FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023

10:00 am – 10:45 am
HAS THE CUSTOMER CHANGED OR HAVE WE?

Presented by:  William Jones, COO, Sissy's Log Cabin, Co-Founder, Jewelry Sales Academy

William Jones uses his experience working with his well-known grandparents as they grew Sissy’s Log Cabin into a successful five-store chain to share insights into today’s sales process. The relationship between the retail business and customers has evolved and changed exponentially over the last decade. But is it the customer or the business owner that has changed the most? This session is aimed at understanding what has changed and why. You will leave this session with an understanding of what Retail Jewelry has always been and what it will be for the foreseeable future. William Jones will discuss the secrets to capturing the attention and loyalty of today’s empowered buyers, who are more informed and discerning than ever before. He will share with you how to connect with customers more deeply, establish trust, and influence their purchasing decisions.

11:00 am – 3:00 pm
24/7 FACEBOOK PRE-SHOW SNEAK PEAK PRODUCT PREVIEW

Presented by:  Tiffany Bayley, Founder & CEO, THRIVE Consulting, LLC

The Atlanta Jewelry Show's 24/7 Facebook LIVE "Sneak Product Preview" debut was held on move-in day, Friday, March 10, 2023. Great news!  It is coming back for the August show.   This exciting LIVE STREAMED "Sneak Product" Preview event will be hosted by industry expert and SOHO Pro, Tiffany Bayley.  Get on a new sales path of live streaming with the expert, the dynamic Tiffany, who has proven her success with industry giant Gem Shopping Network and her own fan-filled SHOP WITH TIFFANY LIVE! Weekly Facebook event.

11:00 am – 11:45 am
JEWELRY INDUSTRY INSIGHTS | PERCEPTIONS & REALITY 

Presented by:  Harold Dupuy, Strategic Analysis, Stuller 

In 2021 the jewelry industry achieved fourteen years of "normal growth" in one calendar year! An encore followed with sustained elevated sales levels in 2022. What happens when the post-pandemic recovery ends and consumers return to "normal" behavior? Today, the market is facing challenging economic headwinds. With this rapidly changing landscape, jewelers must adjust.

The presentation will cover numerous factors influencing the jewelry industry's performance, including selected economic indicators, sales of total U.S. retail, the jewelry industry, and jewelry stores. Also covered are customization trends and the natural and lab-grown diamond market.

Walk away with a perspective of your company's performance in the context of the overall market and an insight into what lies ahead for our industry.

12:00 - 1:00 pm
SECURE YOUR RETAIL SPACE:  EMBRACE GOLD STANDARDS TO PREVENT LOSS

Presented by:  Carrie Volp, Vice President of Commercial Lines Insurance Operations at Jewelers Mutual

Crime against jewelers continues to escalate across the U.S. and Canada – implementing the proper security and loss prevention tools can assist in keeping you and your property safe and secure. This session will discuss historical loss trends, noting where crime is most prevalent. The discussion will then shift to introducing a simple “defense in depth” model approach to retail jeweler security that any store can employ to “harden the target” against criminals. Finally, the session will share ways Jewelers Mutual Group is assisting in helping not only our insured jewelers but the entire industry in enhancing loss prevention and reducing crime against jewelers. Attendees will walk away from this session with a better understanding of security practices and practical measures they can implement immediately within their business.

1:15 pm – 1:45 pm
JEWELERS OF AMERICA | INVITES YOU TO IGNITE YOUR BUSINESS!
Presented by:  Regina Ciareglio, Director of Membership, Jewelers of America

This session will delve into the benefits provided by Jewelers of America (JA), the leading national trade association for US jewelry industry businesses. JA has a long s-standing reputation for championing the interests of jewelers and fostering a thriving and ethical jewelry marketplace. Regina and Sharie will show you the range of benefits JA offers its members. Benefits include advocacy, networking opportunities, educational resources and support, ethical guidance, industry insights, and cost-saving initiatives.

Also, get the details on the recent Bench Jeweler Certification program relaunch!

1:45 pm – 2:15 pm
KNOWLEDGE SESSION:  GIA UPDATES

Presented by:  Rebecca Boyajian, GIA GG, AGS CG

Stay in the know with the latest GIA initiatives!  Gain valuable insights into the exciting collaboration between GIA and AGS, delve into the introduction of the supplemental AGS Ideal Report by GIA, and explore our dedication to an enhanced digital future with the all-new GIA app.

