Events & AwardsNov 14, 2025
JCK Names New Event DirectorEvents & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event
The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
The Continental Buying Group’s Miami event is set for Jan. 19-21, 2026.
Miami—The Continental Buying Group has announced the speaker lineup for its Miami event next year.
The three-day show will take place Jan. 19-21, 2026, at the JW Marriott Turnberry in Aventura, Florida.
It will feature opportunities for networking and private buying, as well as educational offerings.
On Monday, Jan. 19, Sara E. Yood, president, CEO, and general counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, will provide an in-depth look at the current legal, regulatory, and ethical landscape shaping the industry heading into 2026.
Rob Bates, the award-winning longtime news director of JCK, will present on Tuesday, Jan. 20, sharing his perspective on the state of the jewelry business, the forces shaping consumer behavior, and the emerging trends for the upcoming year.
On Wednesday, Jan. 21, Jennifer Shaheen, founder and president of Technology Therapy Group, will lead an immersive, hands-on workshop on using artificial intelligence (AI).
The workshop, titled “AI-Powered Retail: Transform Your Business with ChatGPT and Claude,” will cover mastering strategic prompting, competitive intelligence via review analysis, professional image evaluation and content creation, and choosing the right AI tool.
Shaheen will share practical, real-world use cases specific to jewelry operations and provide attendees with ready-to-use prompts, repeatable frameworks, and actionable strategies that can be immediately applied to elevate sales, marketing, and operations.
Related stories will be right here …
The three-day show will take place Jan. 19-21, 2026, at the JW Marriott Turnberry in Aventura, Florida.
It will feature opportunities for networking and private buying, as well as educational offerings.
On Monday, Jan. 19, Sara E. Yood, president, CEO, and general counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, will provide an in-depth look at the current legal, regulatory, and ethical landscape shaping the industry heading into 2026.
Rob Bates, the award-winning longtime news director of JCK, will present on Tuesday, Jan. 20, sharing his perspective on the state of the jewelry business, the forces shaping consumer behavior, and the emerging trends for the upcoming year.
On Wednesday, Jan. 21, Jennifer Shaheen, founder and president of Technology Therapy Group, will lead an immersive, hands-on workshop on using artificial intelligence (AI).
The workshop, titled “AI-Powered Retail: Transform Your Business with ChatGPT and Claude,” will cover mastering strategic prompting, competitive intelligence via review analysis, professional image evaluation and content creation, and choosing the right AI tool.
Shaheen will share practical, real-world use cases specific to jewelry operations and provide attendees with ready-to-use prompts, repeatable frameworks, and actionable strategies that can be immediately applied to elevate sales, marketing, and operations.
Throughout the morning sessions, CBG supplier partners will debut new products, highlight emerging innovations, and provide insights to help retailers capitalize on early-season opportunities.
Matt Tratner, president of CBG, said this year’s program was designed to be practical, hands-on, and immediately useful.
“Retailers will walk out of the CBG sessions and workshop with real tools they can apply the moment they get home, whether that is understanding the legal landscape, navigating the latest industry trends, or using AI to strengthen their sales, marketing, and day-to-day operations. Our goal is simple: give our members the clearest, most effective path to grow their business in the year ahead,” Tratner said.
Joe Murphy, CEO of CBG, added, “CBG’s mission has always been to give our retailers and suppliers the strongest community, the most trusted relationships, and the highest-value information in the industry.
“[The] Miami event continues that tradition with content that is timely, strategic, and deeply relevant to the challenges and opportunities ahead. Our speakers represent the very best voices in our field, and we are committed to delivering education that empowers our members to thrive in 2026 and beyond.”
For more information and to register for the Miami event, visit CBG’s website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
