A series of new attractions have been added to the JCK ~ Orlando show, slated for February 2-4 at the Orange County Convention Center. The improvements range from a better segmented Show floor to education that focuses on making jewelry retail businesses more profitable, to addressing the social and comfort needs of Show participants, show organizers said.

A key improvement is that the JCK Orlando show dates do not coincide with any other industry shows this year, and the event will feature approximately 700 high-caliber exhibitors. The event delivers a wide-ranging audience that includes international companies, independent jewelers from the southeastern United States, and major national retailers looking to make volume buys.

The next addition is the new StyleMaker Pavilion, a brand-new showcase of trend-forward jewelry manufacturing companies. “This new area was conceived as a style-centric pavilion of dynamic jewelry makers who serve the needs of trend-conscious customers,” says Cindy Edelstein, president of Jeweler’s Resource Bureau, a JCK Show consultant and innovator of the pavilion.

Eleven new sessions enhance one of the most comprehensive educational programs in the industry. Complimentary to attendees, the educational program is divided into three separate tracks, each focusing on a different critical segment of the jewelry industry: Retail, Business, and Diamonds. Two special extended sessions—The Cup Theory: Identifying and Managing ‘Drivers’ of Profitability, presented by Steve Hegg, Business Resource Services, in the Business track, and The Rapaport Breakfast: Status of the Industry, presented by Martin Rapaport, of the Rapaport Report, and part of the Diamonds track—are aimed at increasing profitability and will take place on Monday, February 3. Badges are required for admittance and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. For a complete schedule of the education program and descriptions of individual session content, click here.

As an adjunct to the education sessions, the Diamond Promotion Service (DPS) is hosting a breakfast event titled “How to Make a Statement in Your Diamond Business,” featuring Diane Warga-Arias and powered by the Diamond Trading Company consumer research, the advertising expertise of J. Walter Thompson and the marketing insights of the DPS. This will take place on Sunday, February 2 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m.

A new café and lounge, called the Center of Style, will be placed in a central location on the Show floor. “Our new Center of Style is intended to be a convenient spot for attendees and exhibitors to relax, network, and pick up a bite to eat,” says Dave Bonaparte, vice president of the JCK Shows.

Finally, two new complimentary evening networking events are scheduled in the Center of Style Lounge. Having these two networking events right on the show floor makes them more accessible to everyone, says Bonaparte. A Wine and Cheese Welcome Reception will take place on Sunday, February 2, from 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., while on Monday, February 3, an elegant champagne & strawberries industry social will be held from 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Soft drinks will also be available at both events.

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