JSA Offers Safety Tips for Vegas Week

By Karen Dybis | May 27, 2026

As much as we all enjoy the community, socializing, and business of Las Vegas Jewelry Week, you still need to remain aware of who is around you and take precautions to protect yourself and your product, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance (JSA) advises attendees as Jewelry Week gets underway.

Scott Guginsky, who is executive vice president of JSA (and a retired New York Police Department sergeant), tells JCK that some organized transnational theft groups target the industry during Jewelry Week in Las Vegas, and that JSA has been working closely with local law enforcement to help ensure all showgoers have a safe and successful week.

There are also things that individual attendees can do to safeguard their business in Vegas. “Over the years, some jewelers have made the mistake of carrying their own jewelry lines instead of shipping them securely,” says Guginsky. “We have also seen jewelers attend shows without proper insurance coverage.”

JSA is additionally concerned about jewelers wearing expensive personal jewelry while socializing in Las Vegas. Guginsky recommends avoiding overly flashy jewelry, and in general staying attentive to your surroundings.

Below, JSA’s safety tips to consider if you’re attending the JCK, Luxury, and/or Couture shows in Las Vegas this week.

Document your inventory. Make a list of all jewelry you are taking to exhibit, complete with grading information, serial number, and photo for each piece. In the event of a loss, it is essential to provide these details to law enforcement and your insurance company in a timely manner.

Use an armored courier service. Ship your goods to and from the show by armored courier, and be sure to account for all shipments received. Confirm end-of-show shipping arrangements several days before the show closes.

Review your insurance. Verify with your insurance company that you have adequate coverage when shipping, traveling with, or exhibiting jewelry at trade shows.

Use GPS technology. Put GPS trackers or similar devices, such as Apple AirTags, on personal luggage as well as any bags and containers used for your show booth. These devices allow you to track your property on your phone.

Pay attention to your bags. JSA has assisted law enforcement on several cases where an industry member’s bags of jewelry were switched with similar-looking bags by thieves. They might also target other valuables, such as laptops, so always be aware when moving bags from place to place (including the parking lot).

Don’t transport jewelry yourself. You should not carry goods into the show from your vehicle. Also, never leave jewelry unattended in a vehicle (most insurance policies would not cover such a loss).

Safeguard your goods when not on exhibit. Put your merchandise in vaults at the show site immediately upon arrival, and always keep it there outside of exhibit hours. Do not bring your goods to your hotel or AirBnB. Never leave merchandise or any valuables unattended in the booth before, during, or after show hours. Take special care with your goods during show setup and breakdown, which are particularly vulnerable times.

Safeguard your goods when the show floor is open. Stay in control of all merchandise in your booth at all times, even when buyer traffic is heavy. Unlock showcases only to remove or return items. If you do not have enough personnel to manage the goods at your booth, consider hiring a private security officer for the duration of the show. Never leave bags unattended underneath tables.

Do not host events in your hotel room. “Private” shows in hotel rooms present a serious security risk to the hosts, their customers, and other hotel guests. If you experience a theft at such an event, your loss may not be covered under your insurance policy without preapproval. Some insurance providers require private security for these types of showings.

Refrain from conducting business in parking areas. Organized theft groups do surveillance in parking garages and lots, and JSA says jewelers have been targeted and robbed there. No business transactions should take place in a parking lot or garage.

Be discreet. Don’t identify yourself as a jeweler or a jewelry show attendee while in hotel lobbies, restaurants, taxis, buses, and other public places. Be careful if discussing jewelry business away from the show. Do not wear your show badge outside of show areas, and do not carelessly discard your badge in the trash upon departure (someone could find it and use it); shows typically provide secure recycle bins for badges.

Stay observant in crowds. Trade show attendees have lost jewelry to “distraction thefts” in Vegas casinos, bars, and restaurants, reports JSA. Thieves are monitoring those after-hours locations, looking for unattended pocketbooks and bags and for people wearing high-end watches and jewelry. Always exercise discretion with any jewelry or watch you wear.

Secure your hotel room. Be sure to close your hotel room door properly every time. Consider putting the “do not disturb” sign on the door whether you’re in the room or not. Leave the television on when you go out, to deter burglars. Lock the hotel room safe, even if you aren’t keeping anything in it.

If you see something, say something. At the show itself, all attendees are required to display event credentials around their necks. If you notice someone not wearing a badge, bring it to the attention of show personnel. Report any suspicious activities or behaviors observed while at the show.

For questions or to report security concerns, contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org.

(Photo courtesy of Jewelers’ Security Alliance)