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Atlanta’s October Event Re-Ignites Live Jewelry Show Retailer Preference October 28, 2020 (0 comments)
Atlanta, GA--The Atlanta Jewelry Show (AJS) is the first major US Fine Jewelry Trade Show to run since March 2020, when COVID-19 began to dominate our world. Their event took place October 24, 25 and 26, with education on Friday and the trade show on Saturday and Sunday. [Photos, Southern Jewelry News].
Based on The Centurion's discussion with one exhibitor following the show, AJS was an exciting success because it brought serious buyers who were happy to see, touch and pick jewelry for their stores for the holidays and visit with vendor friends. 115 Companies were reported to have exhibited.
The show was successful on another important level in that it brought together a carefully thought out Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and Safety program.
Photo by Southern Jewelry News
The program had everyone's temperature screened by no-touch, infrared screening devices each time they sought entry to the show, required special COVID-19 questions successfully answered via phone App prior to entry; provided plenty of hand sanitizer and insisted ALL ATTENDEES wear a mask at all times, including covering both one's nose and mouth and aisles were wider to respect social distancing.
"I was actually too busy over the two show days to walk the show," said Allie Peck of Brevani. Peck, who risked quarantine when returning to New York to exhibit at AJS was pleased with her decision to do so and with her results.
"A lot of the jewelry at the show was displayed on tables," she said. "This made it difficult for most exhibitors to use the provided sneeze guard [meant to add another layer of protection during jewelry buying discussions]."
Report from Southern Jewelry News
Southern Jewelry News ran a detailed article yesterday about AJS. Here is some of that reporting:
“It was so important for us to make our attendees feel safe and comfortable enough to join us in Atlanta. This has been a difficult time for our industry, so it was imperative that we provide a safe space to learn, conduct business and reconnect,” said Executive Director Libby Brown. “People were so enthusiastic because, like me, this was the first industry event that they’ve attended in months. But more importantly, it helped to create positive momentum that our industry can safely come together again.”
While speaking with many vendors, the same sentiment was repeated: pure elation. Exhibitors including Brevani, IDD, Raymond Mazza, Kelly Waters, Heera Moti, Cargo Hold, Time Delay and others were literally overjoyed to showcase their merchandise in person, and were thrilled at the amount of orders that were written during the two day event.