The spring Atlanta Jewelry Show’s attendance tracked evenly with the 2006 edition, the largest in the event’s history, according to show organizers, the Southern Jewelry Travelers Association.

“We are very pleased with the attendance numbers and the enthusiastic response to our newest programs,” Carol Young, SJTA executive director, said about the show, held Feb. 24-26 at the Cobb Galleria Center. “Programs like our new SJTA Rewards and Certified Jeweler programs offer extra incentives for retailers to increase their orders and their professional skills, which in turn benefits our exhibitors as they see increased sales from successful customers.”

Exhibitors reported brisk sales and steady traffic throughout the show, SJTA said.

The SJTA Rewards buyer loyalty program, which made its debut at the Spring Show, builds on the former “You Buy. You Fly” program. Retailers earn reward points for orders that can now be redeemed for luxury travel packages, top brand merchandise, electronics, and Delta Airlines SkyMiles. Retailers racked up 2.1 million reward points during the show.

Other SJTA incentives included the “Tanks on Us” program, which awarded pre-paid gas cards to pre-registered attendees.

The SJTA U education program line-up included author Larry Johnson, David Peters, director of education, Jewelers of America, and Tammy Williams, JD Jewelers, Inc. The MJSA Jewelry Academy @ The Atlanta Jewelry Show, gave the record number of participating attendees the chance to experience a day of concentrated programming prior to the opening of the show.

SJTA also launched the new Certified Jeweler Program during the spring show. The program recognizes retailers interested in furthering their businesses by participating in the educational and professional development seminars that the SJTA offers during the shows. Upon meeting the show and seminar attendance criteria, these retailers will receive a certificate acknowledging their achievement, and a special store window decal recognizing their store as an active participant in the SJTA Certified Jeweler program. During the program launch, more than 400 retailers registered to participate.

The Atlanta Jewelry Show returns to the Cobb Galleria Aug. 11-13. For more information: SJTA , 4 Executive Park Drive, Suite 1202, Atlanta, GA 30329. Phone: 1.800.241.0399 or 404.634.3434. Fax: 404.634.4663. Email: info@atlantajewelryshow.com.   Website: www.atlantajewelryshow.com.

JCK