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WJA Adds ‘Power Talks’ to 2016 In The Know Conference

Published

9 years ago

March 9, 2016

INSTORE Staff

Conference is followed by “In the Spotlight” evening celebration.

The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) has added new programming to its 2016 WJA In The Know Conference on March 10 at the Convene conference center in New York City.

The conference, themed “Blurring the Lines,” has already announced keynote speakers Randi Zuckerberg, CEO of Zuckerberg Media, and Hitha Herzog, chief retail analyst at Aitchpe Retail Advisory.

Power Talks are among the new events at the conference this year, which are 20-minute, moderated conversations with influencers in the jewelry and watch industry. Participants include designer Alexandra Mor of Alexandra Mor; Kara Ross of Diamonds Unleashed; Bouchra Ezzahraoui and Sophie Kahn of AURate; Scott Sanders of London Jewelers; and jewelry journalist Rachel Garrahan.

Other new programming at the conference includes breakout workshops, a focus group, networking opportunities and a professional head shot service.

Convene will also be the venue for the 2016 WJA “In The Spotlight” celebration, which follows the educational conference. In The Spotlight honors WJA regional chapters’ annual Shining Stars – chapter members who have given extraordinary service to their individual chapters throughout the year.

Tickets are now available for both events. To register for ITK or ITS, visit www.womensjewelryassociation.com.

You Wouldn’t Cut Your Own Hair. Why Run Your Own Retirement Sale?

After being in business for over a quarter of a century, Wayne Reid, owner of Wayne Jewelers in Wayne, Pennsylvania, decided it was time for a little “me time.” He says, “I’ve reached a point in my life where it’s time to slow down, enjoy a lot of things outside of the jewelry industry. It just seemed to be the right time.” He chose Wilkerson to handle his retirement sale because of their reputation and results. With financial goals exceeded, Reid says he made the right choice selecting Wilkerson to handle the sale. “They made every effort to push our jewelry to the forefront of the showcases,” he says, lauding Wilkerson for their finesse and expertise. Would he recommend them to other jewelers who want to make room for new merchandise, expand their business or like him, decide to call it a day? Absolutely he says, equating trying to do this kind of sale with cutting your own hair. “The results are going to happen but not as well as if you have a professional like Wilkerson do the job for you.”