(NORWALK, Conn. Sept. 10, 2010) This year's JCK Toronto, held recently at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, offered a revived event with several enhancements to meet the business needs of the Canadian marketplace – taken from feedback and suggestions from retailers and manufacturers/suppliers. These included a robust VIP Buyer Program; enhanced education sessions on the show floor; more networking opportunities and a wider variety of products and services from new suppliers.
“The JCK Toronto Show exceeded expectations with respect to structure, organization, presentation and general operating environment,” said Michael M. Clarke, G.J., Vice President Merchandising, Finished Jewelry, Stuller, Inc. “The well organized information flow prior to the event and the management onsite enabled us to better prepare for JCK Toronto. We also appreciated the support of our Canadian clients and appreciated the opportunity to present our services and Business Solutions in person and in a live forum.”
“We are pleased with this year’s event and have heard from many retailers and manufacturers that we have invested in the areas that are important to them and their businesses. This feedback provides a solid foundation for us to plan for the 2011 event, taking place August 7-9, 2011 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building,” said John Tierney, Event Director, JCK Toronto. “For the next 12 months, we will continue to ask, listen and, most of all, continue refining the event focusing on what you tell us is important to you – without sacrificing the dedicated JCK experience your business relies on.”
"It was a very intelligent way to market the show,” said Harry Chenorhokian at Shivas Watches, commenting on the JCK Toronto Merchandise Credit Program which made its debut this year. “Genius – It was an outstandingly good incentive to bring people to JCK Toronto and encourage them to purchase, especially in these times. I hope JCK continues this kind of support. In speaking with other exhibitors as well as retailers, the program was an overwhelming success.”
The Education program at JCK Toronto offered a robust slate of sessions focused on: Business, Bench, Merchandising, Interactive Workshops, Marketing and Color and Fashion. Retailers listened to inspiring sessions presented by seasoned industry veterans on how to improve marketing and sales through social networking communities, how to increase sales of gemstones and diamonds, and how to create killer store events.
This year's educational sessions began with an opening keynote focusing on the psychology of the sale by Brad Huisken from IAS Training. Huisken offered a motivational keynote offering methods and strategies to build customer loyalty, leading to increased sales.
“Through these tough economic times, our industry’s trade shows remain the most solid and effective way to connect with customers. This year's 2010 JCK Toronto Show was our most productive to date. Congratulations to the JCK team on your spectacular event and we look forward to an even bigger and better JCK Toronto in 2011!” said John Vaccaro, President, Beverly Hills Jewellery Mfg. Ltd.
Canadian Diamond Panel and Growing Market Importance
Mining, government and bourse experts in the Canadian diamond market reported on "The Future of the Canadian Diamond Industry". With a nod to the burgeoning growth of the Canadian diamond marketplace, The HRA Group of Companies, including Crossworks Manufacturing and SGI, hosted a diamond polishing event that offered a glimpse of how diamonds are mined, cut and polished in Ontario.
A 70ct necklace, made up of 25 rough diamonds, was on display for the first time, designed by Reena Ahluwalia and manufactured by Jeff Miller providing a unique celebration of the growing importance of the Canadian diamond in the global marketplace.
Opening Night Welcome Reception, Product Preview, CJA Chairman's Award, AGS Cocktail Party
- Buyers and exhibitors alike networked and celebrated with old and new friends at the annual Opening Night Welcome Reception. Cocktails, light hors d'oeuvres, and music were enjoyed by all as they viewed the latest jewellery trends that dazzled in the Pandora Product Preview. The CJA Chairman's Award was proudly presented to Dan Panos of Corona Jewellery. Panos's dedication to the industry and involvement in his community earned him this prestigious award. Peter Norton, chairman of the CJA, proudly presented the award to Panos during a special ceremony and reception. AGS held a successful cocktail event for invited AGS members and their guests, providing a networking link between manufactures and new buyers to JCK.
“We were so proud to present the CJA’s Chairman’s Award at JCK Toronto this year and honor a distinguished member of the Canadian Jewellery community,” said Ken Mulhall, President & CEO. “Our members enjoyed networking and learning from others in the industry while we were able to conduct Association business at JCK Toronto. Combining business with pleasure is always desired and this year, JCK Toronto did not disappoint.”
Year-Round Sourcing and Upcoming Face-to Face Events
The JCK portfolio offers both online sourcing and face-to-face sourcing and interaction. Canadian jewellers who didn’t get an opportunity to exhibit or attend the event or attended the event but couldn’t see all of the manufacturers they desired can preview tens of thousands of product lines on www.JCKShowDirect.com. It's easy to get started and is FREE for all JCK buyers. For information on showcasing your product line as a manufacturer/supplier, visit the website for details.
The JCK portfolio’s next event is JCK Las Vegas, which will be held on June 3-6, 2011and is moving to the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Convention Center in Las Vegas. For updates and information, www.jcklasvegasshow.com. JCK Toronto will be held August 7-9, 2011 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building. For information: www.jcktoronto.com