I am typing this after a much-needed break from an intense three days of industry events surrounding the annual gala of the 24 Karat Club of the City of New York.
Thursday night kicked off with The JCK Show Advisory Board dinner. Friday was the board meeting, and among the topics discussed for 2007, 2008, and 2009, I was most excited to see the unveiling of the show’s new ad campaign. A true celebration of the JCK brand, it highlights both the show and the magazine with the tagline “Every month, we write the book. Every year, we dazzle the world.” We’re thrilled that The JCK Show group is as eager to promote the shared strength of our JCK brand as we are.
Friday began with the annual Jewelers Vigilance Committee luncheon. JVC executive director and general counsel Cecilia Gardner is one of the most passionate and tireless people in the industry. Her accomplishments are peerless, and her good work benefits us all.
Friday night was the Jewelry Information Center annual Gem Awards gala, which gathers people from consumer magazines, trade magazines, and many of the industry’s leading manufacturers and retailers, in tribute to several outstanding individuals. This year’s honorees were Jack Heuer from TagHeuer, the Kwiat family of diamantaires, and freelance journalist Jill Newman. Helena Krodel, JIC’s media manager, was recognized for her help in the media business, and we couldn’t agree more.
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance luncheon gave me an appreciation for the efforts of John Kennedy, JSA’s president. He’s amazingly dedicated and hard working.
Saturday night was the annual 24 Karat Club dinner, a great night! The cocktail parties were hopping, the dinner was great, and the entertainment rocked! Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons took everyone for a hand-clapping, toe-tapping ride. The band’s energy and great tunes had everyone saying “the best in years.” And the midnight dance bash was back after a five-year hiatus. The packed room proved it was greatly missed!
This weekend surely showed the industry at its best: dedicated, energetic, resourceful, charitable, and in complete possession of the ability to party!