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

Taylor Swift Engaged
EditorsAug 27, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Is a Fairy Tale for Vintage Diamond Cuts

The singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.

11,685-carat Imboo emerald
SourcingAug 27, 2025
11,685-Carat Emerald Recovered From Zambia’s Kagem Mine

Dubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.

Shopping cart
SurveysAug 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Slips in August Amid Job, Income Worries

Plans for dining out, booking vacations, and buying big-ticket items were down.

japac-btyb.png
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key Issues

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Mine + Found Play Collection Prize Bubble Locket, Whistle Pendent, Fortune Dice
CollectionsAug 27, 2025
Mined + Found’s New Collection Gets Playful

The “Play” collection centers on nostalgic toys that have kinetic elements to carry playfulness and wonder into adulthood.

Weekly QuizAug 22, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
CCWW lifesaver necklace
CollectionsAug 26, 2025
Does Your Jewelry Stack Need a Snack?

Designer Christina Puchi, the creative force behind CCWW Designs, has created charms and pendants based on iconic candies and crackers.

Nick Jonas x Fossil Campaign
WatchesAug 26, 2025
Nick Jonas Gets Nostalgic in New Fossil Campaign

The Jonas Brothers star showed off new timepieces against the backdrop of his favorite spots in his home state of New Jersey.

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.

Wally Hinkamp and Donna Hinkamp Warren
IndependentsAug 26, 2025
Hinkamp Jewelers Celebrates 70 Years

The family-owned jeweler in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is in the hands of the second generation.

Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsAug 26, 2025
Back to School, Back to Style: Why August is Prime Time for Self-Gifting

In his latest column, Emmanuel Raheb shares tips for encouraging customers to treat themselves to new jewelry.

London Jewelers Rolex East Hampton Boutique Exterior
WatchesAug 25, 2025
London Jewelers Brings Rolex to Historic Hamptons Home

The new stand-alone Rolex boutique is housed in the former Odd Fellows Hall, a landmark built in 1897.

Madison Keys
CollectionsAug 25, 2025
Tennis Star Madison Keys Has the Perfect Necklace for the US Open

The Brilliant Earth ambassador co-designed a diamond medallion featuring meaningful symbols.

Marie Lichtenberg emerald and diamond locket on the 18-karat gold “Rosa” chain
TrendsAug 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: That’s a Wrap

Wrap jewelry is more than just a trend; it’s the perfect motif for the coming season of layering, scarves, and pumpkin spice.

WatchTime New York
WatchesAug 25, 2025
WatchTime NY Show Returns for 10th Anniversary Edition

The three-day watch collector show, coming this October, will feature 44 exhibiting brands, as well as a new dinner experience.

Sriram “Ram” Natarajan
GradingAug 22, 2025
Former Head of GIA India Promoted to Oversee Global Operations

Sriram “Ram” Natarajan is now GIA’s senior vice president of laboratory operations and is based out of the lab’s headquarters in Carlsbad.

Retrouvaí Diamond Vein Bond Collar
CollectionsAug 22, 2025
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s ‘Diamond Vein Bond’ Collar

The one-of-a-kind collar represents the beauty of imperfection and the strength to rebuild.

Kendra Scott
MajorsAug 22, 2025
Kendra Scott Returns as CEO of Her Jewelry Empire

Three C-suite executives, including former CEO Tom Nolan, have resigned as part of what the company describes as a “transition.”

Claire’s storefront
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Claire’s Finds Buyer, Could Save up to 950 Stores

The retailer, which recently filed Chapter 11, inked a deal to sell its North American business and intellectual property.

Target CEO Brian Cornell and COO Michael Fiddelke
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Target Names New CEO as Sales Continue to Lag

Target CEO Brian Cornell will step down in February and be replaced by the company’s chief operating officer, Michael Fiddelke.

Jewelers of America in Washington DC
Policies & IssuesAug 21, 2025
JA, IDMA Talk Tariffs With Execs in DC

The group met with the president's senior trade advisor earlier this week to express the industry’s concerns about the effects of tariffs.

Tiffany & Co. Pop Up at U.S. Open
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Pops Up at 2025 US Open

The pop-up will display this year's Tiffany & Co. Singles Championship trophies along with a diamond-encrusted tennis racket and ball.

Bellman’s Jewelers The Truthful Jeweler Alex Bellman
IndependentsAug 20, 2025
Bellman’s Jewelers Opens Second Store After COO's TikTok Takes Off

The New Hampshire-based store has expanded to Boston, propelled by the success of Alex Bellman’s TikTok page, “The Truthful Jeweler.”

Stock image of police cars with lights flashing
CrimeAug 20, 2025
Another CA Jewelry Store Rammed With Car, Robbed

The latest incident happened Monday at a store in Oakland, California, continuing a pattern JSA first warned about last month.

Oris New York Harbor Limited Edition II Watch
WatchesAug 20, 2025
Oris Launches Watch Benefiting NYC Harbor Oyster Restoration

The new aqua green New York Harbor Limited Edition II is the watchmaker’s second collaboration with the Billion Oyster Project.

Lulo Rose pink diamond
SourcingAug 19, 2025
Dubai’s Jemora Group Buys Diamond Miner Lucapa

The investment company, founded by Dev Shetty, has acquired the struggling miner and its assets, including the Lulo mine in Angola.

National Jeweler columnist and jewelry sales expert Peter Smith
ColumnistsAug 19, 2025
Peter Smith: The Arrival Fallacy and Jewelry Retail

Smith shares wisdom he gleaned from a podcast he was listening to one morning while being walked by his dog, a Malshi named Sophie.

Fake Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra earrings
CrimeAug 19, 2025
Customs Seizes 7,300 Pairs of Fake ‘Alhambra’ Earrings

The counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels jewels would have been worth more than $30 million if genuine.

×

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