(ATLANTA) – A fresh new look for a sold-out show floor came together with busy aisles, a host of new initiatives, show events, and reports of quality traffic from exhibitors to create an upbeat atmosphere for the August 6-8, 2011 Atlanta Jewelry Show at the Cobb Galleria Centre.
|
“We focused our efforts on creating a welcoming environment for our exhibitors and attendees. And based on the feedback we’ve received, the August Show delivered,” said Carol Young, executive director, Southern Jewelry Travelers Association (SJTA), producers of the semi-annual Atlanta Jewelry Show. “The Atlanta Jewelry Show has always had a reputation for its Southern hospitality and we really stepped that up this August with an expanded selection, new floor layout, more convenient show hours, an exceptional educational program and a number of other programs and events – all designed to create an environment that was conducive to doing business – while mixing in some fun, personal and business growth opportunities too,” added Young. Offering a one-stop resource for retailers, the sold-out August Show brought together more than 350 companies showcasing top name brands and up-and-coming companies representing virtually every product category, including antique jewelry, bridal, designer, diamond, pearl, platinum, gold and sterling jewelry, charms, earrings, loose diamonds and gemstones, watches, tools and much more. To better showcase the expanded selection, SJTA unveiled a new layout for key areas on the show floor, including the Point of View Designer Gallery, Club Elite VIP Buyers Lounge, the new Market Place, a special area where buyers could relax and network during the show, and the new Promenade section. Many attendees commented on the sold-out show floor and appreciated the ease of shopping the new layout. As an added bonus, SJTA also opened the show a half hour earlier on Sunday and Monday for buying convenience. “The floor changes have been great and we’ve enjoyed exploring the expanded selection,” said Bruce Hutchins, Ellington Jewelers, Kernersville, NC. “The Atlanta Jewelry Show has delivered a high caliber of buyers who appreciate our unique designs,” said Angelique Knafo, Angelique de Paris. “I’m delighted with the sales and contacts this show has generated.” As part of the floor redesign, SJTA also encouraged exhibitors to maximize their merchandising efforts by competing for the Best Booth Award. This year’s winner, Rue Louis Collection, took home top honors for their mix of lighting, space planning and innovative display techniques. SJTA complemented the show’s new layout with the return of many popular buyer services, including complimentary breakfast served each morning – featuring the popular “New Exhibitor Meet & Greet” sessions on Sunday – the popular SJTA ShowPlace product preview area, SJTA Rewards program, and Club Elite benefits for VIP buyers. The show also implemented new hours to allow for more time to shop, and supported Jewelers For Children with a special fundraising effort, Grams For Life, that encouraged show attendees to bring and donate a gram of gold as they arrived at the show. After the show, co-sponsor United Precious Metal Refining, Inc. will present the value of the donated gold on behalf of the Atlanta Jewelry Show to Jewelers For Children. In addition, a charitable donation receipt for the value of the donations will be mailed to participants after the show. “Buyers were very receptive during the New Exhibitor Meet & Greet and many of them came to our booth after hearing us speak. It’s a very effective networking event,” commented Gena Alulis, CliQ Jewelry. A full-scale educational program also drew retailers looking for a mix of business building ideas and hands-on, interactive classes. Among the most popular programs included the Keynote Address, “No Condition Is Permanent” hosted by Rene Godefroy, Village Hero, Inc; interactive seminars on glass-filled rubies hosted by Antoinette Matlins, PG, Antoinette Matlins, LLC and Craig Lynch, GG, AGA, Professional Gemologist and Appraiser; merchandising tips from Bruce Baker, Bruce Baker, Inc. and social media workshops led by Lynn Switanowski-Barrett, President and Founder of Creative Business Consulting Group. |
Show attendees hit the dance floor at the Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Winter Wonderland Gala.
Throngs of retailers anxiously await the opening of the buying floor at the August Atlanta Jewelry Show.
New exhibitor John Ternus (r) with Lavish Jewelry Cleaner works with the Blankenship family from Prestige Gold & Diamonds in Columbia, KY. Ternus said he’d be coming back to Atlanta for sure after opening 25 new accounts.
Good times at the Winter Wonderland Gala. (l-r) Rick and Paula Norris of Rick’s Jewelers in California, MD, with Paul Machiels and Doug Eavenson of Charms Plus. |
|
“The seminars during this year’s educational series have been phenomenal. We’ve really enjoyed the mix of gemological, hands-on sessions and business-based seminars,” said Chuck Stoddard, Diamond Appraisal by Stoddard, West Palm Beach, FL. On Sunday evening, August 7, retailers and exhibitors got into the holiday mood as they entered the Renaissance Waverly Hotel for the Winter Wonderland Gala. With white décor enveloping the ballroom and the band rocking winter melodies, attendees were able to chill out and catch up with industry friends while enjoying food and drinks. The next Atlanta Jewelry Show will be held February 25-27, 2012. Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, the Southern Jewelry Travelers Association is the nation’s oldest association for independent jewelry representatives and the official sponsor and producer of the Atlanta Jewelry Show. For more information call 800-241-0399 or 404-634-3434, e-mail info@atlantajewelryshow.com or visit www.atlantajewelryshow.com. |
|
