The Atlanta Jewelry Show (AJS), produced by Southern Jewelry Travelers Association (SJTA) returned to the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, bringing industry professionals together once again for its Spring edition, the SoHo Experience by AJS.
AJS and its attendees continued to demonstrate a strong desire to conduct business and at the same time pay close attention to health and safety precautions. As the only industry event that did not cancel its events during the past two years, in many respects, AJS exceeded expectations.
“With our expanded floor plan, more than 225 attending exhibitors, and enthusiastic buyers here to make new and meaningful connections, we couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome of the SoHo Experience,” said Libby Brown, Atlanta Jewelry Show Executive Director. “This is a very tactile business, and it means so much to buyers to be able to see and handle merchandise in person. To our SoHo Pros, exhibitors, buyers, and everyone associated with making the show a success, we extend our sincerest appreciation.”
Education
Squeeze the Day with the SoHo Pros was a full day of invigorating panel discussions and programming for jewelers exploring tools, trends, and advice to thrive in jewelry industry. Featuring experts from Diamond Council of America, Technology Therapy Group, ClearSale and Picup Media plus independent retailer panels, attendees had the unique opportunity to learn from their peers how the past 2 years have impacted their business, and what they implemented to “make lemonade out of lemons.” Popular topics covered included e-commerce, Facebook LIVE selling, in-store special events, digital marketing, and customer experience, all of which were very well-received by the energetic audience.
AJS Education Director, Cindy Chandler, stated: “Along with all the fun lemon goodies and SoHo Pro swag that attendees took home, they also learned invaluable lessons on how to take unfortunate circumstances and shift practices to continue to be successful, even prosper and shine. I am so proud of my team, and thankful for our SoHo Pros, who so graciously shared their expertise, as well as the attendees who are clearly dedicated to keeping their stores at the top of their game!”
Melissa Bright, A & M Jewelry, shared, “I learned so much, the take-away was amazing! It’s so much more than buying jewelry, it’s an experience and an education in itself.”
Trade Show
With an emphasis on Southern Hospitality, AJS featured an extensive range of trending styles, new products, and classic designs, plus technology and services including refining, marketing, and insurance. Attendees were optimistic for another year of strong sales, and with good reason given record-breaking jewelry sales nationwide.
With hundreds of buyers in attendance, the result was not only a huge success for buyers who were excited to do business, but also for the exhibiting companies that had the opportunity to write orders, and greatly benefitted by being able to connect in-person.
First time AJS attendees Thomas & Jo Ferguson, Fergusons Fine Jewelry, said: “Our first trip to AJS was a fantastic experience! Not only did we get to meet several of our online jewelry friends in person, but we also made new connections that will be so helpful in expanding the services our storefront has to offer. The vendors and education were great! We are already looking forward to the fall show in August!”
Exhibitor Kimberly Collins, Kimberly Collins Colored Gems, raved, “The Southern Hospitality here is real! I was blown away by the support, the attendance, and the sales. Unbelievable.”
Kids Jewelry Camp
Kids Jewelry Camp returned to a thrilled group of campers and instructors alike. One camper was overheard saying: “My friends would love this camp because there is a lot of designing, crafts and we get to take everything home, and that is awesome. We really get to use our imagination.” Highlights from the two-day session included enameling, metalworking, jewelry design and more. Plans are already in the works for the Fall session of Kids Jewelry Camp, August 27-28. Visit atlantajewelryshow.com/ajs-connected/kids-jewelry-camp/ for details.
Co-located Meetings
Industry groups GIA Alumni and AGS Southeastern Guild held successful and well-attended meetings in conjunction with the Spring edition of AJS.
Registration opens soon for the Atlanta Jewelry Fall Show, August 27-28, 2022. For more information visit atlantajewelryshow.com.
