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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of InstoreShe will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.
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.
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
U.K. Woman Pays £5 for £15K Diamond Ring at Car Boot SaleA WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens MemoirThe founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.
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.
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year AnniversaryValeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.
FinancialsJul 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Soar for the Seventh Quarter in a RowJewelry sales for the company, which owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vhernier, and Buccellati, rose 21 percent in the first quarter.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program Certifies First Advanced Apprentice GraduateThe graduate, Grace Barden, credited the program with helping her secure a job as a bench jeweler.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
Jewelers of Louisiana to Host 80th ConventionThe event, scheduled for next month in New Orleans, will include dinner, a custom jewelry design contest, and education sessions.
SourcingJul 15, 2026
1,305-Carat Diamond Recovered from Mine in BotswanaThe yet-to-be named stone is the 10th diamond weighing more than 1,000 carats to come out of Lucara’s Karowe mine.
IndependentsJul 15, 2026
New Jersey Jeweler Barry Berman Dies at 81The founder of Fords Jewelers, Berman is remembered for his love of connecting with his community.
FinancialsJul 15, 2026
Watches of Switzerland’s US Sales Jump 18%, Declines to Comment on Sale Report The watch and jewelry retailer had a strong fiscal year despite what its CEO described as a “complex operating backdrop.”
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
CollectionsJul 15, 2026
Pomellato’s New High Jewelry Is LiberatingBold color, expressive gem-setting, and sculptural form define the three chapters that make up “Stile Libero.”
IndependentsJul 14, 2026
Foundrae Opens First Standalone Store Outside USThe New York-based jewelry brand has expanded overseas, opening a store in London’s Mayfair district.
ColumnistsJul 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: What Today’s Jewelry Consumer Is Telling Us Rising revenue does not automatically mean a healthy business, particularly in the current economic landscape, Smith writes.
TrendsJul 14, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Shoulder Dusters These long, fluid drop earrings are sure to catch the eye.
CrimeJul 14, 2026
Man Charged in $1M Jewelry Store Heist Lands on FBI Most Wanted ListAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged with robbing a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and is the only one still at large.
Events & AwardsJul 14, 2026
Conference on Mining, Sustainability Kicks Off in NYCInitiatives in Art and Culture is hosting its 16th annual Gold and Diamond Conference, with the theme of “Resilience.”
Lab-GrownJul 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Changes Her Mind on Lab-Grown DiamondsThe designer, who once said she’d never sell lab-grown diamonds, debuted two capsule collections designed to be fun and easy to wear.
SourcingJul 13, 2026
De Beers Announces Potential Layoffs, 2-Year Production Pause at VenetiaThe diamond miner and marketer is undergoing another round of cost-cutting measures ahead of its sale by Anglo American.
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
Registration Opens for JIS Fall 2026 ShowThe annual trade-only buying event is slated for Oct. 16-19 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026AGTA also has announced the lineup of judges for the colored gemstone cutting and jewelry design contest’s various categories.
