IJOMarch2016

MARCH 5-9, 2016

independent jewelers organization – conference –

ORL ANDO, FLORIDA

ENTERTAINMENT

DINING

Have fun and experience activities that are uniquely

Your culinary adventure awaits! Bring your appetite.

Orlando – splashing thrill rides at one of Orlando’s

In addition to the fabulous restaurant options at the

multiple water parks or get up close with wildlife at

Marriott, Orlando is a city that offers a gastronomic

Gatorland. Orlando also has the world’s top theme

experience in a range of international flavors for

parks from the classic Magic Kingdom Park at Walt

everyone from the most serious of foodies, to the most

Disney World Resort to SeaWorld Orlando. And the fun

casual diners. Orlando offers countless scrumptious

doesn’t have to end when the sun sets. Enjoy many

options that include theme park dining, dinner shows,

dinner theaters and shows for an entertaining end to

farm fresh and gourmet.

your evening.

SHOPPING

WEATHER

Orlando isn’t just a vacationer’s paradise, but a

This week last year, the

shopper’s paradise, too! Find designer brands and the

average temperatures

latest fashion trends available at The Mall at Millenia

were in the mid 80’s.

and The Florida Mall where you will find top department

What a perfect time to

stores. You will also find a wide selection from the

escape the cold and enjoy

world’s top designers at Orlando’s outlet centers that

this wonderful resort

include the Orlando Premium Outlets (International

experience at the Marriott

Drive and Vineland Avenue) as well as the Lake Buena

World Center.

Vista Outlets.

The Marriott World Center is a self-contained paradise for IJOers to enjoy morning, day and night. This stunning property in sunny Orlando offers the comfort of newly renovated rooms and suites and the conveniences of a world class destination. All guest rooms and suites feature a luxurious bedding package including down comforters, custom duvets and cotton-rich linens with feather and foam pillows. Most rooms feature a private balcony and have spectacular views overlooking the property’s 200 tropical acres. Enjoy the recreation and relaxation activities such as spa services, fitness rooms, pools and golf. You can also experience remarkable dining from 12 different restaurants including Siro - Urban Italian Kitchen, Hawk’s Landing Steakhouse, Mikado Japanese Steakhouse and the sports bar, High Velocity. You may just not want to leave!

KICK OFF bREAKFAST: EXCLUSIVE DISNEY FINE JEWELRY COLLECTION There is no better way to start off an IJO show than to share a hot plated breakfast while reconnecting with fellow IJO members. Please join IJO and Simply Diamonds at this fun and informative breakfast to learn all about this exciting

where it all starts

kick off breakfast

new opportunity - Simply Diamond’s exclusive licensed Disney Fine Jewelry! There will be Modern Disney Princesses wearing this new collection of jewelry, a presentation of the product offerings and, of course, a delicious hot breakfast!

Simply Diamonds has woven the rich tradition of the romance of Disney princesses with their fine craftsmanship to create a collection that will become family heirlooms for generations to come. Simply Diamonds will be the house of Disney Fine Jewelry and will initially focus on Cinderella, Ariel and Belle as the introductory collections. More princesses will be launched in the fall. The collection includes product in fashion, bridal, studs and gemstones.

Saturday, MARCH 5

7:30AM-8:00AM Breakfast Is Served 8:00AM PROGRAM BEGINS

To most IJO attendees, The Buying Room is the highlight of every IJO Conference.

In Orlando it is conveniently located at the Marriott World Center. This is your best opportunity to preview some of the latest, greatest and most anticipated designs of the year. Come join some of the most distinguished jewelry exhibitors as they showcase their designs. This includes many IJO exclusives, which cannot be seen anywhere else. Each afternoon, cocktails will be served a little earlier! We look forward to seeing you there!

SUNDAY, MARCH 6 MONDAY, MARCH 7 TUESDAY, MARCH 8 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9

1:00PM - 7:30PM 10:00AM - 6:00PM 9:30AM - 6:00PM 9:30AM - 1:30PM

Cocktails 5:00PM - 7:15PM Cocktails 4:00PM - 6:00PM Cocktails 4:00PM - 6:00PM

Educational programs are key to every IJO Conference—and ORLANDO 2016 is certain to please. This is a great opportunity to sharpen your industry skills and learn about a wide range of business tools in areas from management, sales, marketing and operations. These educational programs give you the chance to meet with fellow store owners and experts and share experiences, as well as stay abreast of industry trends. Register online ahead of time to ensure your place!

TV and radio commercials

TEAM CLINICS

STORE CONFERENCES

TV and radio advertising are critical for heightening customer

In Orlando, Team Clinics will continue with a one-day, three-hour

A variety of industry experts will be on-hand to discuss your

awareness and increasing your business. Often they are more

format to allow an uninterrupted discussion to help create new

individual store and work with you to figure out ways of

affordable and cost effective than you’d think. You can even

profit opportunities and increase your bottom line. Teams will be

addressing your specific business issues and challenges. This

create your own commercial on-site at the conference with

separated by mixed volume and mixed store type. As requested,

is a rare opportunity to get a valuable outside opinion from a

the help of professionals from AVP Digital Studios who will be

we will have one team designated for children and successors

seasoned expert. These store conferences are offered Sunday

present to speak with you and direct your 30- or 60-second

of store owners (ages 25 and over.) Be sure to pre-register as

through Wednesday with 30-minute time slots.

spot. Call AVP at 800-632-2188 ahead of the conference to

space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

learn more.

