Events & Awards

Here’s What You Should Know About the New ‘HardRock Summit’

Events & AwardsApr 28, 2021

Here’s What You Should Know About the New ‘HardRock Summit’

The event, slated for Sept. 16-21 in Denver, is open to the trade and the public.

Here’s What You Should Know About the New ‘HardRock Summit’
Two event organizing experts are behind the HardRock Summit, a new gem, mineral, and fossil event slated to take place in Denver this fall.
Denver—Some gem and mineral lovers may have opted to skip Tucson this year, but there’s good news for them—a new event is scheduled to take place this fall in Denver.

The HardRock Summit is slated for Sept. 16-21, comprising two components at two different venues.

“Evolution” will feature minerals, fossils, and meteorites and will be held Sept. 16-19.

Located in the Four Seasons Ballroom (housing 120-130 exhibitors) at the Colorado Convention Center, this part of the event is aimed at U.S. and international trade buyers, scientific institutions, and private collectors, but is open to any member of the public who is interested.

The second component of the HardRock Summit is “Sparkle & Joy” at the nearby Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, which can accommodate 260 exhibitors. Sparkle & Joy is scheduled for Sept. 18-21 and will feature fine gemstones, fine jewelry, and high-quality gemstone objects.

This section of the summit will be home to AGTA’s new GemFair Denver.

While the HardRock Summit might be new, it involves established players.

Christoph Keilmann, manager and organizer of Gemworld Munich in Germany—an event his father started nearly 60 years ago—and Wolter Mehring, who helped develop the Pueblo Gem & Mineral show in Tucson, are organizing the event.

Keilmann said in a recent interview with National Jeweler that he had been considering such an event for a while after realizing Gemworld Munich should expand its footprint into the United States.

Outside of the market’s two biggest shows—Tucson and Las Vegas—he realized there was space for his company in Denver in September, especially given feedback from dealers who were eager to have a consolidated event.

HardRock Summit co-founders Christoph Keilmann (left) and Wolter Mehring (right)
HardRock Summit co-founders Christoph Keilmann (left) and Wolter Mehring (right)

The move proved to be a prescient one.

Earlier this year, the Denver Mart complex closed after more than five decades in operation. The venue housed, among other things, the popular Denver Gem and Mineral Show and its participating gem, mineral, and fossil clubs. 

Now, the show has agreed to be a part of the HardRock Summit and will have its own space in Evolution.

To take into account all interested parties, and to help create synergy between Evolution and Sparkle & Joy, HardRock Summit organizers are planning what they call a “B2B2C” concept, allowing for public admission to the event, with activities and buying opportunities dependent on group status.

Trade buyers, for example, won’t have to pay an admission fee but will be required to have a business license and to register for the event. The buyer badge will give them access to both Evolution and Sparkle & Joy.

Those deemed as “VIPs” will also have to register, as well as pay $30. The VIP badge allows the public access to both parts of the event as well. 

The third and final tier is the Public ticket, which allows the holder access to Evolution only.

These groups will have different color badges so exhibitors can immediately identify whom they’re talking to and what price they should be giving them, Keilmann said. 

He said allowing the public into the more traditional trade event helps them better understand the supply chain and creates transparency. 
 
“When we can take the consumer with us into these fairs, into these markets, then we can create much more trust with them.”

 Related stories will be right here … 

The HardRock Summit will also feature special exhibits and events, including the possibility of a rhodochrosite exhibition showcasing top-quality specimens from Colorado. (The storied Sweet Home Mine is located just southwest of Denver.)

There will also be plenty of education, both for consumers and the trade.

Ultimately, while the summit will leverage the connection between the goods at both events and aim to build a community, organizers want to make sure they’re building the business aspect to make it worth it for exhibitors and buyers alike, Keilmann said.

As a smaller, family-run company, Gemworld Munich can respond to exhibitor needs faster than some of the market’s bigger players, he said.

To help understand where changes might be needed, the company has enlisted four “ambassadors”—Alan Hart, Manos Phoundoulakis, Dave Waisman, and Kirby Siber—to communicate the goals of the show to their respected areas of expertise, and to solicit feedback and suggestions from participants.

