Exhibitors and attendees alike said they were overwhelmingly pleased with the latest improvements implemented by show producer Southern Jewelry Travelers Association (SJTA) during the recent Atlanta Jewelry Show, March 1-3, 2003 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta.

Among the new endeavors that received praise, according to a post show press release, were the expanded “STJA U” educational program, including a key note address by Dr. Michael Solomon, Human Sciences Professor of Consumer Behavior at Auburn University, and a new buyer recognition program, ”Star Stores” for loyal Atlanta Jewelry Show attendees. Continuing its tradition of southern hospitality, SJTA also brought back favorite buyer service programs like the “Tanks on Us” promotion, the “hotter than hot” Caribbean themed Sunday night buyer gala and “Market Day at AmericasMart.”

“The Atlanta Jewelry Show continues to be the show that really works for its exhibitors and retailers,” says Carol Young, executive director, SJTA. “We strive to provide both our members and the jewelry retailers from the Southeast region with a comfortable environment for conducting business. In addition, we are continually working to enhance the show offerings by bringing in top speakers to educate on relevant topics, enhancing premium incentives for attending retailers and providing more on-site resources for both retailers and vendors. The response has been tremendous.”

Exhibitors said they were pleased with the overall spirit of buyers and the continued efforts of the show’s producers.

“There’s an incredible energy at this show that’s not typical at all trade shows. People are really happy to be here,” said attendee Terry Chandler, Diamond Council of America. “I haven’t seen this kind of energy at a jewelry show in a long time.”

“We’ve experienced a good show and had a lot activity with both new buyers and repeats,” said Paul Dangler, Dangler Studios. “This is a really comfortable show.” His wife Mary Lou Dangler commented, “This facility is wonderful. There’s a nice ambience.”

Attending retailers were also pleased with the upbeat mood of the show, as well as the new initiatives, extensive product selection and friendly staff. Highlights included:

“SJTA U” – This year’s “SJTA U” educational program provided more learning opportunities for retailers than ever before, including the keynote address by Dr. Michael Solomon, Human Sciences Professor, Consumer Behavior at Auburn University, and a Managing Director of Mind/Share, Inc., a marketing consulting firm. Entitled “Why They Buy: Consumer Trends, Behavior and the Marketing Mix,” this program, as well as several other business building seminars, experienced record attendance numbers.

“Tanks on Us”- The “Tanks on Us” program continues to be popular with the show’s drive-in attendees. As part of the program, all retailers who pre-registered for the show were provided with a coupon that they exchanged for a free gas card when they received their show credentials at the show. Promoted in all the pre-show marketing collateral, the program resulted in a 12 percent increase in show pre-registration over last year.

Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, the Southern Jewelry Travelers Association is the official sponsor and producer of the Atlanta Jewelry Show. The next Atlanta Jewelry Show is scheduled for August 2-4, 2003. For more information, write to SJTA at 4 Executive Park Drive, Suite 1202, Atlanta, GA 30329, call 800.241.0399 or 404.634.3434 or e-mail: info@atlantajewelryshow.com or visit. www.atlantajewelryshow.com

JCK