Same Roots Est. 1950, New Routes 2019!
As we kickoff 2019, as tradition dictates, many of us are making New Year resolutions and setting New
Year goals. Like many of you, I always start the year with the best of intentions, yet somehow fight with
the idea of change. Most will agree that while a change in direction is uncomfortable sometimes, it most
often yields positive results.
The Atlanta Jewelry Show is no different – setting a goal and implementing change to reach that goal is
what we do. Our long-term mission is to evolve our show into an event that creates an even more
valuable resource to our customers and our partners. We knew that if we wanted to end up in a
different place in the future, we were going to need to introduce new direction. Thus, our mantra for
the strategic planning team, New Routes!
Before we dive into the New Routes for the AJS, I feel it important to disclose the missing piece of our
mantra, the opening if you will. Same Roots, New Routes! The AJS was established in 1950 and has
thrived for 69 years in the promotion and fostering of trade in the jewelry business. Built on lasting
relationships in our community, we have created a persona for the show; that of hospitality-style
business exchange. Customer service, family, community, and business trade- these are our roots and
from them we will never depart.
If you haven’t been to the show in the last year, you have missed the start of the journey to a new
destination. Not to worry, that was just the beginning. The market demand, what we heard from you, is
that you need more than a buying show. You need a business show, a survival show, a resource show,
and you need a support network. You spoke, and we listened. It was you who have helped us map these
New Routes.
I’m excited to share some of these new routes with you, designed to help you better prepare for the
future. Whether it’s custom design, online store fronts, traffic builders, succession, or general business
savviness, new routes has something for every business!
- Occasions includes goods that complement traditional jewelry store inventory to align with the
needs of today’s modern consumers. Products will include luxury gifts to commemorate life’s
precious milestones. - E-tail offers innovative products and services to educate attendees on e-commerce strategies by
using the BOPIS method – Buy Online, Pick Up in Store. This pavilion is designed to expose
buyers to the latest in technology to drive traffic from their website into their store. - CAD/CAM Challenge brings together the best in the design world in this friendly competition.
Watch and learn as leading CAD/CAM artists show off their technical skills and creative flair,
right on the show floor. - Kids Jewelry Camp is an inventive generational program that offers educational programs and
interactive sessions for our youngest jewelry enthusiasts. Through hands-on activities,
mentoring and presentations, AJS Kids discover the world of gems and jewelry in a safe, fun and
age-appropriate setting. - AJS-U includes leading-edge education opportunities for all attendees. An entire day before the
show opens will feature top industry experts, while Learning Labs thoughtfully located on the
show floor offer interactive sessions during show hours. - The Loupe is a collaboration of business-boosting products and services created for today’s
independent jeweler. Our Loupe Partners have joined together to bring you the latest tools,
services and resources designed to positively impact your bottom line.
If you have made it this far, let me thank you for investing your time. At AJS, we are investing in you and
I would like to personally invite you to join us March 2-4 for the Atlanta Jewelry Show where you will see
firsthand what we mean by Same Roots, New Routes!
Libby