Conclave’s educational sessions cover a diverse range of topics that will help you level up your training and increase your professional knowledge. Here are nine sessions of note to add to your Conclave 2022 schedule.
Monday, April 25, 2022
The Critical Importance of Brand Messaging Strategy / 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. CT
Tammy Cohen, TC Brand Consulting
The importance of brand messaging is paramount when building a brand. It has been lost on most people in business and this is because the term “branding” has been muddied and morphed into another realm that revolves around the question, “How much for a logo and website?”
Yet, brand messaging plays the most pivotal role in the branding spectrum and is the key to establishing an effective brand. Even today, in the gem and jewelry space, owners believe that with a logo and a website, they are “branded” and are ready to go forward and have everything they need to be a success. But in reality, by just taking in this narrow view of the “Branding Spectrum,” what they have for the most part is an ineffective brand.
Retail in a Post-COVID World: Lessons Learned / 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. CT
Speaker: Abe Sherman, Buyers Intelligence Group
Panelists: Aaron Ariel, Dialog Solutions, Inc.; Rick Beckett, RJ, Skeie’s Jewelers; Colleen Stansbery, CGA, Ben Bridge Jeweler
In this panel discussion, we would like to explore what lessons were learned by jewelry retailers and the industry as a whole during COVID-19. What changes were implemented to manage and how do they operate their businesses differently now? What changes did they make during COVID-19 that they have decided to maintain even in a post-COVID world?
The onset and duration of COVID-19 revealed some weak points in the supply chain and inefficiencies in the diamond and jewelry retail world. What processes and methodologies have they adapted or abandoned and how can the industry learn from its experience to be healthier? What should we do or not do to learn from this experience?
Expert Insights, Industry Market Outlook, and Business Opportunities to Finish 2022 Strong / 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. CT
Speaker: Erich Jacobs, Jewelers Board of Trade
Panelists: Rob Bates, JCK; John Carter, CGA, Jack Lewis Jewelers; Mark Hanna, Richline Group, Inc.
Join the conversation in an entertaining and educating way. Get the big picture on economics, jewelry industry data, outlook on the future, and next steps. Four jewelry industry experts will lead the discussion: Rob Bates, JCK; John Carter, CGA, Jack Lewis Jewelers; Mark Hanna, Richline Group; and Erich Jacobs, Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT).
Tuesday, April 26, 2022
The Importance of Relationship Building in Selling / 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m. CT
Speaker: Adam Graham, CSA, Joshua J Fine Jewelry
Panelists: Lika Behar, Lika Behar Collection; Mitchell Clark, CG, BC Clark Jewelers; Jane McElvaine, CG, Maxon Fine Jewelry
It is often said that the jewelry business is a relationship business, so it makes sense to have strengthening relationships with clients, influencers, and vendors as a focal point of your business planning and staff training. This panel brings together four AGS members, whose industry success relies heavily on the networks they have developed over time, in what is sure to be an open, interactive, educational session.
What’s Trending in Retail From Social Media to In-Store Activations / 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. CT
Jen Cullen Williams, Jen Cullen Williams Communications
A popular tactic to drive leads, sales, and generate online revenue is affiliate marketing. In this session, learn what affiliate marketing is and why it can help jewelers scale their online businesses. During the presentation, Jen Cullen Williams will share how it works and how jewelers can get started in setting up an affiliate marketing program through various affiliate networks.
What’s Green? A Workshop on Eco-Friendly Advertising / 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. CT
Speaker: Sara Yood, Jewelers Vigilance Committee
Panelists: Jenny Luker, PGI USA Jewelry Inc.; Monica Stephenson, Anza Gems; Tiffany Stevens, Jewelers Vigilance Committee
The Federal Trade Commission regulates “green” or “eco-friendly” advertising for all products through their Green Guides, a document that hits on definitions for claims such as “recycled”, “carbon-neutral”, and more. Slated for revision in 2022, these Guides apply across industries, so it’s important to understand how they work specifically in the context of jewelry. JVC is actively seeking input from the industry on what works and what doesn’t in this context; come talk about sustainability and responsible sourcing in the context of advertising and help inform our work on the revision process!
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Gemstone Security—It’s a Metal Matter / 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. CT
Speaker: Kevin Reilly, Platinum Guild International USA
Panelists: Teresa Frye, Tech Form Advanced Casting Technology; Roland Krainz, Krainz Creations; Alexis Padis, CGA, Padis Jewelry
Gemstone security is vital for protecting those valuable gemstones and that is primarily a metal matter. And when it comes to metals, there’s a critically important combination of elements that are essential in crafting a piece of jewelry that ensures optimal security for diamonds and gemstones. Platinum and gold are the precious metals of choice for most gemstone jewelry, but they have very different properties and characteristics—all of which can impact gemstone security.
Platinum Guild International partnered with FEM, a world-renowned research laboratory in Germany, to test the wear resistance of the most common platinum and white gold jewelry alloys. The results were eye-opening and they’ve helped to draw some important conclusions about how metal can impact the durability and long-term security of gemstone jewelry.
Security for Traveling Salespersons & Carrying Jewelry Outside the Store / 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. CT
Scott Guginsky, Jewelers’ Security Alliance
This session will review the current methods being used by gangs to rob traveling salespersons, and any industry personnel traveling with jewelry merchandise for events outside the store. The emphasis will be on how to avoid being a victim.
Future of Finance & Merchandising / 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. CT
Speaker: Anna Samsonova, Samsonova Consulting
Panelists: Mariel Diaz, Accounting for Jewelers, LLC; Nan Lung Palmer, FACEts Jewelry Consulting
Learn market insights from top jewelry industry professionals and the most relevant finance and merchandising best practices you need for your business right now and tomorrow. The panel discussion will end in an audience Q&A.
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