Expand and deliver: JCK’s customer value is growing

This month’s LUXURY and JIS shows in Miami, opening Oct. 14 and Oct. 15, respectively, are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to jewelry events. Reed Jewelry Group senior vice president Yancy Weinrich gives us the lowdown on JCK’s coming attractions. —Victoria Gomelsky

JCK: What can we expect from LUXURY Miami?

Yancy Weinrich: LUXURY is shaping up to be a really great event, with great exhibitors and top retailers coming in from the Caribbean and Latin America. We’re going back to the old days with an intimate and personal vibe: It will have a one-to-one feel, and will give new retailers and exhibitors an opportunity to spend time together in a less frenzied way than in Las Vegas.

JCK: What about the first edition of JIS under the Reed Jewelry Group banner?

YW: We will showcase the most exhibitors in the show’s history, so this will be the largest-ever JIS. Attendance numbers are taking off; we’ve got hundreds of people registering each week.

JCK: What do you attribute that to?

YW: We’ve started to get really involved with the industry in the Florida market, including the local American Gem Society guild chapter and the local Women’s Jewelry Association chapter, and through those boots-on-the-ground efforts we are creating a new awareness of JIS and all it offers. We’ll be forming an advisory board of exhibitors and attendees for both JIS and LUXURY Miami by the start of the shows.

JCK: What’s the JIS Retailer of the Year Award about?

YW: At the show, we’ll honor some of the most impressive retailers representing the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean. They are nominated by exhibitors, and finalists will be selected by a panel of industry experts and presented at the show. Winners will be selected through on-site voting open to all. Don’t forget to cast your ballot!

JCK: Any news about JCK Las Vegas 2016?

YW: We’re really excited about the new layout. The team and I just visited the new convention center while MAGIC was happening in August. It’s a state-of-the-art, fully contiguous layout with ease and convenience, plus new amenities. The new layout of the upper Shorelines level creates an oasis for LUXURY, Prestige, Plumb Club, and Vicenza. It will be a place to relax and see some of your better brands.

JCK: Is JCK Tucson also getting an update?

YW: Yes, it’s going to be a complete designer show now. Designers really love the zen of the property at JW Marriott; it lends itself to networking. It’s an oasis away from the craziness of the gem shows. And a visit to Tucson in February is always a bonus during the winter. Hope to see you there.