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Atlanta Jewelry Show Announces Revamped Education Program
A pre-show conference and a host of panels led by industry experts are some of the highlights.
Atlanta--Carol Young, executive director of Southern Jewelry Travelers Association, the organization that produces the Atlanta Jewelry Show, has announced a revamped education program for the show’s March edition as well as new leadership.

Chandler previously worked as the associate show director at The Smart Jewelry Show, which has been canceled for 2017 and faces an uncertain future, managing its large education schedule.
She also held the role of executive deputy director at the American Gem Society, where she was responsible for its educational events.
Chandler has created a slew of new programs in her new role at the Atlanta Jewelry Show.
“Cindy Chandler is ideally suited for this new position, and we’re confident our community will find value in the new programs introduced at our March show,” said Young.
“Cindy has keen insight into the complex issues facing independent jewelers today. Addressing these concerns and focusing on solutions is what Cindy does best; we are thrilled to bring her expertise in cultivating an educational community to the Atlanta Jewelry Show and all our participants.”
On Friday, March 4, the day prior to the show’s start, there will be a pre-show conference with more than 20 sessions covering social media, colored gemstone trends and hands-on bench workshops.
Additionally, during the show, on Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6, there will be “Learning Lab” sessions on the show floor, in which panels of experts will cover various topics relevant to the jewelry industry, from technology to trends.
The Diamond Council of America will also sponsor interactive forums in which retailers share keys to their success.
Mike Wittenstein, a storyteller and “retail experience designer,” will be Saturday’s keynote speaker and will focus on storytelling as a sales technique.
Sunday’s keynote presentation will be conducted by Tom LaForge, founder of Macroforces Inc. and previously the global director of human and cultural insights at Atlanta-based The Coca-Cola Company. LaForge’s presentation is titled “Cultural Shifts and Insights Vital for a Relevant Business Strategy.”
To learn more about the educational programming, or to register for the show, visit AtlantaJewelryShow.com.
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