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Merrick, NY—The Centurion Show’s Retailer Roundtables, held before each day’s formal education program, are well attended year after year regardless of their early-morning scheduling. For the 2012 Centurion program, one topic will be “Smart Security,” moderated by John Kennedy, president of the Jewelers’ Security Alliance (JSA).

“This year prestige jewelers throughout the United States have suffered from violent robberies, high-tech burglaries, grab-and-runs and other serious crimes,” said Kennedy. “At the 'Smart Security' roundtable, we’ll discuss the best methods for reducing a retailer’s crime risks. The discussion will include new security technology, proper procedures, staff training and security information and educational resources. Participants are sure to leave with one or more practical and affordable suggestions to help make their stores safer. Nuts-and-bolts issues like what kind of glass to install in high-end showcases, and what is the best placement of surveillance cameras, are the kinds of issues that will be discussed, as well as any concerns a jeweler brings with them to the table each morning.”

“Security is an ongoing concern to our attendees,” said Centurion president Howard Hauben. “John Kennedy and the JSA are tremendous resources for the industry.”

John Kennedy, left, will lead a roundtable program about security, and Terry Chandler, right, will moderate a retailer panel about managing superstar salespeople.

Separately, Centurion’s famed morning panel discussions feature key retailers and top moderators addressing timely topics. At the 2012 show, Terry Chandler, President and CEO of the Diamond Council of America (DCA), will moderate a retailer panel on “Managing High Earning Sales Associates Without A Salary Cap.” Panelists will include Bruce Bucky of Hildgund; BJ Nichols of Reis Nichols, and John Von Bargen of Von Bargens.

Panelists include, from left, BJ Nichols, Bruce Bucky, and John Von Bargen

Says Chandler, “Owners and managers of prestige jewelry stores have their own brand of ‘superstars.’ Often, these sales associates are the best producers as well as a manager/owner’s biggest challenge. We’ll conduct an in depth discussion intended to give the retail jewelers attending a snapshot of how some of the most successful organizations in our industry have managed their superstars. Topics will include, but not be limited to, compensation, training, management, communication, and other specifics providing an action list attendees can use to measure their own efforts with their own superstars.”

Chandler shared a few specific questions that will be answered by the panelists:

• Do your "superstars" work for the company or themselves?
• Is a “prima donna” inhibiting the rest of your sales force?
• Just how much about your business should they know? 
• What is it that owners don't understand about the concept that every time they make a dollar you make two...or more!

“Terry Chandler is a very accomplished moderator who has some great questions that both he and our savvy panelists will answer,” says Centurion president Howard Hauben. “This will be a fascinating look at high-earning sales associates.”

The 2012 Show begins Centurion’s second decade with a move to Scottsdale, Arizona. Show dates are January 28^th(arrival day) through January 31^st, 2012. For more information, please call (516) 377-5909 or email info@centurionjewelry.com. Visit Centurion online at www.centurionjewelry.com.