Michigan Jewelry Show opens March 1 in Novi New educational seminars, the region's finest display
of jewelry merchandise, a nationally recognized design competition, social
events for networking with fellow jewelers - it's all part of this
year's Michigan Jewelry Show.
Sponsored by the Michigan Jewelers Association (MJA),
a division of MRA, the Michigan Jewelry Show continues its 95-year tradition
of bringing quality education and merchandise to Michigan jewelers. MJA is joining with the Gemological Institute of America
to offer a brand-new GIA course on Friday: a three-part Advanced Gemology
seminar on rubies, emeralds and sapphires. Another new feature is a Sunday seminar series designed
especially for jewelry store sales staff. Tom Shay, of Profits+Plus Seminars,
will present this two-part seminar on analyzing your competition and your
customers and maximizing advertising dollars. Saturday seminar topics include jewelry appraisals, diamond
sales, employee retention and customer loyalty. "The educational seminars are a key part of MJA's
mission," said MJA President Kevin Kiska, of Kiska Jewelers in Grosse
Pointe Farms. "One of our priorities is to enrich members' business
skills and promote professionalism in the retail jewelry industry." Kiska said the seminar schedule this year is designed
to meet the needs of both managers and sales staff. "The Saturday seminars focus on management issues
and finish early enough to give buyers plenty of time to shop the trade
show," he said. "The Sunday seminars are geared toward sales
personnel, leaving managers free to complete their buying." For the second year, jewelers and their staff can complete
testing for Jewelers of America® Management Professional Certification™
and Sales Professional Certification™. Tests for both the first and
second levels will be offered during the weekend. The trade show, open on Saturday and Sunday, will showcase
merchandise, supplies and services from more than 75 top-notch jewelry
vendors. The trade show and Saturday seminars are free to MJA members. Entries in MJA's 13th Annual Jewelry Design Competition
will be on display during the show. Winners of the competition will be
announced at the Sunday morning Jewelers Breakfast. The breakfast will
also feature keynote speaker Shane Decker, of The Shane Decker Diamond
Company, Inc., and a presentation from Jewelers of America on a new initiative
to attract talented individuals to careers in the jewelry profession. Michigan Jewelry Show attendees will also have time for
entertainment and relaxation. "Who Wants To Be a Diamondaire?"
a fun-filled competition with questions on diamonds and gemstones, will
return Friday night due to its popularity with show participants last
year. A dinner reception on Saturday night will feature a panel discussion
on "Hot Diamond Topics." "The Michigan Jewelry Show is a don't-miss event
for Michigan jewelers," said Kelly Hayes, MRA's manager of education
and events. "It's an ideal opportunity for networking and professional
development as well as buying." To register for the Michigan Jewelry Show or to receive additional information about the show and design competition, please contact MRA's Kammy Johns at 800.366.3699 or kjohns@retailers.com. |
The
Michigan Jewelry Show will be held at the Hilton Novi the weekend of March
1–3. After several years as the Greater Great Lakes Jewelry Exposition,
the annual trade show is returning to its former name.