Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability SessionsEvents & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote Speaker
Organizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
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.—JCK has announced Jesse Itzler, a renowned entrepreneur, endurance athlete, and New York Times bestselling author, as the keynote speaker at its upcoming trade show in Las Vegas.
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, May 30, 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, May 30, 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 will start on Thursday, May 28, 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, or access to each session may be purchased via an upgrade for $125. Limited availability remains, organizers said.
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, May 29, through Sunday, May 31, and focus on the disassembly and reassembly of a mechanical movement.
Lectures focusing on watchmaking complications and iconic watches will take place on Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31.
Seats are “extremely limited,” organizers said.
Workshops are $290 each, lectures are $50 each, and both can be purchased during the registration process.
Those who have already registered can modify their registration via their confirmation email to purchase the workshops and lectures.
"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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardJeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.
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.
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store EventsThe new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
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.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
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.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
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.
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
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
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.
