test
Ben Smithee to keynote Portland conference
The business marketing consultant is scheduled to speak on Oct. 4, the day before the Portland Jewelry Symposium begins.
Portland, Ore.--Ben Smithee will present the keynote address at this year’s Portland Jewelry Symposium, an annual event that covers design trends, technology, bench work and business for manufacturers and designers.
The symposium is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 5 at the Sentinel Hotel in Portland.
Smithee will deliver his keynote on Sunday, Oct. 4 at a dinner kicking off the symposium at the Portland Art Museum.
The chief strategy officer for Relevents, a company that produces business events, Smithee has consulted with brands including Coca-Cola, General Mills, Sterling Jewelers, Geico, McDonald’s and Ebay.
In addition to Smithee’s keynote, the symposium will offer 10 education sessions on Monday, including “Making Great Money from Custom Designing and Repairs” with David Gellar and “Top 10 Ways to Get Sued” with Cecilia Gardner of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee. Digital design, manufacturing and other topics also will be discussed.
A complete list of speakers and sessions can be found on PortlandJewelrySymposium.com.
Registration for the symposium is open and also can be found on its website while hotel accommodations are here.
This is the eighth edition of the symposium, which founder Teresa Frye said has seen strong growth in attendance and sponsorship each year.
“I believe there is growing interest in the trade for events like ours where in-depth networking opportunities complement a full education program,” she said.
The Latest


A monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals

From protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.

Test Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.

Abstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.

Ahead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.

The GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.

The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Retail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.

For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.

The November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.

Commercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.

Deloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.

The Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.

Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.

The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.

A portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.







































