. But he’s glad he didn’t. “There’s no way I could have done this as well as Wilkerson,” he says. Wilkerson took responsibility for the entire event, with every detail — from advertising to accounting — done, dusted and managed by the Wilkerson team. “It’s the complete package,” he says of the Wilkerson method of helping jewelers to easily go on to the next phase of their lives. “There’s no way any retailer can duplicate what they’ve done.”