SMART Jewelry Show Chicago 2013 A Success

(IDEX Online News) – The fifth annual SMART Jewelry Show closed, with attendees calling it a “success.” According to organizers, attendance increased by 10 percent over last year.

"Every year we've seen an increase in the number of buyers on the show floor, and we're excited to see that trend continue this year," said Jim Reed, show director. "2013 was the best-attended SMART Show to date, with about a 10 percent increase over last year."

A big draw for retailers was the marketing-focused education program, which featured an extremely well received keynote speech from best-selling author Martin Lindstrom. In a special follow-up session, Lindstrom did a Q&A titled "If I Owned a Jewelry Store" with INDESIGN Editor Trace Shelton.

Including the full-day conference program on Friday, April 12, retailers were able to choose from 90 educational sessions that covered marketing, fine and designer jewelry, gemstones and appraisals, bench work, and special panels featuring winners of INSTORE's America's Coolest Jewelry Store competition.

In addition to the educational sessions, retailers also came to shop with 450 booths of vendors in every key category.

"Not only did we have more buyers this year, but they were ready to buy," said Dan Kisch, group publisher for SmartWork Media, which produces INSTORE and INDESIGN magazines and The SMART Jewelry Show.

"Buyers spent more time on the show floor and were actively engaged with our exhibitors. We may be up about 10 percent, but it felt like much more than that."

The SMART Show heads to Dallas August 24-26, and returns to Chicago April 5-7, 2014. The education conferences begin a day prior to the shows.