Welcome to On the Road! This edition features a tiny fraction of the photos I took—and friends I saw—during seven amazing days of the Luxury, Couture and JCK shows!! Congrats to Sarin Bachmann of Reed Exhibitions (LUXURY and JCK Las Vegas) and Gannon Brousseau of Emerald (The Couture Show) on successfully holding amazing shows during these extraordinary times.
The week illustrated that while the trade show business may be challenged by the pandemic, the jewelry industry is thriving! Multiple brands confided to me that they saw their single best days ever this week, as the lack of disposable income options (travel, etc.) continue to be on hold.
For me, the week illustrated that there is simply no true virtual alternative for an in-person trade show. I was a part of formal meetings while there, and of course jewelry sales transactions were in full force—but it’s really the casual bump-ins in the hallways, the catch-ups in the Starbucks line, and the quick drinks with old friends that make the week. And despite lower-than-usual attendance, face masks, and everything else, those kinds of connections were in full force.
For everyone I had the chance to see, it was lovely seeing you! And for everyone else, I hope to see you soon!
With Emili Vesilind, senior content editor at Jewelers Mutual Group (and The Zing Report!)
With jewelry designer Debra Navarro, founder of Debra Navarro Jewelry
Dinner at Carson Kitchen with (from left) JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky; Mark; Rebecca Foerster, president of Alrosa North America; Ashley Brown, director of business development of John Atencio; Randi Gewertz, advertising sales director for JCK magazine; Greenland Ruby CCO Hayley Henning and her husband Eric Jens, CEO at LuxuryFinTech.com
With Linda Garrido of Coby Madison Jewelers (left) and Jenny O. of Huntington Jewelers
With Susan Klemt, vice president of Artistry Ltd. (left) and Matthijs Braakman, CEO of SmartWork Media
With Frank Proctor, president and CEO of Luxury Brand Group, and industry consultant Duvall O’Steen
Toasting with Gem & Jewel founder Shelia Bayes and friends poolside at the Wynn Las Vegas
With Elizabeth Ross Brewer, president of ERB Communications
With Hayley Henning at the Greenland Ruby booth
With Tamara Goldfiner of Rahaminov Diamonds and Sean Moore, director of sales at Borsheim Jewelers
With Bill, Sharri, and Wyatt Jones of Sissy’s Log Cabin
Rockin’ my mask at the Couture Show
With Priscilla Hueb and Thiago Hueb of Hueb New York
With Denise and Michael Richards of Underwood Jewelers (based in Jacksonville, Florida)