Clinics are a vital part of IJO Conferences, allowing members to

SUNDAY - WEDNESDAY by appointment only

share ideas, solve problems and create new profit opportunities with non-competitive peers.

MONDAY ONLY

8:00AM-11:00AM pre-registration required; please sign up online by FEBRUARY 12 or call ijo for form

DURING BUYING ROOM HOURS by appointment only please sign up online by FEBRUARY 12 or call ijo for form

keynote speaker

THIS IS BIG

keynote speaker

LEE COCKERELL

SUNDAY PROGRAMS: Lessons in Leadership, Management and Customer Service.

You can create disney magic, too!

Lee Cockerell retired as the Executive Vice President of Operations for the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort, a position he held for ten years. His responsibilities encompassed a diverse mix of operations, which included 20 resort hotels with over 24,000 guest rooms, four theme parks, two water parks, five golf courses, a shopping village and nighttime entertainment complex, a sports and recreation complex, and the ancillary operations support functions.

Lee joined the Disney organization in July 1990 as Director of Food and Beverage and Quality Assurance for the Disneyland Paris hotels. Prior to joining Walt Disney World, he spent 17 years in various executive positions with the Marriott Corporation and eight years with Hilton Hotels.

Lee’s first book, Creating Magic…10 Common Sense Leadership Strategies from a Life at Disney is now available in 14 languages. Lee’s second book, The Customer Rules...The 39 Essential Rules for Delivering Sensational Service was published in 2013 with a third new release out this year!

SATURDAY, MARCH 5

learn + grow

seminars

register online by JANUARY 8 at www.ijo.com and save $50 IJO strives to be accommodating to members with any disabilities and/or handicaps. Our goal is to create a satisfying seminar and conference experience whenever possible. Please call Jennifer Herold prior to the conference if we can be of any assistance with your special needs.

kate peterson

DR. linda talley

chip terry

penny palmer

ANDY MALIS

LARRY JOHNSON

DAVID BROWN

BRIAN Whitlock

mike bAgull

Dr. james shigleY/GIA

debbie hiss

vince rAth

jeff roberts

DICK ABBOTT

9:00AM-10:00AM

NAVIGATING COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS with Kate Peterson

Salary vs. commission vs. a combination of both -- what criteria do you use to decide? And what about perks? Vacation time, employee discount, retirement, etc. -- what works best? Designing a compensation and benefits package that is attractive to the best employees yet fair to your business is a daunting task. If you are looking to keep the good people you have, and to attract the best new talent, you need a comprehensive plan. Walk through the entire process from start to finish. Whether you are looking to hire new people or revamp your current compensation or both - this is the session for you.

2. Using space for effect 3. Power posing and motivating yourself for success 4. Touch as the emotional connection 5. Power gazing 6. Hand gestures that attract and those that create distance Learning objectives: 1. Learn what nonverbal behavior creates attraction 2. Learn what nonverbal behavior creates distance with a client 3. Learn how to motivate yourself prior to a meeting/call 4. Learn what creates universal acceptance 5. Learn the secrets of influence and persuasion 9:00AM-10:00AM

9:00AM-10:00AM

IJO BUSINESS PROGRAM: YOUR PEOPLE

with Dr. Linda Talley

Chip Terry presents “Your People” – which means the way you and your store personnel spend the hours each week talking to your customers. It means personnel training. It means providing your people with some kind of monetary incentive (commission) to do a better job for your store. This course is required for AJ and MGG titles.

Perception Is All There Is: How to Use Six Powerful (and Subtle) Nonverbal Behaviors to Influence & Persuade Every day we verbally speak to clients and staff, and at the same time we are sending nonverbal messages that either attract them to us or distance them from us. Yes! It is your nonverbal message that the people around you are reading first and initially responding. Do you know what nonverbal messages you are sending? Based on her pioneer research in the area of hand gestures, Dr. Linda Talley spells out exactly what you are saying with your hand gestures. In this program, she explains what meaning is created by your specific hand gestures when you are communicating with another. The key question: is it the meaning you want to send?

What you will learn: 1. The universal validator!

with Chip Terry

10:15AM-11:15AM

Spend Less. Grow More. How to get the most out of your marketing budget and crush your competitors with Andy Malis

Marketing is one of your largest expenses. It can also be the most infuriating.

How do you know if your advertising is working? How do you know if you’re spending your money wisely and getting a good deal? How can you compete for customers when you are outspent by local and national competitors?

This session will share honest advice that will challenge you to tear up your current plans and think differently.

