AGTA GemFair, US Antique Shows to Exhibit Together in Las Vegas

(IDEX Online) – The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and US Antique Shows will hold their Las Vegas events together at the Las Vegas Convention Center beginning in June 2019.

AGTA GemFair™ Las Vegas serves thousands of retailers, brands, manufacturers and designers, while for over two decades, the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show has been the largest trade-only event serving the antique and estate jewelry and watch industry. The co-location of the two industry events will serve to augment and enhance their respective markets through increased access to global buyers and cohesive exhibitions. 

“We carefully researched all facets of this partnership prior to making the decision to align with U.S. Antique Shows at the Las Vegas Convention Center,” explains Douglas K. Hucker, CEO of the AGTA. “Through on-going conversations with our members, as well as multiple discussions within the board and in committees, we came to the conclusion that it’s time for an evolution for AGTA GemFair™ Las Vegas. The collaboration with Emerald Expositions was a logical choice; not only is the move mutually beneficial to both of our exhibitors and attendees, but there is also a commonality in the perspectives and goals of each of our organizations.”

Gannon Brousseau, Senior Vice President of Emerald Expositions' Jewelry Group, said, “As a group, we carefully weigh all decisions that potentially affect the industry as a whole. We firmly believe that AGTA’s vendors and buyers are crucial to the success of our industry, and our Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show vendors cater to a unique and varied group of qualified buyers. There is tremendous cross-promotional appeal between these two autonomous yet complementary events, and this partnership will ultimately contribute to the prosperity of the entire trade.”

Jeffrey Bilgore, President of the AGTA Board of Directors, said: “There are paradigm changes going on in the industry. We see an exciting future for our exhibitors and buyers; the synergy of AGTA GemFair™ Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show is incredible. We will have a show that is easy to work, and one where a store owner can find profits at every booth. Establishing our independence in Las Vegas provides us with so many opportunities for growth and improvement, and partnering with a like-minded organization, like Emerald Expositions, allows us to provide a vital and affordable show experience for our members, and to expand our resources in strategic and consequential ways.”