The Jewelry Symposium 2026 Offers New App, Workforce Roundtable

By Karen Dybis | February 09, 2026

The Jewelry Symposium (TJS), an event dedicated to the advancement of jewelry manufacturing technology, returns this May with a new app for attendees, the second edition of its workforce roundtable, and newly available virtual attendance at the roundtable.

Registration is now open for TJS, scheduled to take place May 16 to May 19 in Metro Detroit. Its roster of seminars has never been more relevant, says TJS chairman of the board Linus Drogs.

Industry experts will speak on such topics as AI in jewelry design, the evolution of diamond grading, metallurgy, additive manufacturing, responsible sourcing, and process automation. “The takeaway value for attendees is just immense,” Drogs tells JCK.

Those going to TJS can use the new app, available on Apple and Android, to register, check in, view the agenda, receive live updates during the event, download documents, share contacts, and participate in community chats.

“I’m excited about the new TJS app,” Drogs says. “Initially, it will create a smoother, more connected experience for symposium attendees, but longer-term we’re looking at how it can serve the industry as a connection point year-round.”

The inaugural workforce roundtable was among the most popular activities of last year’s symposium, Drogs says. For this year’s roundtable, titled “Rebuilding the Workforce,” TJS will offer virtual participation to those who cannot attend in person. A variety of global industry professionals will speak about successful strategies for attracting, training, and retaining qualified staff.

Drogs explains why TJS created the roundtable: “Early last year, we kept hearing industry peers vent about troubles with sourcing and retaining skilled employees, about attrition and a shrinking workforce. We wanted to look deeper, to see if it’s a broader trend. Is this a threat to the long-term health of the industry? So we hosted an open-invitation roundtable at TJS 2025.

“It was so well attended, the room was crammed,” he continues. “People had a lot to say. We came away understanding the industry needs to help itself in finding solutions.

“So this year we’re inviting the industry to take the next step by coming together to seek solutions. Participants are invited to share any strategies that have bolstered or stabilized their workforce,” says Drogs.

The roundtable, co-sponsored by MJSA (Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America) and Jewelers of America, will kick off TJS on Saturday, May 16, and will be followed by the annual welcome networking dinner. Early-bird registration for the symposium ends March 31.