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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.
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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.
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