Events & Awards

Sugar Ray Leonard to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

Events & AwardsApr 03, 2024

Sugar Ray Leonard to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

Organizers also announced details for JCK Talks, the show’s educational programming.

Sugar Ray Leonard
Boxing champion and television personality Sugar Ray Leonard will give the keynote address at JCK Las Vegas on Saturday, June 1.
Norwalk, Conn.—JCK has announced professional boxer Sugar Ray Leonard will give the keynote address at its upcoming trade show in Las Vegas.

He will present "The Power to Win!" on Saturday, June 1, in the San Polo Ballroom inside the Venetian. 

Doors will open at 8 a.m. and the session will begin at 8:30 a.m.

Leonard is a boxing champion in five weight divisions, as well as an Olympic gold medalist, and he has been inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, the World Boxing Hall of Fame, and the United States Olympic Hall of Fame.

He is also a bestselling author, television personality, ringside analyst, philanthropist, and founder of the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation

In his keynote address, Leonard will delve into the universal principles of success, drawing parallels between achievements in athletics and business, JCK said.  

He will provide insights on discipline, focus, determination, preparation, attitude, and overcoming challenges. 

“Sugar Ray Leonard is an enormously charismatic figure, and we are excited for him to share his powerful journey of what it took to reach his dreams of Olympic gold and get to the top of his professional boxing career, and then transition from life as an athlete to a successful entrepreneur,” said Sarin Bachmann, group vice president for the RX jewelry portfolio and event leader for JCK. 

“We know all that attend will leave with renewed enthusiasm and a commitment to being the best.”  

 Related stories will be right here … 

JCK has also announced details for JCK Talks, the show’s educational component.

Free and open to all attendees, the sessions will take place throughout the show, which is slated for May 31 to June 3 and held at the Venetian. Luxury will be open May 29 to June 3 with invitation-only days on May 29-30.

“In addition to the JCK Keynote, the JCK Talks educational programming will feature a purposefully curated, insightful, relevant, and inspiring lineup of sessions, providing attendees with actionable takeaways from subject matter experts and industry thought leaders,” said Bachmann.

The JCK Talks 101 sessions, which JCK said are designed to help show attendees expand their skillsets, will begin Thursday, May 30, conducted in a classroom-style setting off the show floor.   

On the show floor, additional talks are scheduled to take place on the Showcase Stage and Social Stage, from May 31 to June 2. 

The Showcase Stage, located on level 2 of the show floor, will feature sessions each hour, with the first talk beginning at 10 a.m. and the last talk starting at 5 p.m. each day. 

Sessions on this stage will include multiperspective panels and single-speaker sessions.

The sessions are categorized by eight main topics, including hot topics, trends, business management, sales, innovation, sustainability and ethics, development, and marketing.

The JCK Social Stage, also located on level 2, will host 30-minute sessions from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day.

On this stage, panel talks and demonstrations will be led by digital strategists, content creators, and influencers.

Presenters will offer practical knowledge on how to enhance online presence and provide actionable takeaways for content creation, social media engagement, growth, and cultivating authenticity. 

Friday’s sessions will focus on content, Saturday’s will be on data and analytics, and Sunday’s will offer how-to education.

The JCK Keynote and JCK Talks sessions are free to all attendees on a first-come seating basis. Seating is limited and a badge is required to attend all sessions.

The full schedule of programming and events are on JCK’s website

The Latest

Brilliant Earth Jolie Mosaics engagement ring
FinancialsAug 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 3% as Engagement Ring Sales Rise

The company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.

Rahaminov Diamonds Emerald-Cut Diamond Bezel Bangle
TrendsAug 08, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rahaminov Diamonds’ Bezel Bangle

The brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.

Black and white photo of Tony Bennett near a microphone
WatchesAug 07, 2025
Bulova’s New Collection Honors Tony Bennett

The first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Sapphire page in Chatham’s “Ultimate Lab-Grown Catalog”
Lab-GrownAug 07, 2025
Chatham Releases Catalog for Loose Lab-Grown Gemstones

The catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.

Weekly QuizAug 08, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Rembrandt Blue Jay, Hummingbird, Cardinal Bird Charms
TechnologyAug 07, 2025
Rembrandt Charms Debuts New Website, Bird Charms

The company added a retailer dashboard to its site and three new birds to its charm collection, the cardinal, blue jay, and hummingbird.

Shipping containers on a ship
Policies & IssuesAug 06, 2025
Tariff on India to Rise to 50%, Trump Says

An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Claire’s storefront
MajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Again

The jewelry and accessories retailer plans to close 18 stores as part of the proceedings.

Smith & Son Jewelers storefront Springfield Massachusetts
IndependentsAug 06, 2025
Smith & Son Jewelers to Close 107-Year-Old Location

Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.

Zahn-Z Beluga Spout Grey Spinel Ring and Beluga Spout Mandarin Garnet Ring
CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ Collection

Designer Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.

Paola De Luca presenting Trendbook 2026+ at Vicenzaoro
TrendsAug 06, 2025
Paola De Luca to Release Trendbook 2027+

She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.

Omar Roy mugshot
CrimeAug 05, 2025
Report: Suspect Arrested in 1992 Murder of Miami Jeweler

Omar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.

Mignon Faget Beyond Katrina Pendant and Beyond Katrina Pin
CollectionsAug 05, 2025
Mignon Faget Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

The New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsAug 05, 2025
The PR Adviser: Affiliate Marketing Is the Cost of Coverage

Lilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.

2026 Gem Awards logo
Events & AwardsAug 04, 2025
Gem Awards, David Yurman Introduce $50K Grant for Emerging Designers

The winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.

Marlo Laz peridot and diamond Alexandra earrings
TrendsAug 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: August’s Bright Baubles

As summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.

Surveillance image of Watch King robbery suspect
CrimeAug 04, 2025
‘The Watch King’ Assaulted, Robbed in Queens

Moshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.

Xavier Dibbrell
MajorsAug 04, 2025
Borsheims Welcomes New Assistant Facilities Manager

Xavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.

Signet Jewelers logo
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Helzberg President Julie Yoakum Moves Over to Signet Jewelers

The addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.

Mike Alexander
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names Mike Alexander as President

The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.

 Gemfields rough rubies
SourcingAug 01, 2025
Gemfields’ Auction Revenue Drops 50% in H1

The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.

Hernsdorf Tears of Aphrodite Necklace
CollectionsAug 01, 2025
Piece of the Week: Hernsdorf’s ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ Necklace

The necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.

Stock image of a polished diamonds being held by tweezers
SourcingJul 31, 2025
De Beers Records $189M First-Half Loss

The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.

Lindsey Scoggins Studio convertible flower earrings
Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award Winners

Jewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.

Matthew Tratner, new president of Continental Buying Group
IndependentsJul 31, 2025
Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President

Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.

Stock image of rough diamonds from the Kimberley mine
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says

The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy