Four weeks from now, many of you will be in Las Vegas attending the 2021 edition of jewelry market week, led by JCK Las Vegas, which runs at the Sands Expo and Venetian Resort Aug. 27–30 (two months later than its traditional timing, but who’s complaining?).
We wanted to know what a handful of the industry’s leading personalities were most looking forward to seeing, doing, eating (and drinking) at the show, so we asked them. No surprise, the most common response involved socializing. After more than two years, the industry’s collective return to Las Vegas is bound to be a joyful celebration. We truly can’t wait to see you there!
Ben Smithee, CEO, The Smithee Group
“Leading off and batting first: people. Let’s be honest, I am energized off of being around people and spending time hanging with friends. It has been way too long, and if nothing happened other than me reconnecting with friends in the industry, it is a win!
“That said—in the No. 2 spot, education. Our team at TSG is truly passionate about helping our industry succeed, and now is the time. There is so much opportunity now that people have seen the power of digital and those who really embrace the power of how business is absolutely evolving will see the fruits of their investment. The time is now. We are excited to have our digital/social media boot camp offering again this year, as well as several other sessions and panels in JCK Talks. We are also creating an experiential look at the future of digital and content in The Future Lab. You must check it out. Finally, we are launching something brand new and very exciting at one of the JCK Pro panels. It’s going to be a game changer—do not miss it.
“Finally, Vegas—as much as I love to hate it, there is something about its gravitational pull. Maybe it is my entrepreneurial ADD that sucks me in with the lights and sounds or the steak and scotch or just being in the 1,000-degree temps in a three-piece suit then freezing my…off in the A/C. But, I love it and I have missed it. See you in Vegas—let’s bring it this year, folks!”
Bill Boyajian, Founder, Bill Boyajian & Associates
“First, Vegas show week (no matter when it is) is the most important week of my year. Everyone is there, and I hope that is the case again this year, even in late August. We in the trade have been separated by physical distance due to COVID for nearly 18 months. It will be great to reconnect with friends and associates in person. We need that connection!
“Second, I am a subject specialist for JCK in succession planning, and I’m doing a boot camp workshop on family business succession planning on Friday of the show [Aug. 27]. I’m really looking forward to that and hope many people will take advantage of it. I’ll be giving my new book on the same subject to all attendees of the seminar.
“Third, one of the most important aspects of the show is to see new products, new designs, and new suppliers. It is the very best way to feel the pulse of what is happening in our trade around the country and around the world. It provides an educational opportunity that none of us can get anywhere else.”
Brandee Dallow, Founder, Fine Girl Luxury Brand Building & Communications
“McCarran: There is truly no place like the Las Vegas airport. First of all, what other airport in the world do you get off the gangway into the terminal to hear a loud rush of slot machines? Winners and losers all intent on playing the last game before they board their flights home. Because, hey, you never know. There’s the woosh of air-conditioning that hits your face upon entering the terminal that stays with you till you board the plane home again. It’s the same feeling as inside every building, hotel, resort, conference center in Vegas. And it’s just different than the air at home, if you know what I mean. And then finally, the moment you see all of the jewelry brand advertisements hanging from the ceiling as you come down the escalators to the baggage area indicating it’s time to be my best self and rock ‘n’ roll at JCK!!
“Trading in my heels for my Chuck Taylors: I know I have had a really productive show when at the end of each day, my feet are absolutely killing me. That’s the time I sit on one of the seats in the casino and put on my white Converse. Magic. I sound like Mr. Rogers, I know, but it is true.
“Dinners that turn into never-ending evenings with friends: If there is one thing that I, like so many others, am looking forward to at JCK, it is seeing friends. Reliving memories. Enjoying some great food, great wine. Lots of laughs always. And toasting to a year lost but to lots of amazing, new memories with our jewelry friends.”
Ellen Fruchtman, President, Fruchtman Marketing
“This is the first year I’m going early to check out the Antique Jewelry & Watch Show. I say I want to attend every year, and I’m finally doing it this year!
“Meeting prospects. Of course, we are there for new business, but I also love hearing about their current business and meeting people who want to go to the next level.
“We stay off-site in a larger home. This gives us an opportunity to relax, drink some great wine, and, more importantly, our VP of digital, Shane O’Neill, is a fabulous cook and grill master. Can’t wait to see what he cooks up (pardon the pun) in 2021.”
Mark Smelzer, Chief Content Executive, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group
“I’m thrilled to be cohosting the Jewelers Mutual Group’s first-ever Conversations in Vegas, a one-day mini conference on Thursday [Aug. 26] from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. [location TBD]! This all-day session will include terrific panels as well as fun networking hours.
“I’m very excited to represent our new B2B publication—The Zing Report—alongside our new content editor, Emili Vesilind. Our tagline is ‘Celebrating Our Industry,’ so we’re going to be on the lookout for all kinds of good news!
“Friends, friends, friends. We are blessed to work in a such a warm, friendly, and fun industry, and I cannot wait to see everyone’s smiling faces!”
Top: Las Vegas sign photo by Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau
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