Events & AwardsAug 05, 2021
WJA’s Awards for Excellence Will Be In Person Again This FallEvents & AwardsAug 06, 2021
RJO’s ‘Next Generation Experience’ Is Back
Providing education and networking opportunities, the event is slated for Sept. 11-13 in Oak Brook, Illinois.
RJO’s Next Generation Experience will be held Sept. 11-13 in Illinois.
Newtown, Iowa—The Retail Jewelers Organization is bringing back its biennial Next Generation Experience in 2021.
The event is slated for Sept. 11-13 at the Hyatt Lodge at McDonald’s Campus in Oak Brook, Illinois.
Designed for the next generation of jewelry professions, the event will provide opportunities for networking, building connections, and educational sessions.
RJO is bringing speakers like Kate Peterson from Performance Concepts, Sam Centellas from Outsight Design and Consulting, and Joe McGarragher, tax partner at RSM US LLP, to present informational sessions, panel discussions, and facilitate idea exchanges.
“We are thrilled to be bringing back this special event to the RJO community. After several postponements due to the events of 2020, we have revamped our curriculum to provide strategies to analyze your business, the importance of community involvement, understanding your financial statements, communicating effectively, and so much more,” RJO CEO Sarah Streb said.
“The next gen community is shifting, and the goal of the experience is to provide impactful lessons for all attendees. It is not only for the face of traditional multi-generational succession, but also for individuals involved in non-family transfers as well as a way for store owners to invest in the fresh, promising faces they employ. One of the greatest benefits of this weekend is connecting with like-minded peers; building friendships that provide an invaluable network for those facing the same successes and challenges.”
Registration is happening now through Friday, Aug. 13.
For more information about registering for RJO’s Next Gen Experience, contact Sabrina Smead at 1-800-247-1774 or sabrina@rjomembers.com.
Related stories will be right here …
The event is slated for Sept. 11-13 at the Hyatt Lodge at McDonald’s Campus in Oak Brook, Illinois.
Designed for the next generation of jewelry professions, the event will provide opportunities for networking, building connections, and educational sessions.
RJO is bringing speakers like Kate Peterson from Performance Concepts, Sam Centellas from Outsight Design and Consulting, and Joe McGarragher, tax partner at RSM US LLP, to present informational sessions, panel discussions, and facilitate idea exchanges.
“We are thrilled to be bringing back this special event to the RJO community. After several postponements due to the events of 2020, we have revamped our curriculum to provide strategies to analyze your business, the importance of community involvement, understanding your financial statements, communicating effectively, and so much more,” RJO CEO Sarah Streb said.
“The next gen community is shifting, and the goal of the experience is to provide impactful lessons for all attendees. It is not only for the face of traditional multi-generational succession, but also for individuals involved in non-family transfers as well as a way for store owners to invest in the fresh, promising faces they employ. One of the greatest benefits of this weekend is connecting with like-minded peers; building friendships that provide an invaluable network for those facing the same successes and challenges.”
Registration is happening now through Friday, Aug. 13.
For more information about registering for RJO’s Next Gen Experience, contact Sabrina Smead at 1-800-247-1774 or sabrina@rjomembers.com.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
Lab-GrownJul 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Changes Her Mind on Lab-Grown DiamondsThe designer, who once said she’d never sell lab-grown diamonds, debuted two capsule collections designed to be fun and easy to wear.
SourcingJul 13, 2026
De Beers Announces Potential Layoffs, 2-Year Production Pause at VenetiaThe diamond miner and marketer is undergoing another round of cost-cutting measures ahead of its sale by Anglo American.
TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
