Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyEvents & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote Speaker
The author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Author, speaker, and entrepreneur Jesse Itzler will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” at the trade show’s keynote session on Saturday, May 30 at 8 a.m.
Norwalk, Conn.—Jesse Itzler, a renowned entrepreneur, endurance athlete, and New York Times bestselling author, will deliver the keynote address at JCK Las Vegas on Saturday morning.
His session, “Spiritual Billionaire,” will explore how risk-taking, perspective, and hustle fueled his success as a rapper, runner, and entrepreneur, and how attendees can apply these principles to their own lives.
Itzler has built and sold multiple companies, including Marquis Jet, which was acquired by Warren Buffett’s NetJets; Zico Coconut Water, which was acquired by Coca-Cola; and the extreme endurance challenge 29029 Everesting, which was acquired by iFit.
Itzler is also an endurance competitor. In 2022, at age 53, he completed Ultraman—a triathlon comprising a 6.2-mile open ocean swim, a 261.4-mile bike ride, and a 52.4-mile ultra-marathon run—and he has also finished a 100-mile ultramarathon.
Throughout his career, he has sought to prove that the most meaningful growth happens when you intentionally seek challenge, discomfort, and adventure in both business and life.
Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Itzler launched a music career as a rapper on MTV, managed Run-DMC, and wrote the New York Knicks’ anthem.
These unconventional early chapters shaped his belief that you don’t have to be the smartest in the room, but you must be the most passionate.
Itzler is the New York Times bestselling author of “Living with a SEAL” and “Living with Monks,” and the creator of Big Ass Calendar, which shows an entire calendar year on one oversized page.
However, Itzler is most proud of his family and the life they are building. He and his wife Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, share four children together.
The keynote session will take place on Saturday in the Marcello Ballroom on Level 3 of the Venetian. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., and the session begins at 8 a.m.
Related stories will be right here …
His session, “Spiritual Billionaire,” will explore how risk-taking, perspective, and hustle fueled his success as a rapper, runner, and entrepreneur, and how attendees can apply these principles to their own lives.
Itzler has built and sold multiple companies, including Marquis Jet, which was acquired by Warren Buffett’s NetJets; Zico Coconut Water, which was acquired by Coca-Cola; and the extreme endurance challenge 29029 Everesting, which was acquired by iFit.
Itzler is also an endurance competitor. In 2022, at age 53, he completed Ultraman—a triathlon comprising a 6.2-mile open ocean swim, a 261.4-mile bike ride, and a 52.4-mile ultra-marathon run—and he has also finished a 100-mile ultramarathon.
Throughout his career, he has sought to prove that the most meaningful growth happens when you intentionally seek challenge, discomfort, and adventure in both business and life.
Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Itzler launched a music career as a rapper on MTV, managed Run-DMC, and wrote the New York Knicks’ anthem.
These unconventional early chapters shaped his belief that you don’t have to be the smartest in the room, but you must be the most passionate.
Itzler is the New York Times bestselling author of “Living with a SEAL” and “Living with Monks,” and the creator of Big Ass Calendar, which shows an entire calendar year on one oversized page.
However, Itzler is most proud of his family and the life they are building. He and his wife Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, share four children together.
The keynote session will take place on Saturday in the Marcello Ballroom on Level 3 of the Venetian. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., and the session begins at 8 a.m.
In addition to the keynote, there will also be sessions providing practical insights and strategies tailored to the jewelry and watch industry through the JCK Talks education program.
The JCK Talks sessions are free for all attendees.
Topic categories include AI and analytics, business management, hot topics, marketing, regulations/governance and ethics, retail trends, social media, and an all-new watches track.
The sessions started Thursday in the Venetian 101 meeting room on Level 1.
From Friday to Sunday, they will take place on the Showcase and Spotlight stages on the show floor.
The new JCK Talks Signature Series will debut this year, offering advanced sessions designed to deliver even deeper insights, organizers said.
Program highlights include a Harvard Business Case Study as well as a “Trends & Outlook” session led by an industry veteran, exploring the economic indicators influencing the jewelry industry today.
A JCK Pro badge is required for the JCK Talks Signature Series sessions.
This year’s program has also expanded to include new workshops and lectures focused on watches presented by the Fondation Haute Horlogerie (FHH).
Workshops will take place Friday through Sunday and focus on the disassembly and reassembly of a mechanical movement.
Lectures focusing on watchmaking complications and iconic watches will take place on Saturday and Sunday.
“This year's education program offers a truly elevated experience that provides more than any in our history,” said JCK Event Director Jennifer Hopf.
“We're bringing together some of the brightest minds to inspire meaningful growth and collaboration. Jesse Itzler brings a bold energy and a fresh perspective on success that will deeply resonate with our attendees.
“We designed the 2026 program to challenge our industry to think differently and grow intentionally. With an inspiring keynote from Jesse, expert-led JCK Talks, our new Signature Series Program, and immersive FHH watchmaking sessions, this year is not to be missed,” Hopf said.
View the complete education schedule, including specific session times and speaker details here.
Registration for retailers and attending professionals can be found here.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
