It purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Ben Smithee to keynote Portland conference
The business marketing consultant is scheduled to speak on Oct. 4, the day before the Portland Jewelry Symposium begins.
Portland, Ore.--Ben Smithee will present the keynote address at this year’s Portland Jewelry Symposium, an annual event that covers design trends, technology, bench work and business for manufacturers and designers.
The symposium is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 5 at the Sentinel Hotel in Portland.
Smithee will deliver his keynote on Sunday, Oct. 4 at a dinner kicking off the symposium at the Portland Art Museum.
The chief strategy officer for Relevents, a company that produces business events, Smithee has consulted with brands including Coca-Cola, General Mills, Sterling Jewelers, Geico, McDonald’s and Ebay.
In addition to Smithee’s keynote, the symposium will offer 10 education sessions on Monday, including “Making Great Money from Custom Designing and Repairs” with David Gellar and “Top 10 Ways to Get Sued” with Cecilia Gardner of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee. Digital design, manufacturing and other topics also will be discussed.
A complete list of speakers and sessions can be found on PortlandJewelrySymposium.com.
Registration for the symposium is open and also can be found on its website while hotel accommodations are here.
This is the eighth edition of the symposium, which founder Teresa Frye said has seen strong growth in attendance and sponsorship each year.
“I believe there is growing interest in the trade for events like ours where in-depth networking opportunities complement a full education program,” she said.
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