(NEWTON, Iowa) – Retail Jewelers Organization (RJO) is excited to announce the return of the Next Generation Experience. The biennial event will be held September 11-13, 2021. Registration is happening now for this weekend-long Next Gen Experience taking place at the Hyatt Lodge McDonald’s Campus in Oak Brook, Illinois. This event was specifically designed for the next generation of jewelry industry professionals and will provide opportunities for networking, building connections and exchanging ideas among industry peers.
“We are thrilled to be bringing back this special event to the RJO community. After several postponements due to the events of 2020, we have revamped our curriculum to provide strategies to analyze your business, the importance of community involvement, understanding your financial statements, communicating effectively and so much more,” said RJO CEO Sarah Streb.
“The next gen community is shifting and the goal of the experience is to provide impactful lessons for all attendees. It is not only for the face of traditional multi-generational succession, but also for individuals involved in non-family transfers, as well as a way for store owners to invest in the fresh, promising faces they employ. One of the greatest benefits of this weekend is connecting with like-minded peers; building friendships that provide an invaluable network for those facing the same successes and challenges.”
RJO Education Coordinator Sabrina Smead echoes Streb: “Our personal and professional development opportunities have been carefully crafted to include relevant and applicable information to all our attendees. We are bringing speakers like Kate Peterson from Performance Concepts, Sam Centellas from Outsight Design and Consulting, and Joe McGarragher, tax partner at RSM US LLP. These top-notch speakers will present a variety of educational sessions, panel discussions and facilitated idea exchanges ensuring the perfect blend of learning opportunities.”
“This event would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors: Chic Pistachio, Federated Insurance, Gems by Pancis, Ostbye, RDI Diamonds, Quality Gold and Performance Concepts,” says Streb. “Their commitment to the development of quality educational opportunities is so important for the long-term success of the industry.”
“The next generation of jewelry professionals are so important to the strength of our organization and the industry as a whole. We are proud to hold an event that celebrates our bright future,” added Smead.
Registration for the RJO Next Gen Experience closes Friday, August 13th. For more information on registering, contact Sabrina Smead at 800-247-1774 or sabrina@rjomembers.com.
