4 trade show safety tips

Fair Lawn, N.J.--Insurance agency Jewelers Unblocked has offered trade show safety tips for industry professionals heading to Las Vegas next week.

The tips are as follows.

1. Even with trade show security in place, be cognizant of potential threats and take steps to avoid being a target for criminals. “Given the immense aggregate value of the gems and jewelry displayed during industry trade shows, it is understood that these events and their participants will be prime targets for jewel thieves,” the jewelry insurance company says.

2. Prepare a well-documented inventory of goods that will be displayed during the show, Jewelers Unblocked President and CEO Patricia Low says. It is critical if a loss occurs.

3. Be especially vigilant while traveling to and from trade shows. “Never carry goods with you; instead arrange to have them shipped via armored car. Once you’re at the show, work with the event coordinator to store jewels properly during off-hours,” Low says. 

Good options for off-hours storage includes rented safes that remain in the exhibit area, or space in a secured vault, with goods delivered to and from the exhibit area each day by a licensed security guard.

“Never leave goods unprotected in the exhibit area or bring them to your hotel room,” Low says.

4. Keep a low profile outside of the show. Don’t make appointments to show goods outside the exhibit area, never wear your badge or anything else that would indicate that you are a jeweler, and don’t tell strangers why you are in Las Vegas.

“Mentioning jewelry is a signal to criminals that you may have valuables on your person or in your hotel room,” Low says. “Be alert constantly and if you sense you are being followed, advise one of the many law enforcement officers that are present at the show.”

Jewelers Unblocked also mentioned insurance tips for trade shows, including checking their coverage in advance of the show.

“A Jewelers Block policy provides protection for goods while on the business premises, but doesn’t automatically include coverage for exhibitors or wholesalers at trade shows. Coverage should be purchased for each specific event,” the insurance company said. “Make sure you and your inventory are properly covered.”