(NEW YORK) – Jewelers of America (JA) has announced that the 19th annual GEM Awards and the third annual Jewelers of America National Convention will be held virtually in 2021. GEM Awards, an awards gala that honors individuals and brands whose work raises the visibility and status of fine jewelry and watches, will take place virtually on July 15, 2021. The JA Virtual National Convention, an education-focused executive forum open to JA members and their staff, will take place on July 19 and 20, 2021.
“We have been carefully evaluating COVID-19 and while it was not an easy decision, our Board and committees have decided that hosting the National Convention and GEM Awards virtually is in the best interest of our attendees and staff,” says David J. Bonaparte, JA President & CEO. “We are hard at work producing two incredible virtual events that the entire industry will now have front row seats for. We hope you will all join us, from the comfort of your homes and businesses, to celebrate, network and learn.”
The 19th annual GEM Awards will celebrate the achievements of honorees in several categories. GEM Awards will return in person for the 20th annual GEM Awards on January 14, 2022 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
The Jewelers of America Virtual National Convention will feature high energy keynotes, information-rich breakout presentations, interactive networking opportunities and more. The success of the 2020 Virtual National Convention has provided a launch pad for JA to create a user-friendly, engaging National Convention that will bring members “together” from across the country, without having to take extra time out of the office to travel.
GEM Awards and the Jewelers of America Virtual National Convention will be free to attend. For the National Convention, all attendees must be employed by an active member of Jewelers of America. Non-members can take advantage of limited time membership offers to gain access to the Virtual National Convention.
“We were looking forward to seeing everyone dressed up in their finest jewels and celebrating together. While that is not possible this summer, the virtual GEM Awards will be calling for everyone to get dressed up, grab a cocktail, and get immersed in the celebration,” says Amanda Gizzi, Director of PR and Events. “The National Convention will be the culmination of our celebrations for our 115th anniversary so guests will be encouraged to register early to be part of the celebrations.”
To learn more about the GEM Awards, visit www.jewelers.org/gemawards and the Jewelers of America Virtual National Convention at www.jewelers.org/convention.
