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‘Out of the Jewel Box Experience’ to Debut in Tucson
The inaugural event proposes flexible hours and a relaxed, collaborative space.
A colorful assortment of sapphires from Sorbet Sapphire (prices upon request)
Tucson, Ariz.—A new showcase, Out of the Jewel Box (OJB), is making its debut at the Tucson gem and mineral shows. It’s co-organized by Manos Phoundoulakis of Gold and Smoke.
The event will be held at the Tucson Scottish Rite Cathedral from Thursday, Feb. 1 to Saturday, Feb. 3, and feature exhibitors such as Sorbet Sapphire, GemGroup Sweden, Integrity Gems and others.
Organizers called the showcase a “unique departure” from the traditional trade show model and said it’s designed not to compete with established shows but rather to propose an alternative concept.
The offering is meant to provide attendees and exhibitors a distinctive platform for “jewelry exploration,” according to the show, in an intimate and relaxed setting for networking, product showcasing and immersive business interactions.
A dedicated lounge area will be available to pre-registered attendees as an alternative to a coffee shop or hotel room for meetings, discussions and relaxing. The area is designed to facilitate networking and collaborative work, OJB said.
As part of the show’s “flexible networking” feature, exhibitors are encouraged to schedule appointments in advance of the show, allowing for vendors to come and go from the venue as needed.
This approach allows for a slower pace, organizers said, while still maintaining a dynamic and adaptable environment for meaningful business interactions.
The flexible hours are also part of OBJ’s cost-efficient showcase design, allowing vendors to spend time outside the booth exploring other shows and networking, as the venue is walking distance from the Tucson Convention Center.
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The event will be held at the Tucson Scottish Rite Cathedral from Thursday, Feb. 1 to Saturday, Feb. 3, and feature exhibitors such as Sorbet Sapphire, GemGroup Sweden, Integrity Gems and others.
Organizers called the showcase a “unique departure” from the traditional trade show model and said it’s designed not to compete with established shows but rather to propose an alternative concept.
The offering is meant to provide attendees and exhibitors a distinctive platform for “jewelry exploration,” according to the show, in an intimate and relaxed setting for networking, product showcasing and immersive business interactions.
A dedicated lounge area will be available to pre-registered attendees as an alternative to a coffee shop or hotel room for meetings, discussions and relaxing. The area is designed to facilitate networking and collaborative work, OJB said.
As part of the show’s “flexible networking” feature, exhibitors are encouraged to schedule appointments in advance of the show, allowing for vendors to come and go from the venue as needed.
This approach allows for a slower pace, organizers said, while still maintaining a dynamic and adaptable environment for meaningful business interactions.
The flexible hours are also part of OBJ’s cost-efficient showcase design, allowing vendors to spend time outside the booth exploring other shows and networking, as the venue is walking distance from the Tucson Convention Center.
"We are thrilled to introduce the Out of the Jewel Box Experience to the Tucson community. This event is an ‘out of the box’ approach to conducting business in a unique way. Maintaining the concept of a celebration of artistry, craftsmanship, and innovation, but presenting it in a relaxed environment. Attendees can expect a curated showcase of exceptional goods in a social atmosphere designed for networking as well as relaxing," said Phoundoulakis.
"We were seeking an opportunity to showcase our goods in a secure and professional setting, and to have the flexibility to get out from behind the booth and do the work that we need to do throughout the city of Tucson. I have always wanted to exhibit at a show that is relaxed enough that we can put our feet up and have a nice casual conversation about how we can grow with our customers.”
The show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
OJB will host a free "Cool Kids" happy hour Feb. 1 from 4:30 – 7 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, beginning with a live painting demo by designer and jewelry rendering teacher Rémy Rotenier. Pre-registration to attend the happy hour is required.
A piece from exhibitor Rémy Roteneir’s jewelry brooch collection, “Rémanimals,” which features miniature hand-painted portraits of dressed-up animals. ($4,900)
There will be cocktails, gemstone and jewelry giveaways, and more.
As OJB is a trade-only event, verified wholesale buyers and members of the press must register beforehand or at the door. Those attending the AGTA GemFair will be granted access to the event without registering but will still be required to show government ID, according to OJB’s website.
For more information, to view the event schedule or register, visit the OJB Experience website.
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