Events & AwardsJan 28, 2025
Here Is the 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson Educational LineupEvents & AwardsJan 23, 2025
Plumb Club Announces Speaker Lineup for Symposium ‘25
The second annual learning forum for retailers is slated for March 13 at City Winery in Pier 57 in New York City.
The speakers at Symposium ’25 include, (top row, from left to right) Erica Keswin, Paul Aaron, Chris Voss, (middle row) Seth Mattison, Sheena Iyengar, Victoria Gomelsky, (bottom row) Frank Cespedes, and Charles Duhigg.
New York—The Plumb Club, in partnership with JCK and its sponsor Jewelers Mutual, will present its second annual Symposium this spring.
Symposium ’25 is slated for March 13 at City Winery in Pier 57 in New York City, the day before the Gem Awards.
The one-day event will offer retailer-focused learning and executive networking, said The Plumb Club.
Industry leaders, top retail executives, and key buyers will be invited to attend the event, organizers said.
Organizers previously announced some changes have been made based on retailer feedback on last year’s event.
There will be a new format, venue, and roster of key topics and speakers, all shaped by input from the event’s retail advisory committee.
“We were thrilled with the success of our inaugural Symposium event in 2024, and we got great feedback from attendees. Additionally, we learned about the needs and desires of the attending retailers. This is why we created a committee of renowned retail companies to help us build the most comprehensive event, filled with information that directly impacts our customers,” said Roger Forman, president of The Plumb Club.
“An informed and knowledgeable industry is beneficial for everyone. Symposium ’25 further underscores two key pillars of The Plumb Club, which are education and innovation in the jewelry space.”
Related stories will be right here …
Symposium ’25 is slated for March 13 at City Winery in Pier 57 in New York City, the day before the Gem Awards.
The one-day event will offer retailer-focused learning and executive networking, said The Plumb Club.
Industry leaders, top retail executives, and key buyers will be invited to attend the event, organizers said.
Organizers previously announced some changes have been made based on retailer feedback on last year’s event.
There will be a new format, venue, and roster of key topics and speakers, all shaped by input from the event’s retail advisory committee.
“We were thrilled with the success of our inaugural Symposium event in 2024, and we got great feedback from attendees. Additionally, we learned about the needs and desires of the attending retailers. This is why we created a committee of renowned retail companies to help us build the most comprehensive event, filled with information that directly impacts our customers,” said Roger Forman, president of The Plumb Club.
“An informed and knowledgeable industry is beneficial for everyone. Symposium ’25 further underscores two key pillars of The Plumb Club, which are education and innovation in the jewelry space.”
The day will begin at 8 a.m. with a networking breakfast buffet, followed by a keynote speech from 9 to 9:50 a.m. by Erica Keswin, brand advisor and workplace strategist.
Her session titled “Becoming a Great Human Leader in the Age of AI” will discuss employee engagement, retention, and work-life balance.
After, there will be a breakout session from 10 to 10:50 a.m. on implementing the fundamentals of HR and employee engagement in various businesses.
Next, from 11 a.m. to noon, “Jewelry’s Next Frontier: Unlocking AI for Innovation” will be presented by Paul Aaron, CEO and co-founder of Addition, an AI research and development company, who will speak on AI jewelry applications.
After a break for lunch, Chris Voss, former FBI lead hostage negotiator and CEO and founder of Black Swan Group Ltd., will discuss employee engagement and communications in his keynote from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Two presentations, track A and track B, will be offered from 2:45 to 3:35 p.m.
In track A, “Common Ground - Driving Growth Across the Generations,” workforce strategist and management trend spotter Seth Mattison will speak on the areas of connection across generations, both within the company and for the customer.
Meanwhile, Sheena Iyengar, director of global leadership at Matrix, will present “Think Bigger: Make Meaningful Choices to Spark Innovation.” Her presentation will focus on the power of choice and on meaningful choices to spark innovation.
Two presentations will also be offered from 3:45 to 4:35 p.m.
As track A, a panel of retailers and suppliers will speak on how each discipline can aid each other. It will be moderated by Victoria Gomelsky, editor-in-chief of JCK Magazine.
At the same time, Frank Cespedes, professor and senior lecturer at Harvard University and faculty chair of the Aligning Strategy and Sales executive program at Harvard Business School, will present a two-part session titled “Sales and Performance Management – Giving Effective Feedback.”
He will lead a case study that continues into track B of the next session's time frame.
The final grouping of sessions will run from 4:45 to 5:35 p.m., with journalist Charles Duhigg, host of the “How-To!” podcast, presenting “Super Communicators: The Power of Conversation and Hidden Language of Connection.” He will discuss how people communicate and how to navigate important conversations to connect with anyone.
The event will conclude with a cocktail reception from 5:35 to 8 p.m., including interactive wine tastings and cheese pairings with expert sommeliers.
Retailers interested in attending the event can register for consideration and find more information on The Plumb Club’s website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyOfficials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
