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 cancelled, its organizers said in an e-mail 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. (if you haven’t already received a refund of your deposit, it should arrive by the end of this week.)”

The idea for the show was launched in July, 2002 with a management team headed by Edward Coyne, an industry consultant, and Andrew Kohler, president of A.B. Kohler, a jewelry industry advertising agency. The two aligned with Professional Jeweler magazine. The magazine’s business team was to contribute marketing, sales, and operations expertise to the new show.

In late December, the American Salon management team announced a change in the direction of the show and that, in an agreement with Professional Jeweler, would take over control of the show (including booth sales and show management).

JCK