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
AI FOR THE JEWELRY RETAILER:  ChatGPT & MORE 

Presented by:  Jennifer Shaheen, President & Technology Therapist, Technology Therapy Group

Our in-depth session will cover AI's potential for the jewelry retail sector. This presentation will explore how AI is revolutionizing the jewelry industry, boosting business operations, and enhancing customer experiences. This session will cover ChatGPT and how it can bolster digital marketing plans. You'll gain insight into how this advanced AI can improve content generation, enable data-driven advertising campaigns, and enhance the company's voice - leading to greater customer engagement and profits. We'll examine the role of AI in employee training and customer support. Understand how AI can produce more efficient training programs, bolster customer service responses, and increase operational productivity. Plus, we will showcase cutting-edge AI tools that let customers participate in custom jewelry design. Discover how introducing these tools can offer shoppers a personalized and captivating buying experience, spurring customer loyalty and repeat business.

3:45 pm – 4:45 pm
LABORATORY-GROWN DIAMOND: A BUSINESS UPDATE & SURVIVAL GUIDE 

Presented by:  George Prout, Featured Columnist, Southern & Mid-America Jewelry News

The advent of laboratory-grown diamonds (LGDs) has disrupted the jewelry retail sector, triggering a significant drop in Average Unit Bridal Retail sales. According to The Edge Retail Academy, in the past five months, there has been over 30 percent in the Average Unit Bridal Retail sales. The session addresses this crisis by providing strategies to maintain average unit retail value in the bridal category and identify alternative revenue streams to offset falling LGD prices.

Despite your current engagement with LGDs, this industry shift affects everyone. The session offers crucial insights into the evolving diamond market and strategic planning for this new business reality. It's an essential seminar for retailers to effectively navigate the challenges brought by the rise of LGDs.

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
TIMING IS EVERYTHING! HOW TO TURN TINY REPAIRS INTO HOLIDAY PROFITS

Presented by:  Tiffany Bayley, Founder & CEO, THRIVE Consulting, LLC
with Special Guest:  David Geller, Owner, Jeweler Profit

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm, Renaissance Waverly Hotel
FRIDAY NIGHT ICE BREAKER

Calling all AJS attendees. Let's shake a little ice, break a little ice, and start warming up the weekend! Join the AJS Gems for an "icebreaker" to connect with friends, new and old alike.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 2023

10:00 am – 3:00 pm, The Café on the Show Floor
24/7 FACEBOOK SHOW SPECIAL PREVIEW

Presented by:  Tiffany Bayley, Founder & CEO, THRIVE Consulting, LLC

Indulge in a virtual treat at our Café AJS 24/7 Facebook LIVE event!  Join us as we serve up a piping-hot lineup of show specials, exclusive discounts, and irresistible offers.  Get ready to sip and savor, and shop.

3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, The New Exhibitor Pavilion
24/7 FACEBOOK NEW EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT 

Presented by:  Tiffany Bayley, Founder & CEO, THRIVE Consulting, LLC

Be among the first to discover an exciting lineup of fresh exhibitors, innovative products, and emerging trends. Join us as we showcase the next wave of industry talent, all from the convenience of y our screen.

8:00 pm – 11:30 pm, Renaissance Waverly Hotel
SATURDAY NIGHT | SOCIAL! 

Socialize, dance, and party the night away with your AJS family and friends.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2023

9:30 am - 10:30 am
ATLANTA SOUTHEASTERN GUILD PRESENTS:  CAUSE-RELATED MARKETING
Presented by: Phillip Bosen, CG

The Atlanta Southeastern Guild is excited to announce their upcoming meeting with Phillip
Bosen, CG, during the Atlanta Jewelry Show!

Phillip’s presentation will focus on the topic of Cause-Related Marketing and why it is important
to care about the non-profits that your clients support.  Come prepared to engage in a fast-paced, fun setting with an experienced, educated, and entertaining speaker. Phillip Bosen’s expertise and captivating presentation style promise to make this meeting both informative and enjoyable.  Click here for more details.

Questions: Hays Pickens, hays@pickensinc.com, (404) 237-7885

10:00 am – 3:00 pm, The Café on the Show Floor
24/7 FACEBOOK SHOW SPECIAL PREVIEW

Presented by:  Tiffany Bayley, Founder & CEO, THRIVE Consulting, LLC

Indulge in a virtual treat at our Café AJS 24/7 Facebook LIVE event!  Join us as we serve up a piping-hot lineup of show specials, exclusive discounts, and irresistible offers.  Get ready to sip and savor, and shop.

3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, The New Exhibitor Pavilion
24/7 FACEBOOK NEW EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT 

Presented by:  Tiffany Bayley, Founder & CEO, THRIVE Consulting, LLC

Be among the first to discover an exciting lineup of fresh exhibitors, innovative products, and emerging trends. Join us as we showcase the next wave of industry talent, all from the convenience of y our screen.