JCK Las Vegas to Mandalay Bay in 2011

-- JCK Online, 10/1/2009 2:00:00 AM

JCK Las Vegas will move to Mandalay Bay in 2011 in what is described as a "reinvention" that will include additional programming, education, and opportunities for networking and socializing.

JCK Events, the shows' organizer, said the American Gem Trade Association, Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturers Association, LUXURY, Plumb Club, Prestige Promenade, Swiss Watch, and Vicenza Oro Italian Pavilion had signed up for 2011.

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 its 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.

In a statement, 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.