Editor’s Note
This 2018 report details the strategic relocation of the JCK Las Vegas show, a pivotal moment in its evolution. While specific venues and dates may have since changed, the article captures a key transition in the trade show’s history, reflecting the industry’s constant adaptation.
By Serge Maillard
August 2018
The largest American jewelry show is preparing for a significant transition for its future in 2019. After moving from the Venetian hotel to the Mandalay Bay, JCK will return to the former venue next year, in a renovated exhibition hall. For retailers, most of whom navigate between this show and the other major event of the Las Vegas Jewelry Week, Couture, the regained geographical proximity between the two professional trade shows is good news. Three questions for Sarin Bachmann, Event Vice President JCK & Luxury.
In terms of exhibition space, it is the largest jewelry show in the United States, covering over one million square meters. Europa Star was present at the latest edition of JCK last June at the Mandalay Bay hotel in Las Vegas. One finds a multitude of “fairs within the fair,” between Luxury, Clockwork, Swiss Watch… Among the most important watch exhibitors at this primarily jewelry fair, note Citizen and Bulova, both owned by the eponymous Japanese group, the Movado Group, as well as brands from the Swatch Group like Tissot and Mido, which held private showrooms, by appointment only.
JCK is undergoing a profound transformation, as the show will move next year to establish itself at the Sands Expo of The Venetian establishment, closer to the rest of the Wynn & Encore hotel where the other major professional show, Couture, is held (read here), which makes sense given the complementarity between the two professional events. A segmentation seems to be underway between the two shows, with JCK covering the entry to mid-range, and Luxury and Couture focusing on mid to high-end.
Many retailers split their stay in Las Vegas between the two appointments. Some exhibitors, like Wolf (read his portrait here), are even present via booths at both exhibitions. The fair is somewhat returning to its origins, as it was held for several years at The Venetian hotel, on the north of the Strip. Europa Star met with Sarin Bachmann, Event Vice President JCK & Luxury.
