MJSA Expo, the longest-running trade show dedicated to professional jewelry making and design, has announced a hybrid educational program for its 2022 show, which will run March 20-22 at the Javits Center in New York City (concurrently with JA New York).
The program will include the launch of MJSA Journal LIVE, a series of in-person seminars based on the technical and business expertise found in the magazine published monthly by Expo’s presenter, Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA).
There will also be a new series of online exchanges, Live from Expo, in which several of the industry’s leading thinkers will discuss current industry issues and trends. Those conversations – hosted by Andrea Hill, president of the StrategyWerx consulting firm and coordinator of MJSA’s webinars/seminars – will be livestreamed on all of MJSA’s social media channels, expanding their reach.
The full schedule of seminars, which will run March 20 and 21, is presented below. For updates about MJSA Expo, visit MJSAExpo.org or call 800-444-MJSA (6572).
Sunday, March 20
MJSA Journal LIVE
11 a.m. – Noon
Hire Logic: An Idea Generator for Finding, Choosing, and Retaining Workers
Finding needed workers remains one of the biggest challenges facing the jewelry industry today. This session will bring onstage leaders in hiring, career development, and human resource management – and then invite audience members onstage to join the conversation and share their own experiences. The result: a crucible of dynamic ideas to fill the holes in your workforce and bring new energy to your business. Moderator: Andrea Hill, president, StrategyWerx. Panelists: Matthew Anderson, director of manufacturing, Rio Grande; Kate Peterson, president/CEO, Performance Concepts; Adrianne Sanogo, GIA Graduate Gemologist and education chair, Black in Jewelry Coalition.
1 – 2 p.m.
Industry Snapshot: Where We Are and What’s Ahead
During the pandemic, consumers indulged their love for jewelry and sales skyrocketed. But jewelry manufacturers and designers still face a host of challenges – inflation, the growth of imports, the comeback of travel and services to lure discretionary dollars – as well as opportunities (especially online). Harold Dupuy will break down the statistics and use them to lay out a roadmap for what awaits. Presenter: Harold Dupuy, FGA, vice president of strategic analysis, Stuller Inc.
3-4 p.m.
Behind the Design: Getting Inspired When Your Muse Is Tired
Every designer has been there: a deadline looms, the clock is ticking, and your creativity is… well, it just isn’t. The good news is there are ways to revitalize those creative juices, whether you’re looking find your next blockbuster design or solve a thorny technical challenge. A panel of top designers will share their encounters with creative block and describe how they overcame it. Moderator: Andrea Hill, president, StrategyWerx. Panelists: Whitney Boin, owner, Whitney Boin Studio; Adel Chefridi, owner, Adel Chefridi Studio & Gallery; Suzy Landa, owner, Suzy Landa New York; David Wegweiser, owner, David Alan Jewelry; Katrin Zimmerman, designer and founder, Ex Ovo, and professor, Pratt Institute. Sponsored by the American Jewelry Design Council.
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Time to Recharge: 60 Ideas in 60 Minutes
In this whirlwind round robin, business leaders and technical experts from throughout the jewelry industry will offer their best ideas (in a minute or less) for finding success in today’s market. Moderator: Rich Youmans, publisher, MJSA Journal. Panelists: Ann Arnold, chief strategy officer, Buyer’s Intelligence Group (BIG); Michael Binnion, casting process development & new technology manager, Tiffany & Co.; Ann Cahoon, jewelry department head, North Bennet Street School; David Cochran, president/CEO, MJSA; Andrea Hill, president, StrategyWerx; Lee Krombholz, president, Krombholz Jewelers; Christina Miller, founder, Christina T. Miller Sustainable Jewelry Consulting; Kate Peterson, president/CEO, Performance Concepts.
Monday, March 21
Live from Expo
11 a.m. – Noon
Mark Hanna on a Responsible Industry
Mark Hanna, chief marketing officer with the New York City–based Richline Group, is a leading advocate for responsible practices throughout the jewelry industry. He’s collaborated with the U.S. Wildlife Council, Pure Earth, and Responsible Artisanal Gold Forum, among other groups, and in 2018 the CMO Club named him CMO of the Year: Corporate Social Responsibility. He’ll discuss the latest responsible initiatives engaging the industry and what more needs to be done.
2 – 3 p.m.
Amy Elliott on Forecasting Consumer Trends
Jewelry expert for the Bridal Council and author of the JCK blog All That Glitters, Amy Elliott has her finger on what excites consumers. Learn about the jewelry choices they’re making now, the qualities they’re looking for in both what they buy and the companies they buy from, and the cultural influences leading them toward what’s next.
4 – 5 p.m.
Teresa Fryé on the Latest Research into Platinum and Gold Wear Resistance
It’s said that platinum jewelry items tend to outlast their gold counterparts. Teresa Fryé, owner of TechForm Advanced Casting in Portland, Oregon, put that maxim to the test, conducting research into the durability of each metal. In this session, she’ll explain her results.
