American Salon Calls It Quits

Staff -- JCK Online, 4/1/2003 2:00:00 AM

The American Salon, a jewelry trade show that was to be held May 28-June 1 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, has been canceled. The announcement was made in an e-mail from the show's organizers to those who expressed interest in the show.

"The American Salon was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the industry to take control of its destiny," the statement read. "Unfortunately, as the year progressed and the anticipated economic recovery never materialized, there was not a sufficient number of individuals willing to take the step to create an industry show that would benefit exhibitors and the retailers. After much careful consideration, it has been determined not to proceed with the show."

The idea for the show was hatched last July. Edward Coyne, an industry consultant, and Andrew Kohler, president of A.B. Kohler, a jewelry-industry advertising agency, headed the show's management team. The two aligned with Professional Jeweler magazine, whose business team was to contribute marketing, sales, and operations expertise to the new show. The magazine decided to end its affiliation after the show announced that it would expand its exhibitor criteria to accommodate a broader range of manufacturers and suppliers.