Couture Announces Education Sessions

Las Vegas—Couture organizers have announced the lineup for the show’s education sessions that will take place throughout the show.

The trade show is held at The Wynn Las Vegas from May 29-June 2.

“We’re delighted to re-introduce our learning and thought leadership programming, Couture Talks, to our 2024 event,” said Emerald Executive Vice President and Couture Director Gannon Brousseau.

“In creating our session lineup, we focused on developing subject matter that is relevant and compelling, as well as securing speakers who are leaders within their fields. We’re excited to have arrived at that perfect combination of great content and exceptional partners.” 

The programming will begin Thursday, May 30, with the Gemological Institute of America hosting several 20-minute pop-up sessions in the Cafe Noir lounge on the show floor. 

According to the Couture website, Carson Lee, a senior instructor of gemology at GIA, will lead the sessions. 

The sessions will feature samples from GIA’s museum collection along with insights and demonstrations. 

The aim is to “translate gemological knowledge into engaging customer experiences.” 

It will kick off with “Exceptional Color: Rough & Cut,” slated for 10 a.m. and again at 3 p.m. 

Attendees will hear about the trends and rarity of colored gemstones such as Paraíba tourmaline, padparadscha sapphire, and spinel, while also learning how to educate customers on these gemstones.  

At “Pearls: Trends Beyond Tradition,” scheduled for 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., Lee will review the colors and shapes of cultured pearls. 

Attendees will also learn how to leverage the varying types to appeal to modern consumers and how to showcase pearls in-store to attract new generations. 

“Phenomenal Gemstones: Science & Storytelling” will take place at 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. 

In this talk, Lee will cover gemstone color change and optical effects, as well as how to identify these stones and showcase them to customers. 

On Friday, May 31, the talks will kick off at 8:15 a.m. with a panel discussion, “Sustainability, Responsibility, Sourcing & Technology,” held in the Bandol Ballroom. 

The speakers will share their insights on sustainability, sourcing, and technology and innovation, as well as collaborated efforts that are furthering the progress in these areas. 

The panelists are Platinum Guild International USA President Jenny Luker; Tracr CEO Wes Tucker; Anglo American’s Executive Head of Market Development for platinum group metals Benny Oeyen; owner and COO of Kwiat and Fred Leighton Russell Kwiat; and Stuller Chief Operating Officer Belit Myers. 

Josh Helmich, CEO of Helmich Luxury Group, will moderate. 

Tracr, De Beers’ blockchain-based platform for tracing diamonds’ journey from the mine to the retailer, is sponsoring the session. 

At 1:15 p.m. on May 31, “Amplifying Success Across the Fashion Industry with Beautiful AI” will be held in the Bandol Ballroom. 

It’s sponsored by Perfect Corp., an artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) beauty and fashion technology company. 

Speaker Wayne Liu, chief growth officer at Perfect Corp., will provide a look into how AI, AR, and virtual try-on are “revolutionizing the apparel and accessories industry.” 

Liu will discuss how AI and AR-driven solutions are empowering fashion brands to stay ahead and “deliver unparalleled virtual try-on experiences that are proven to boost sales, foster loyal brand connections, and create unparalleled personalized shopping experiences.” 

 
Shopify is offering one-on-one consultations throughout the show with its executives and solution engineers. 

The focus of the meetings is “How to Elevate your Customer Journey by Crafting a Holistic Brand Experience.”

In the consultation, Shopify representatives will review the solutions it offers for e-commerce and inventory management as well as its services designed to save businesses time and energy while creating “an exceptional, holistic experience” for clients. 

The meetings will take place in Villa 110. Appointments can be booked in the Couture Connect App, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play store.

The full education schedule can be viewed on the Couture website.