AuctionsMay 16, 2024
Christie’s Holds 2 Sales Despite CyberattackThough its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a Tradeshow
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
Brought To You By Jewelers Mutual Group
Attending a trade show is an exciting opportunity to showcase your merchandise, expand your network, and engage with potential customers in a dynamic atmosphere. But they also come with significant risks that pose serious security challenges. Here are ten essential tips to help you plan and execute a safe, successful trade show experience.
1. Cover Your Bases
While Jewelers Block policies safeguard goods on-premises, coverage for trade shows isn't automatic. It is important to check with your insurance company and review your coverage limits ideally at least one month in advance, to ensure you have proper protection to, from and during the show.
2. Primed and Prepped
Before hitting the road, equip your booth staff with thorough security training. Encourage vigilance, maintain eye contact with customers, and never leave valuables unattended.
Consider a training program with a travel training module like Jeweler Safety and Security Academy from Jewelers Mutual and supported by Jewelers’ Security Alliance (JSA) and UL Solutions.
3. Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Secure transportation is essential for you, your staff and your merchandise. Ship your goods to and from the show by an armored courier service. Verify end-of-show shipping arrangements several days before the show closes. Account for all received shipped boxes and never leave them unattended.
Keep your travel plans confidential. Only share travel itinerary, flight, hotel and car rental details with a close circle of known associates.
4. The Right Track(er)
Invest in GPS trackers. They are great for keeping track of things like personal luggage, bags and containers stored in exhibit booths. In the event of a loss, you’ll be able to track your property using your phone or tablet. These devices are often inexpensive and can be easily purchased at local electronic retailers.
5. Team Effort
Trade shows can be hectic. Be sure you have enough staff to properly manage your booth. Not having enough staff coverage opens you up to greater risks.
Don’t go it alone!
6. In the Booth
Booth awareness is key to protecting your merchandise during show hours. Never leave your booth unattended during show hours, as this could void your insurance coverage. Provide personalized attention to each customer and exhibit only one item at a time.
Securely display merchandise behind lockable cases when not being showcased. Be wary of "switch" thefts – carefully check each piece returned by a customer. Perform a thorough inventory three times daily – morning, afternoon, and closing. Ensure all items are inventoried, secured in protective packaging, and stored appropriately overnight.
7. Cashing Out
Minimize the amount of cash kept at your booth. Be sure to have credit and debit payment options through secure payment processing systems. Encourage buyers to use these methods for payment. Utilize secure overnight deposit services to keep your cash takings safe.
8. Handling Merch
Maintain a detailed record of all exhibited jewelry, including grading information, serial numbers, and high-quality photos, especially for unique pieces. This information is crucial for law enforcement and insurance companies in case of loss.
Upon arrival at the trade show site, immediately secure your valuables in a designated vault. Never leave merchandise or valuables unattended before, during, or after show hours. Avoid storing valuables in your hotel room. Be especially vigilant during booth setup and breakdown as these are particularly vulnerable times.
9. Keep a Low Profile
Blend in. Try not to draw attention to yourself. Avoid broadcasting your exact location, room number, or anything that could compromise your safety, especially on social media.
Never conduct business outside the designated exhibit area or in hotel rooms. Remove your badge or anything else that may identify you as a jeweler, and don’t tell strangers why you are in Las Vegas.
10. Post-Show Highlights
Congratulations on a successful show! Now is a perfect time to review and analyze your experience – what worked well? What can be improved? Refine your security plan based on lessons learned and feedback received from your staff and attendees.
A prosperous tradeshow experience hinges on detailed planning, vigilant execution, and proper training like Jewelers Mutual’s Jeweler Safety and Security Academy. By following these ten tips, you can maximize opportunities while minimizing risks, allowing you to showcase your brilliance. Have a safe and enjoyable trade show season.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
AuctionsMay 16, 2024
Sotheby’s Withdraws 101-Carat Yellow Diamond from AuctionDespite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
ColumnistsMay 16, 2024
The PR Adviser: What the Designer Should’ve DoneLilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
Brought to you by
Record Gold Prices Have Consumers Undeterred. Here’s Why.Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
SourcingMay 16, 2024
Lucapa to Shed Stake in Lesotho Diamond Mine The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
Weekly QuizMay 16, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
ColumnistsMay 15, 2024
Squirrel Spotting: Why Retailers Struggle to Fire BrandsWhy do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
AuctionsMay 15, 2024
Red Diamond Breaks Records at Phillips GenevaThe “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a TradeshowTradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
IndependentsMay 15, 2024
David Mann Jewelers in Upstate NY to Close After 35 YearsOwner David Mann is heading into retirement.
FinancialsMay 15, 2024
Brilliant Earth’s Sales Fall Flat in Q1 While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
SourcingMay 14, 2024
Anglo American Confirms It Is Looking to Sell De Beers The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
AuctionsMay 14, 2024
2 Huge Yellow Diamonds Are Heading to AuctionChristie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
MajorsMay 14, 2024
Platinum Born Taps ‘Born Leaders’ for New CampaignThe ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
GradingMay 14, 2024
Instappraise Adds Trifold Brochure to Appraisal OfferingsRetailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
Lab-GrownMay 13, 2024
Lab-Grown Diamond Brand Lightbox Cuts Prices by 25 to 40%The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
TechnologyMay 13, 2024
Christie’s Website Brought Down by Hackers, Watch Auction Postponed The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
AuctionsMay 13, 2024
Madeleine Albright’s Jewelry, Pins a White-Glove Sale at Freeman’s | HindmanThe late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
IndependentsMay 13, 2024
Zachary’s Jewelers Names Mother’s Day Jewelry Contest WinnersThree fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
IndependentsMay 10, 2024
Frank Adams Jewelers Names New CEOKimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
CollectionsMay 10, 2024
Piece of the Week: Carina Hardy’s ‘Birth of Venus’ NecklaceAs a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
MajorsMay 09, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Pays $130M for Roberto Coin Inc.The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
TrendsMay 09, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Shine Bright, Moms Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
IndependentsMay 09, 2024
Kyle Edward Fine Jewelry to Close Salisbury StoreThe company’s Easton location will remain open.
MajorsMay 09, 2024
JBT Elects New ChairmanBrian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2024
Fusing Past and Present at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
EditorsMay 07, 2024
Q&A: Author Vikki Tobak on the ‘Ice-Cold’ ExhibitionTobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
EditorsMay 07, 2024
10 On-Theme Looks from the 2024 Met GalaStars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