Next year, HardRock Summit will be slightly earlier—it’s currently slated for Sept 5-11, 2022—as international trade shows resume and people will need to travel.

In 2023, plans call for the summit to move into bigger exhibition halls in the convention center.

For 2021, businesses interested in exhibiting at Evolution can reach out to Marcie Wellman at exhibit@hardrocksummit.com, and those interested in exhibiting at Sparkle & Joy can reach out to Cecilia Wun at cecilia@hardrocksummit.com.

In addition to the summit, another traditional event will be taking place in Denver this fall. 

The Denver Mineral, Fossil, Gem & Jewelry Show is still on, scheduled for Sept. 10-19 at the National Western Complex.

Show organizers told National Jeweler they expect this year’s event to be its biggest in its 13-year history, anticipating 50,000 visitors and more than 500 dealers.

The Latest

Watch: How Is the Industry Doing When It Comes to Diversity?
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2023
Watch: How Is the Industry Doing When It Comes to Diversity?

Annie Doresca and Michelle Graff welcome Reggie Johnson and Sheryl Jones for a frank conversation on the state of DEI in fine jewelry.

Macy’s Longtime CEO to Retire Next Year
MajorsMar 31, 2023
Macy’s Longtime CEO to Retire Next Year

Jeff Gennette will step down in February 2024, passing the torch to the CEO of another notable retailer.

Piece of the Week: The Extraterrestrial Lunar Necklace
AuctionsMar 31, 2023
Piece of the Week: The Extraterrestrial Lunar Necklace

Artisan Martin Roberts fashioned lunar meteorites into 48 beads to create this out-of-this-world necklace.

Full Disclosure at Your Fingertips
Brought to you by
Full Disclosure at Your Fingertips

Distinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.

JBT Re-Elects Richard Katz as Board Chairman
MajorsMar 31, 2023
JBT Re-Elects Richard Katz as Board Chairman

As for new members, the organization welcomed Jewelers of America’s Annie Doresca and Parag Jain of Parag Diamonds.

Weekly QuizMar 31, 2023
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
At Watches & Wonders, a $20M Watch Makes Its Debut
WatchesMar 30, 2023
At Watches & Wonders, a $20M Watch Makes Its Debut

Jacob & Co.’s new “Billionaire” timepiece features more than 200 carats of yellow diamonds.

See the Jewelry Collection Expected to Top Elizabeth Taylor’s at Auction
AuctionsMar 30, 2023
See the Jewelry Collection Expected to Top Elizabeth Taylor’s at Auction

Heidi Horten, wife of department store magnate Helmut Horten, collected jewelry from Bulgari, Cartier, Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels.

Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern Grading
Brought to you by
Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern Grading

De Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.

Jewelers Mutual Marks a Major Milestone
MajorsMar 30, 2023
Jewelers Mutual Marks a Major Milestone

The jewelry industry insurer and solutions provider is celebrating 110 years in business this month.

NRF Says Brick-and-Mortar Stores Remain ‘Primary Point of Purchase’
SurveysMar 30, 2023
NRF Says Brick-and-Mortar Stores Remain ‘Primary Point of Purchase’

The statement came as the National Retail Federation released its retail sales forecast for 2023.

10.57-Carat Purplish Pink Diamond Expected to Sell for $35M+
AuctionsMar 29, 2023
10.57-Carat Purplish Pink Diamond Expected to Sell for $35M+

Sotheby’s will auction the diamond, which it says is “arguably the most significant pink diamond to ever appear at auction,” in June.

Blue Nile to Close Fulfillment Center, Lay Off Workers
MajorsMar 29, 2023
Blue Nile to Close Fulfillment Center, Lay Off Workers

The retailer, recently acquired by Signet Jewelers, will lay off 119 employees in July.

See All the New Patek Philippe Watches for 2023
WatchesMar 29, 2023
See All the New Patek Philippe Watches for 2023

The Swiss watchmaker introduced 17 new models at Watches & Wonders Geneva.

