JCK Las Vegas to Move to Mandalay Bay in 2011
JCK Staff -- JCK Online, 9/8/2009 1:33:02 PM
JCK Las Vegas will move to Mandalay Bay in 2011 as part of a retailer-focused reinvention that includes additional programming and education as well as increased opportunities for networking and socializing.
JCK Events, the show's organizer, also announced that the American Gem Trade Association, Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturers Association, LUXURY, Plumb Club, Prestige Promenade, Swiss Watch, and Vicenza Oro Italian Pavilion were among the first to sign up for 2011. Other leading companies also have endorsed the move.
Dave Bonaparte, group vice president for JCK Events, called the move "a pure example of customer-focused decision making," and noted that the JCK Show team conducted extensive customer research before making the final decision. The research included sending more than 80 of the largest exhibiting companies and organizations-representing more than 500 domestic and international customers-to visit Mandalay Bay and share their opinions.
"More than 90 percent expressed support for the move," Bonaparte said. He also noted that Mandalay Bay was able to accommodate The JCK Show's existing date pattern.
JCK Events cited a number of advantages to the Mandalay Bay venue, including a state-of-the-art convention facility; an easier move in/move out process; a range of hotel properties and prices; moderately priced hotel options next door, linked to Mandalay Bay by tram and walkway; and 22 restaurants, bars, and clubs, for networking and after-hours business.
In 2010, JCK Las Vegas will begin a reinvention as a retailer-focused event, Bonaparte said. "We will continue to seek ways to reduce cost, organize the floor plan better for ease of navigation and efficient buying. And we will continue to invest in more programming and education and opportunities for networking and socializing-all important to the retail customers, based on our research."
JCK Las Vegas 2010 will take place June 4-7, at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, with LUXURY by JCK running June 1-3 and Swiss Watch by JCK June 3-7. For more information, visit www.jckshows.com or call (800) 257-3626. For more information on the 2011 show, visit www.jck2011.com.
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As I said, I am sure that the facility is very nice and first rate. But what initially hit me was some of the peripheral logistics - a longer cab ride, the vicinity of the exhibit hall, having to adhere to a tram schedule. Also the fact that this move really was not prefaced to me very well. Since my company has been a long time JCK Exhibitor, it would have been nice to get my opinion as well in some manner. And not that I had to be flown to Vegas, but a phone call or direct personal e-mail would have been nice. I am 99.9% sure that I will be participating any way. But knowing the extra benefits and choices before the announcement was made would ease the transition.
Rick Mulholland - 2009-9-9 14:52:09 EDT -
Rick, As a local resident of Las Vegas, my first instinct was, as yours, there are too many downsides to a relocation to Mandalay Bay. However after attending the presentation at Mandalay several weeks ago, I can assure you, you will have at least as good and maybe better selection of hotels and rates and transportaion as at the Venetion. Again, as a former skeptic, I was blown away by the choices and benefits. As for rates, you are a short tram ride away from the Luxor, Excaliber, New York, MGM Grand and Tropicana all with varying rates, as low or lower than the TI, Harrahs, etc which were near to Venetion with no Tram. I think you will really like the benefits. As for those wanting Luxury, you will have The Hotel or the Four Seasons both on site and the new Signature Hotel at the MGM Grand. Robert Bridel
Robert Bridel - 2009-9-9 13:39:41 EDT -
All I can say is, it's about time this happened! The staff at DJP has always, in years past, used Mandalay as our place to go de-compress after the jewelry show ended. The food, the service, the facilities are all far superior. The Beach at Mandalay's cabanas are awesome for relaxing (THAT'S where we'd hold our company meeting). Oh, and their spa....OMG!!! Try it and you'll never forget it. As for their convention center; we were given a small tour a few years ago just after they finished construction and let me tell you, it's really built for doing business in the 21st century. It has a more open feeling to it. Retailers and suppliers will both benefit from the new, modern facilities. It's also very easy to get in and out of MB by taxi because it's located at the end of the strip.
Yancey, John and company will do a first class job of putting the show on just like they always do but, 2011 will be even better. Believe me, this will come to be known as the best thing that ever happened to JCK Luxury and JCK Las Vegas since the show was founded in '95.
Jon Parker - 2009-9-9 12:06:04 EDT -
I am sure that Mandalay Bay has a nice facility. However, all I can envision are more expensive cab rides, more time spent traveling to the exhibit hall and possibly a much more expensive Vegas trip in 2011 overall. If I usually get a great deal on the main strip, does that mean that I now have to give that up and possibly pay more for my room that is closer to Mandalay Bay because of this relocation? Have these tough times not caused jewelry industry professionals to stay focused on the bottom line? Or is JCK hoping that an end to this recession by 2011 will cause jewelry professionals to once again turn a blind eye towards keep expenses such as those incurred in Las Vegas in check?
Rick Mulholland - 2009-9-9 12:00:17 EDT -
Rex - thanks for your concern about JCK 2011. The JCK brand stands for quality, value and an unwavering commitment to our customers and the jewelry industry. By moving the event to Mandalay Bay, we are able to improve the experience for you. Mandalay Bay provides great amenities with a diverse yet intimate setting that will appeal to you. It offers a range of price points for hotels, dining and entertainment. In these uncertain times, that's good to know. The boutique feel of the Mandalay Bay campus which includes 22 restaurants and lounges will make casual networking easier and will enhance after-hours business. These considerations were important to retailers based on the research conducted immediately following the 2009 event. The decision to move was not about cost but rather on what our customers told us they need and want. In fact, we are conducting town hall meetings, focus groups and other retailer research over the next several months to help us create a show floor that will help you shop the 2011 show more efficiently. As a JCK retailer, we would love your input on helping us shape a better environment to conduct business. Shall we give you a call?
Yancy Weinrich - 2009-9-9 10:03:31 EDT
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