The Hilton Hotel in New York City will host the second annual JCK Invitational from Sunday through Tuesday with educational programs, special events, and a chance to win prizes.

On Sunday at 11:30 a.m. in the Mercury Ballroom, prior to the opening keynote presentation, JCK will announce the winners of the ninth annual JCK Jewelry Industry Fund. The Fund was established to enhance the image of the jewelry industry and to foster development and research of programs that would benefit the industry. Since it’s inception in 1998, The JCK Industry Fund has contributed $3.2 million to the betterment of the overall industry. Following the announcement, retail business leader Jack Mitchell will present “Hug Your Customers,” sharing his business philosophy, which is based on “hugs,” personal touches, that impress and satisfy customers. 

On Monday, The show will host the fourth annual Rapaport International Diamond Conference, which will focus on the most important issues confronting the diamond industry including: “Blood Diamonds,” social
responsibility, and Fair Trade Diamonds & Jewelry. Registration is $495 for the Rapaport Conference and all profits will be donated to charity. In addition, Jewelry.com will host A Night of Duos & Duets, an invitation-only party being held at the New York Public Library’s Beaux Arts Building on 42nd Street to launch the new duo two-stone diamond collection.

On Tuesday at 8:30 am, Shane Decker, a diamond and jewelry sales trainer and consultant, will address the ongoing Internet issue with his session “The State of the Jewelry Industry vs. The Internet.” At noon, John Kennedy, president of the Jewelers Security Alliance, will moderate a security panel during a special luncheon that will cover the latest security devices, tips on how to secure the premises, and best practices of security services and devices from independent and major retail chains. 

Also on Sunday, a warmup to Super Bowl XLI will be held on the exhibit floor from 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. During the game, The Plumb Club will host an invitation-only Super Bowl Party at Ted’s Montana Grill in New York City.

Each day of the event, attendees can participate in the Invitational Passport Program at America’s Hall II and have the chance to win a $500 American Express gift card. 

Top jewelry retailers have registered to attend the event: including Aucoin Hart Jewelers, Bealls Department Stores, Borsheim’s, Costco, Finlay Fine Jewelry Corp., JC Penney, Jewels by Viggi, Kings Jewelry, Kmart, Maurice Badler, Mitchells, Pageo, Reeds, Richards, Ross Stores, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sterling Jewelers, TJ Maxx, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Boscov’s Department Stores, and Winner’s Merchants. 

The JCK Invitational will be held Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Monday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; and Tuesday, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. For registration and exhibit information, visit www.jckgroup.com; or call 1-800-257-3626.

JCK