Mark Henry Jewelry Offering Complimentary ‘Masterclass’ on Sales from Peter Smith
MajorsMar 29, 2023
Mark Henry Jewelry Offering Complimentary ‘Masterclass’ on Sales from Peter Smith

As part of the promotion, Smith will share his sales expertise during a 90-minute training session.

I’m Enchanted With Parmigiani Fleurier’s Perfect Travel Watch
EditorsMar 28, 2023
I’m Enchanted With Parmigiani Fleurier’s Perfect Travel Watch

At Watches & Wonders, the Swiss brand unveiled a follow-up to last year’s Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante.

Helzberg’s New Lab-Grown Diamond Collection Earns SCS Certification
CollectionsMar 28, 2023
Helzberg’s New Lab-Grown Diamond Collection Earns SCS Certification

The “rêve” collection’s engagement rings and wedding bands are geared toward “sustainability minded customers.”

This New Rolex Day-Date Tells Time … and Affirmations
EditorsMar 28, 2023
This New Rolex Day-Date Tells Time … and Affirmations

A new word appears on the dial each day of the week.

D.C. Jeweler That Honored 50-Year-Old Gift Certificate Closes
IndependentsMar 28, 2023
D.C. Jeweler That Honored 50-Year-Old Gift Certificate Closes

Bensons Jewelers closed for good Feb. 24, impacted in part by the decline in foot traffic downtown since the onset of the pandemic.

Swarovski Names New GM of North America
MajorsMar 28, 2023
Swarovski Names New GM of North America

Kolja Kiofsky has been with the crystal and jewelry company since 2010.

Jewels to Shine in Upcoming ‘Golden Age’ of Hollywood Auction
AuctionsMar 27, 2023
Jewels to Shine in Upcoming ‘Golden Age’ of Hollywood Auction

The Kruse GWS Auctions sale will include the replica “Taj Mahal” necklace Elizabeth Taylor made with Avon as well as a costume piece Marilyn Monroe wore.

Pandora Promotes GM to Chief of Retail Operations
MajorsMar 27, 2023
Pandora Promotes GM to Chief of Retail Operations

Massimo Basei is moving up, while Chief Commercial Officer Martino Pessina is stepping down.

Piece of the Week: The $5.8M Patek Philippe ‘Sky Moon Tourbillon’
AuctionsMar 24, 2023
Piece of the Week: The $5.8M Patek Philippe ‘Sky Moon Tourbillon’

Sold by Christie’s Hong Kong, this masterwork of complications now holds the record for most expensive watch ever auctioned online.

Movado Predicts Declining Sales Amid ‘Volatile’ Retail Environment
FinancialsMar 24, 2023
Movado Predicts Declining Sales Amid ‘Volatile’ Retail Environment

The watch company expects first-quarter sales to fall as much as 15 percent due to inflation and tough comps.

Lightbox Promotes General Manager to COO
Lab-GrownMar 24, 2023
Lightbox Promotes General Manager to COO

Adam O’Grady, general manager of the Lightbox Lab, has taken on the new role and will report directly to Lightbox CEO Antoine Borde.

Which Brands Do Watch Enthusiasts Love Most? Chrono24 Takes a Look
WatchesMar 23, 2023
Which Brands Do Watch Enthusiasts Love Most? Chrono24 Takes a Look

The watch marketplace gathered data from 1.3 million collectors, highlighting the most popular timepieces and exploring value appreciation.

Burgundy Diamond Backing Out of Ellendale Mine Deal
SourcingMar 23, 2023
Burgundy Diamond Backing Out of Ellendale Mine Deal

Burgundy has opted not to exercise its option to buy the mining claims Gibb River Diamonds currently owns.

GCAL Introduces 8X Cut Grade for Proprietary Cuts
GradingMar 23, 2023
GCAL Introduces 8X Cut Grade for Proprietary Cuts

Patented and specialty cuts now can receive an 8X Proprietary Certificate, which can be customized to include a company’s brand and logo.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy