Get educated at JA New York Winter

New York--JA New York has released the lineup of speakers and panels for the education program at its upcoming winter show, helping retailers take home relevant information on top of a new stock of jewelry.

The JA Winter show will take place from Saturday, March 1 to Tuesday, March 4 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York. The education sessions will span two days, Sunday and Monday, and will offer ideas to help participants and their stores thrive in 2014.

The lineup for Sunday, March 2, is as follows:

10:15 to 11:15 a.m.
“Store Security: How to Spot a Jewelry Criminal & What a Jeweler Should Do”
Scott Guginksy, vice president, Jewelers’ Security Alliance
Learn about the “red flags” that may help spot a jewelry criminal and how a jeweler should react from a 24-year veteran with the New York Police Department and one of the most knowledgeable police experts on jewelry crime in the United States.

11:35 a.m. to 12:50 p.m.
“Thriving in the Internet Age: A Panel Discussion”
Moderated by Michelle Graff, editor-in-chief of National Jeweler
This session will take a look at the opportunities and challenges of retailing in the Internet age, including how to handle “showrooming,” how to ensure the online business doesn’t undercut the traditional brand, capitalizing on customers who walk into the store even if they seem set on making an online purchase and competing on service and not price.

1:10 to 2:10 p.m.
“Turning on the Platinum Profit Machine for Your Bridal Business”
Kevin Reilly, director of business development, Platinum Guild International USA
This informative session from Platinum Guild International will share ideas to make the bridal business more profitable.

2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
“Capitalizing on Custom”
Peggy Jo Donahue, director of public affairs, MJSA
Since custom design has been one of the bright spots in the recession for many jewelers, this seminar will teach jewelers how to capitalize on consumers’ desire for custom pieces, from customizing jewelry in-house via a bench operation to using new customization options provided by suppliers.

The schedule for Monday, March 3, is as follows:

11:30 a.m. to 12:40 p.m.
“Social Media: Why it Pays to Be Likeable”
Dave Kerpen, CEO, Likeable Jewelers
Marketing expert Dave Kerpen, New York Times best-selling author of Likeable Social Media and Likeable Business, will share stories and actionable advice from inspirational social media business leaders.

1:00 to 2:00 p.m.