It was a hectic end-of-summer here at JCK. We’ve been busy expanding our staff, strategizing and budgeting for next year, and, as always, enjoying a healthy dose of travel!The travel highlight of the month was my trip to Panama City for JCK’s second annual LUXURY Privé Panama, once again held at the beautiful Westin Playa Bonita Resort just north of the city.Privé Panama provides exhibitors with unique access to some of Central and South America’s best retailers. The show began with a speed-dating–style session, where exhibitor and retailer attendees met face to face, without ­jewelry, to get to know each other a bit better before the show started. I think it’s a terrific idea and one I’d love to see more of at smaller, relaxed shows. JCK Events’ Lars Parker-Myers, American Gem Society’s Ash Shah, Victoria Gomelsky, and I enjoyed drinks in Panama City’s Casco Vi