IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
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.
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.
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.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
Weekly QuizJun 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CollectionThe “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural DiamondsSignatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement RingThe singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ BraceletThe bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry HeistThe heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’sThe 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.
EditorsJun 18, 2025
Q&A: Caryl Capeci Dives Into Cruise Jewelry ShoppingThe Starboard Cruises SVP discusses who is shopping for jewelry on ships, how much they’re spending, and why brands should get on board.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
16th-Century ‘Gresham Grasshopper’ Ring Sells for $56KThe historic signet ring exceeded its estimate at Noonans Mayfair’s jewelry auction this week.
CollectionsJun 18, 2025
Kirk Kara Celebrates 135 Years With New JewelsTo mark the milestone, the brand is introducing new non-bridal fine jewelry designs for the first time in two decades.
SourcingJun 18, 2025
Gemfields Sells 36-Carat Rough RubyThe gemstone is the third most valuable ruby to come out of the Montepuez mine, Gemfields said.
TechnologyJun 18, 2025
Alex Brown Named President of Smithee GroupFounder and longtime CEO Ben Smithee will stay with the agency, transitioning into the role of founding partner and strategic advisor.
EditorsJun 17, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 1Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 of her favorite pieces from the jewelry collections that debuted at Couture.
ColumnistsJun 17, 2025
Peter Smith: Is Your Comp Plan a Hiring Hindrance?If you want to attract good salespeople and generate a stream of “sleeping money” for your jewelry store, then you are going to have to pay.
AuctionsJun 17, 2025
Colored Gemstones, Signed Jewels Shine in Sotheby’s High Jewelry SaleThe top lot was a colorless Graff diamond, followed by a Burmese ruby necklace by Marcus & Co.
MajorsJun 17, 2025
Amanda Gizzi Gets a Promotion at JAGizzi, who has been in the industry since 2001, is now Jewelers of America’s senior vice president of corporate affairs.
