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
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEOThe organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
