Events & Awards

The PR Adviser: What’s Your Strategy for the Shows?

Events & AwardsMay 23, 2017

The PR Adviser: What’s Your Strategy for the Shows?

Lilian Raji hates to give exhibitors another thing to think about before Las Vegas but … what’s your PR strategy?

2016-Lilian-Raji.jpg
Lilian Raji is a strategic marketing and public relations adviser who helps luxury lifestyle brands sell more products to luxury buyers.

Hello My Dear Readers!

We’re taking a break from our regular “Dear Lilian” format for me to just be the PR Adviser today. Fear not, my lovely loyalists, I’m still available to answer all your pressing PR questions, by email or as posted in the comments section. I realize most of you are preparing for Las Vegas, as am I!

I’ll be flitting around the shows, looking for press-worthy dazzlers to feature in this column. If you’re not already following me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, would you take a second to do so now? You can then follow me through my adventures in Emerald City.

Yes, yes, I know Las Vegas is known as Sin City, but when we jewelry people take over, shouldn’t it be called Emerald City?

If you want me to stop at your booth, please send me an invitation. I’d love to meet my readers!

Now, I know it’s simply a madhouse where you are right now. Las Vegas is just weeks away and that to-do list isn’t getting any shorter. I hate to give you another item to add to that list, especially when you’re probably thinking of Googling the health ramifications of not sleeping for 96 hours for the fifth time. But … what is your PR strategy for Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is the time we see friends we’ve only known in Vegas (and oh the secrets we share), and it’s also a time we make new friends. Some of those friends own or buy for stores while others write for magazines. The latter are the friends I want you to consider making as you’re prepping your Red Bull IV drip for another all-nighter of Vegas planning.

You should have a spreadsheet of all the editors and writers planning to attend Las Vegas. You can often get this spreadsheet simply by asking the right people; but sometimes, you must put in some work.

Pull out that growing list of jewelry writers you love, love, love and send each an email asking if they’ll be in Vegas because, OMG, you’ve got an absolutely obscene pendant interpretation of Rihanna’s Met Gala Comme des Garçons dress done in rubies, sapphires and emeralds and it must be seen and Instagrammed in person!  

Just like you’re setting up retail appointments, you must also set up press appointments. It’s best for everyone around as attending press understand

you’re there to sell. If you’re busy when they stop by your booth sans appointment, they’re less likely to hang around. Having an appointment and someone ready to talk to them ensures you don’t miss any opportunities.

Now my new friend is Rebecca Moskal, founder of Communiqué and PR agency extraordinaire for JCK Las Vegas. 

I asked Rebecca for three of the most important things you should know in preparation for Vegas (as I realize adding any more than three new things to your 12-page pre-Vegas to-do list may have you contemplating your life choices.)

Rebecca’s wisdom:

1) Have your 30-second elevator pitch ready. Know what your key points are and practice conveying them in a straightforward, engaging manner as you won’t have much time to capture the press’s attention on the busy show floor.

2) Before the show begins, pre-select two or three pieces to show the press. Practice what you’ll say about each piece, such as the design inspiration, the gemstone or a signature look. Make sure the pieces are easily accessible, fingerprint-free, and will leave a lasting and memorable impression.

3) Have professional images taken of your new pieces (on a white background) BEFORE the show. These hi-res image files should be available on branded flash/USB drives for editors to take with them. Include a document with piece descriptions and your contact information.

There you have it! Three simple things to get you closer to your Town & Country spread.

Before you start screaming at your monitor--“Lilian, are you crazy? I don’t have time for this! Don’t you know I’m one UPS label away from express shipping myself to Santorini and saying to hell with Las Vegas?!”-- might I remind you this work is (or should be) already done?

You’re telling the press the exact same thing you’re telling retailers, except you’re not negotiating minimums and buybacks. You’re selling that editor on why her readers (also known as her customers) will want to own your Paraiba tourmaline pavé cuff bracelet.

The only new thing you must do is get your high-resolution photos onto flash drives. And that’s what interns are for!

It’s getting late and those insurance forms won’t fill out themselves. Don’t forget to email me if you’d like me to stop by your booth.  

And, as always, post in the comments section or email me with your most pressing PR questions.

Viva Las Vegas!

Lilian Raji is a strategic marketing and public relations adviser who helps luxury lifestyle brands sell more products to luxury buyers. Send questions for The PR Adviser to nationaljeweler@lmrpr.com or contact her at lilian@lmrpr.com. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
Lilian Rajiis a strategic communications and PR adviser who helps companies understand their marketing problems, then designs and executes strategies to solve them.

The Latest

Stack of gold bangles on denim
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat

The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.

Saks Fifth Avenue door sign
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More Stores

The retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.

Julianne Moore
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as Ambassador

The award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.

TopImageCrop.jpg
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

Sorellina Large Bloom Inlay Pendant
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New Collection

The “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.

Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jake Gyllenhaal as Bulgari Brand Ambassador
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest Ambassador

Bulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.

Model wearing diamond necklace and ring
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove Sale

The top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.

dca-laptop.jpg
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry Education

With refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.

Tom Moses
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 Years

Moses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.

Charles & Colvard showroom in Morrisville, North Carolina
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price Pressures

Increased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.

Zome Solara Earrings
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial Beauty

The earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.

Pomellato’s International Women’s Day “The Price of Freedom” Campaign
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse

“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says

Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.

Common Era Difficult Women Pandora Pendant, Anne Boleyn Signet Ring, Cleopatra Pendant
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in Collection

The ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.

Diamond engagement rings by designer Lorraine West
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and Why

We asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.

American Gem Society Conclave 2026 Orlando logo
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker Lineup

The annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.

Caitríona Balfe on Only Natural Diamonds Spring 2026 Issue Cover
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds Cover

The “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.

CIBJO Milan
MajorsMar 05, 2026
Registration Opens for CIBJO Centenary Congress

This year’s annual congress, which will mark the confederation’s 100th anniversary, will take place this fall in Italy.

Michael M Beverly Hills Flagship Interior Rendering
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First Store

Beverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”

Dubai mall
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East Stores

Kering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.

Brilliant Earth Beverly Hills showroom
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills Store

Beth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”

JIS Miami Spring 2026
Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends Talks

Nearly half of buyers are prioritizing silver and fashion collections this season, organizers said.

Spinelli Kilcollin Live Now. Polish Later. Campaign
TrendsMar 04, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Rides Free In Year of the Horse Campaign

The “Live Now. Polish Later.” campaign features equestrians wearing the brand’s jewels while galloping across the icy plains of Kazakhstan.

Jennifer Ashworth
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand Director

The precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.

Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Award Grant Graphic
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards Grant

Nelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.

New Forevermark store in India
SourcingMar 03, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s Future

Experts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.

Gannon & Scott and Metalor Technologies employees
MajorsMar 03, 2026
Swiss Refiner Completes Acquisition of Gannon & Scott

The American precious metals refiner’s day-to-day operations remain the same post-acquisition.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy