JCK Las Vegas Opens with Mixed Impressions

Traders, exhibitors and visitors a like reported mixed feelings as the Las Vegas trade shows opened. This was most prominent at the end of the first day of the JCK Las Vegas Show that opened Saturday.

Attendees to the shows said they are not sure the aisles and booths will be full of activity, expressing concern that “people are here just to look.” The AGTA gem fair, however, was pretty busy.

Many past exhibitors decided to not exhibit this year, preferring the risk of not being able to get a booth next year, to spending the large expense associated with exhibiting this year. Among those that made preferred attending as visitors rather than as exhibitors are a number of large Diamond Trading Company (DTC) Sightholders, underlining the doubt many have for the show this year.

As the issue of trading is yet to be played out, the seminars were full. A panel moderated by IDEX Online analyst Ken Grossman was packed, with listeners lining the walls standing, even though sitting was added.

One attendee said he believes that there are more people at the show than he expected, adding that those who come to the show must be serious. “I don't see jewelers coming here in this economy for the cocktail party and the casinos…”