(LAS VEGAS, NV June 21) - - -JCK Events, the market-leading jewelry events in the U.S., concluded with a positive review for the new and enhanced experience at Mandalay Bay. Preliminary numbers indicate a double digit 16% increase in attendance with over 20,000 buyers representing every retail and distribution channel including over 600 VIP retail stores. International participation increased with the largest concentration coming from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Mexico, Russia, Thailand, & the UK.
Extra buying days on the show floor were implemented at customers’ request for the AGTA and Equipment, Technology & Supplies product areas. The new venue provided a reorganized show floor to satisfy buyers’ shopping needs while additional product groupings focused on in-demand categories such as Bridal, Silver, Fashion Jewelry and Pearl.
JCK Events, celebrating its 20th Anniversary, incorporates LUXURY; the successful debut of Elite Enclave, an elite buying and selling experience for discerning retailers featuring exclusive brands and designers; Swiss Watch and JCK Las Vegas. Together, these events offered enhanced amenities, courtesies and exciting navigational tools both on- and off-line.
“The greatest idea we saw was the “Ask me” staff ...they were so helpful. The red carpet was very nice, and the bus pickup was better and so convenient,” said Leslie Kramer, Kramer & Co., Inc., Canton, MA. “We really appreciated the extra signage and loved the app for the iPhone! It's very nice to be a VIP!”
“On behalf of the Retail Jewelers Research Group, JCK was very good for us. Overall, I will tell you I prefer the new venue was much nicer and your staff was so professional and helpful,” said John Henne, Henne Jewelers, Pittsburgh, PA. “The events afforded us with a wonderful buying experience.”
“We were advised to prepare in advance and make a 'plan of attack' when coming to JCK, so we focused on our plan and we worked it for two days,” said Richard Bennett, PK Bennett, Mundelein, IL. “We spent the rest of the days of the show looking for new items and merchandise. We arrived and were blown away by the amazing choices and size of the show--and wondered how any jewelry store could be in business and NOT go to JCK.”
"It’s so civilized. Everyone has been so helpful in Elite Enclave- such a high level of service. It was an oasis of calm that helped upgrade the overall show and business experience- made Hank’s and my job much more pleasant. We all know shows are a rat race-Enclave was a needed change," Lisette Siegel, Hamilton Jewelers, Lawrenceville, NJ.
Other highlights of the event included a comprehensive educational program featuring topics on merchandising, sustainability and responsibility, management, social media, fashion & trends, bridal & Luxury. Over 2000 industry professionals attended sessions doubling the number of conferees at the 2010 JCK event. Sponsors of the educational program included Rio Tinto Diamonds.
And what would all business be without a little fun? The JCK Rocks the Beach! Party, featuring Grammy award-winning artist, Bruno Mars, with opening act Mayer Hawthorne & The County, attracted over 4000 guests who danced and celebrated at Mandalay Bay beach. The Beach Party provided additional networking opportunities and great music under the Las Vegas sky.
JCK’s industry support extends beyond the show floor with the inclusion of many influential and community-focused charitable events that drive the industry’s conscience hosted by JCK. These include: Le Vian’s Red Carpet Review, which makes a donation in attending companies’ names for Jewelers for Children; Jewelers for Children “Facets of Hope” event; Jewelers That Care event; The Diamond Empowerment Fund; Womens Jewelry Association (WJA); Diamond Council of America; Jewelers Security Alliance; Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association; Jewelers Vigilance Committee; Canadian Jewellers Association; Jewelers of America; International Colored Gemstone Association and many more.
Upcoming JCK portfolio market opportunities include:
- LUXURY PRIVÉ, July 25-27, 2011: JCK Events will debut a private, intimate jewelry buying experience in New York City at New York’s famed Pierre Hotel in the heart of Manhattan overlooking Central Park. The new ultra, high-end jewelry trade event will provide the ultimate upscale environment for manufacturers and retailers dealing in exquisite jewelry. LUXURY Privé will be an invitation only event featuring 50 of the world’s leading high-end manufacturers and 150 top retailers globally. Each day the event extends an exclusive, unique opportunity to network and enhance business relationships.
- JCK Toronto: JCK Toronto, showcasing Canada’s passion for fine jewellery will take place August 7-9, 2011 at the Metro North Convention Centre in Toronto, Ontario. JCK Toronto has been designed to enhance the Canadian retailer experience with increased networking opportunities, timely educational opportunities, special events and the presence of over 150 designers, manufacturers and suppliers.
Plans for JCK Events 2012 are also underway! Plan your calendars for: LUXURY, May 29-May 31; JCK Las Vegas June 1-4; and Swiss Watch, May 31-June 4.
The series of JCK Events are designed to serve the worldwide jewelry industry by offering the most comprehensive and complete buying and selling opportunities in a business-to-business format. For more information on any of the international JCK Events or to view the event's image and video galleries, please visit us at www.jckshows.com or simply call 1-800-257-3626.