Events & Awards

From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a Tradeshow

Brought to you by

From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a Tradeshow

Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.

Header image w logo.jpg

Brought To You By Jewelers Mutual Group


Attending a trade show is an exciting opportunity to showcase your merchandise, expand your network, and engage with potential customers in a dynamic atmosphere. But they also come with significant risks that pose serious security challenges. Here are ten essential tips to help you plan and execute a safe, successful trade show experience.
 
1. Cover Your Bases
While Jewelers Block policies safeguard goods on-premises, coverage for trade shows isn't automatic. It is important to check with your insurance company and review your coverage limits ideally at least one month in advance, to ensure you have proper protection to, from and during the show.
 
2. Primed and Prepped
Before hitting the road, equip your booth staff with thorough security training. Encourage vigilance, maintain eye contact with customers, and never leave valuables unattended.
 
Consider a training program with a travel training module like Jeweler Safety and Security Academy from Jewelers Mutual and supported by Jewelers’ Security Alliance (JSA) and UL Solutions. 
 
3. Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Secure transportation is essential for you, your staff and your merchandise. Ship your goods to and from the show by an armored courier service. Verify end-of-show shipping arrangements several days before the show closes. Account for all received shipped boxes and never leave them unattended.
 
Keep your travel plans confidential. Only share travel itinerary, flight, hotel and car rental details with a close circle of known associates.
 
4. The Right Track(er)
Invest in GPS trackers. They are great for keeping track of things like personal luggage, bags and containers stored in exhibit booths. In the event of a loss, you’ll be able to track your property using your phone or tablet. These devices are often inexpensive and can be easily purchased at local electronic retailers. 
 
tradeshow image.jpg

5. Team Effort
 
Trade shows can be hectic. Be sure you have enough staff to properly manage your booth. Not having enough staff coverage opens you up to greater risks. 
 
Don’t go it alone!
 
6.  In the Booth 
Booth awareness is key to protecting your merchandise during show hours. Never leave your booth unattended during show hours, as this could void your insurance coverage. Provide personalized attention to each customer and exhibit only one item at a time. 
 
Securely display merchandise behind lockable cases when not being showcased. Be wary of "switch" thefts – carefully check each piece returned by a customer. Perform a thorough inventory three times daily – morning, afternoon, and closing. Ensure all items are inventoried, secured in protective packaging, and stored appropriately overnight.

7. Cashing Out
Minimize the amount of cash kept at your booth. Be sure to have credit and debit payment options through secure payment processing systems. Encourage buyers to use these methods for payment. Utilize secure overnight deposit services to keep your cash takings safe.
 
8. Handling Merch
Maintain a detailed record of all exhibited jewelry, including grading information, serial numbers, and high-quality photos, especially for unique pieces. This information is crucial for law enforcement and insurance companies in case of loss.
 
Upon arrival at the trade show site, immediately secure your valuables in a designated vault. Never leave merchandise or valuables unattended before, during, or after show hours. Avoid storing valuables in your hotel room. Be especially vigilant during booth setup and breakdown as these are particularly vulnerable times.
 
9. Keep a Low Profile
Blend in. Try not to draw attention to yourself. Avoid broadcasting your exact location, room number, or anything that could compromise your safety, especially on social media. 
 
Never conduct business outside the designated exhibit area or in hotel rooms. Remove your badge or anything else that may identify you as a jeweler, and don’t tell strangers why you are in Las Vegas.
 
10. Post-Show Highlights
Congratulations on a successful show! Now is a perfect time to review and analyze your experience – what worked well? What can be improved? Refine your security plan based on lessons learned and feedback received from your staff and attendees.
 
A prosperous tradeshow experience hinges on detailed planning, vigilant execution, and proper training like Jewelers Mutual’s Jeweler Safety and Security Academy. By following these ten tips, you can maximize opportunities while minimizing risks, allowing you to showcase your brilliance. Have a safe and enjoyable trade show season.
 

The Latest

Alex Consani in Pandora Talisman campaign
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues

The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.

Stock image of loose polished diamonds
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds

General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.

Counterfeit Cartier Love bracelet
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry

The package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Jessica McCormack South Coast Plaza California Store Exterior
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast Store

The new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.

Weekly QuizAug 27, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Kate Spade Movado watches
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in Watches

The fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.

Retrouvaí flying pig signet ring
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale Report

The report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.

1872-x-1052-July-ad (1).png
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

AGTA 17th edition gemstone information manual
Lab-GrownAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’

The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”

Hand pushing a shopping cart
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties

Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.

Boucheron Goutte Eternity Question Mark
TrendsAug 26, 2026
Boucheron’s New Campaign Celebrates Its ‘Question Mark’ Necklaces

The campaign highlights the asymmetrical high jewelry necklace style that the jeweler first created in 1879.

Alnesha Bianca Handy and James Arthur Graves Graham Jr.
CrimeAug 25, 2026
Florida Woman Scammed Out of $1.5M in Jewelry, Precious Metals

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.

Technology Therapy Group Founder and CEO Jennifer Shaheen
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to Buy

In her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.

Brent Neale x Blackberry Farm Blackberry Pendants
TrendsAug 25, 2026
Brent Neale Celebrates Blackberry Farm’s Anniversary With Jewelry

The jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.

Genna Zimmer Reeds Jewelers
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in Business

The third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.

Rio Grande Metalwerx Argentium Silver leaves
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver Workshop

The class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.

Jewelry at JIS Miami
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 Registration

The show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Francesca Villa Empress Joséphine Necklace
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New Capsule

The “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.

Interior of Dick’s Sporting Goods store
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRF

The retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.

Daniel Bing
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMO

Daniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.

Bijules x Kamyen Topspin Tennis Bracelet in Grass Green
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US Open

In our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”

Graphic for Episode 8 of the My Next Question podcast
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLinden

The industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.

Gemstone AI app screenshots
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is Here

Founder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.

Verdura unicorn brooch
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home

The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.

Lianna Carter, Lauren Edwards, Thomas Koslowski, Erin Perry, Heran Wang
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship Winners

The five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.

The Plumb Club 2026-2027 Executive Committee and Board Members
MajorsAug 20, 2026
Plumb Club Elects 2026-2027 Board

Steven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.

Mike Alexander and Scott Murphy
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO

Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.

×

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