Russell Simmons to Keynote JCK Las Vegas
March 18, 08
JCK Las Vegas 2008 will kick off with a keynote presentation featuring Hip-Hop personality and philanthropist Russell Simmons. Simmons founded the non-profit Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.), to raise awareness to the plight of Africans and to raise funds for educational empowerment initiatives in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource.
In an effort to support D.E.F.'s mission, Simmons Jewelry Co. created the Green Initiative Collection of jewelry and its "Green Bracelet."
"We know that Russell Simmons will provide a great start to the Show followed by industry gurus Martin Rapaport, Peggy Jo Donahue and Shane Decker who will each provide the retailers with a great insight into the marketplace," remarked Dave Bonaparte, Group Vice President, JCK Events.
On Saturday, May 31, Jewelers of America will host an Executive Roundtable Discussion: "Retailer-Supplier Relationships: Changing Expectations." Panelists will include Michael Rae, CEO, Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices and John Hall, Rio Tinto Diamonds. The moderator will be Peggy Jo Donahue, Director of Public Affairs, Jewelers of America.
During an afternoon Luncheon Keynote Address on May 31, Shane Decker of Ex-SELL-Ence will present "Where Have All the Stores Gone?" Decker will discuss the reality of jewelry retail storefronts closing their doors today. He will coach retailers how to make changes in the way they do business to prevent this from happening to them.
On June 2, Martin Rapaport will present the "State of the Diamond Industry," on global trends from sourcing to marketing to growing a business. This will be followed by the Bankers Conference and Fair Trade Jewelry Conference. All events are open to all show participants on a first come first serve basis.
Prior to the opening keynote presentation, JCK Las Vegas will kick off with a two-day conference on May 28. The program will offer over 35 educational sessions by some of the industry's most revered experts. The program will feature eight tracks covering Hot Topics and Trends; JCK Style: Where Fashion Meets Jewelry; Business; Diamonds; Gemstones and Pearls; eBusiness; Jewelers Notebook: Practical Advice for Jewelers; and J-Biz: Jewelers of America Industry Insights.