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Merrick, NY—Centurion's annual education program strives to bring relevant and immediately useful information to luxury jewelers. The 2013 Centurion Show (February 2-6 in Scottsdale, AZ) is no exception, as the program offers two timely keynote speakers, two smart panel discussions, and introduces new Limited Edition Retailer Workshops. Headlining the roster are ice cream mogul Jerry Greenfield (left) and retired naval commander Mike Abrashoff.

"We are thrilled to welcome our dual keynote speakers for two morning sessions, Jerry Greenfield of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream and (Commander Retired) Mike Abrashoff, author of It's Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship In The Navy," said Centurion president Howard Hauben. "Attendees will hear the story of how Ben & Jerry's began during Greenfield's talk, ‘A Morning of Entrepreneurial Spirit, Social Responsibility, and Radical Business Philosophy.’ Attendees also will hear how (Commander Retired) Mike Abrashoff, with the same crew, went from being rated the worst ship in the Navy to the best in just one year. We think both stories are well worth hearing."

U.S. Navy (Commander Retired) Mike Abrashoff will discuss how he took the ship under his command from worst to first in one year. He and Greefield are the keynote speakers for Centurion 2013.

Centurion is also offering two panel discussions. The first is “Financial Management and Your Company,” moderated by Don Greig of Focus Business Management Institute. John Jackson of the Maryland-based retailer Albert S. Smyth Co. will be a panelist, with additional names to be announced. The second is “Dealing with The New Hair-Raising Diamond & Gem Fakes Coming into Your Market,” moderated by Terry Chandler of Diamond Council of America. Panelists include Alethea Inns of AGS Labratories; Jim Rosenheim of Tiny Jewel Box; and Dr. James Shigley of GIA.

Two renowned retailers, John Jackson of Albert S. Smyth Co. in Maryland and Jim Rosenheim of Tiny Jewel Box in Washington, DC, will impart their wisdom to peers during the Centurion education sessions.

New at Centurion 2013 are Limited Edition Retailer Workshops. These new workshops are special in-depth sessions on selected relevant topics, with a small class size—perfect for discussion. Attendees will have the chance to spend quality time with Centurion's various speakers on Sunday and Monday mornings, in an intimate setting, with lots of time for questions and brainstorming. Attendees must sign up in advance as seating is limited.

The Limited Edition Retailer Workshops are:

• Retailers Sharing Centurion Lines That Work, Gail Friedman, Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelry;
• Building a Working Team, (Commander Retired) Mike Abrashoff;
• What Do You Do When a Wholesaler Moves into Your Market? Jennifer Demmary and Lori Roberts, Reis Nichols Jewelers;
• E-mail Marketing-How to Reach Your Clients Today, Ron Cates, Constant Contact;
• Technology Show & Tell, moderated by The Knot’s Laura Cave, featuring retailers Ronda Daily and Ashley Daily, Bremer Jewelry; and Julia Gardner, David Gardner’s Jewelers.

"As always, we put a lot of thought and effort into our educational offers," said Hauben. "We believe our attendees will enjoy and learn from this program."

Centurion 2013 show dates are Saturday, February 2 (arrival day) through Wednesday, 6, 2013 (departure day) in Scottsdale, AZ. For information, contact Howard Hauben at hh@h2consult.com or (516) 377-5909.