10:15AM-12:30PM (DOUBLE SESSION)

10:15AM-11:15AM

Penny Palmer will give an overview of what IJO membership entails, including many of IJO’s services and benefits. It is highly informative and not only for first time attendees. All members are welcome to attend, especially those who feel they may be missing out on some great IJO opportunities.

Reacquaint yourselves with all the exciting benefits of IJO membership, and the tools to make the difference in your business.

Display successes from other IJO retailers that might work in your store with Larry Johnson

Nothing works like success. Many IJO retailers have faced some of the same display challenges you face in your store. Too much merchandise, not enough space. Boring showcase presentations and interior spaces. Not enough money for new displays. Too many colors in the cases. Unproductive wall cases. Store layouts that don’t work. How and when to use signs in the cases.

The solutions to these and other challenges are explained with accompanying photos (and some actual sales results) in this informative seminar by Larry Johnson, visual merchandising consultant and creator of the EffectiveJewelryDisplay.com website. Larry will allow time at the end of his seminar for your questions so bring your display concerns for discussion.

10:15AM-11:15AM

PROTECTING AND TRANSFERRING THE FAMILY JEWEL with Brian Whitlock

Your business is the Family Jewel. Learn the ten best ways to keep your hard earned dollars working for you and your immediate family, rather than your spendthrift Uncle Sam. We will look at ten “tried and true” strategies that minimize the income and estate taxes payable to the Internal Revenue Service.

Brian will be discussing many other important aspects of transferring your business including the advantages of different type of sales, best tax strategies to liquidate assets, and comparing internal versus outside buyers. Come for answers to many of your financial succession planning questions.

NEW MEMBER / GUEST MEMBER MEETING with Penny Palmer

11:30AM-12:30PM

How To Utilize Financing To Drive Traffic and Sales

with Mike Bagull | Industry VP Luxury Group, Emerging Markets, Synchrony Financial

See how financing has worked for your colleagues in the association to double and triple their business. We will review how to maximize the program through the use of Business Center, incentives, advertising, and all of the other benefits we offer. Part of this discussion will also include a focus on how important financing is to bridal sales.

11:30AM-12:30PM

Identifying Synthetic DiamondS with Dr. James Shigley / GIA

Through interactive, guided discussion led by GIA’s Dr. James Shigley, this seminar will present information on HPHT and CVD-grown synthetic diamonds and how to separate them from natural diamonds. You’ll also gain greater insight into the separation of synthetic moissanite and synthetic cubic zirconia from diamond.

Dr. James Shigley is a distinguished research fellow at the Gemological

Institute of America in Carlsbad, California. Prior to joining GIA in 1982, he studied geology as an undergraduate at the University of California Berkeley, and later received his doctorate in geology from Stanford University. He helps direct GIA’s research activities on the identification of diamonds and colored gemstones, and has ongoing research interests in the natural geological environments of gem mineral formation as well as the characterization of gem materials. Dr. Shigley is the author of more than 180 published articles on diamonds and other gemstones in various journals, and has been a well-known speaker on gemological topics to both professional and general audiences on nearly 250 occasions.

1:30PM-5:00PM

11:30AM-12:30PM

Aged Inventory (Gunk in Your Inventory Engine).

Learn the strategies to deal with this industry-wide issue. Aged Inventory sours your budget by tying up cash that could be used for better things, like store improvement, marketing or buying the new lines that customers actually want. Aged inventory prevents you from being competitive in your marketplace and adapting to the changing trends in the jewelry marketplace.

Simply stated: Aged Inventory reduces your chance for Sales & Profit growth. Come and learn strategies for managing your aging inventory, so you can clear it out in record time.

Millennials Selling to Boomers: Tips for Success with Debbie Hiss

Over the past few years, we’ve learned a lot about how to market and sell to Millennials. They are the 20 to 35-somethings that combined, represent annual spending power of over $2 trillion. We know that they are tech-savvy, like to shop in groups, and are a highly values-driven generation. The jewelry trade is now experiencing a growth in the number of Millennials entering our businesses. Store owners are welcoming their children into the family business as the next generation, and in general, more young people are entering the workforce. Join Debbie Hiss as she explores the generational differences and how Millennials can best serve Baby Boomers when it comes to the jewelry shopping and buying experience.

THE EDGE: Inventory – The Engine that propels your business

with Dick Abbott, David Brown, Sally Furrier and Lenny Prion

Your inventory is the engine that propels your business. Customers are drawn to stores that provide the merchandise they desire. A well-tuned inventory can help achieve optimum sales; a poorly-tuned inventory can sabotage sales. Inventory is the single largest investment you have in your store. Come see how the Edge can help tune this engine for maximum performance.

Fast Sellers (High Octane Fuel for Your Inventory Engine) As much as 30% of sales come from items 30 days old or less and 80% comes from items 90 days or less in well run jewelry stores. Autopilot in the Edge makes it easy for you to take advantage of the fast seller phenomenon.

Refuel using Edge Pulse.

Your Staff and Sales People (The Pit Crew and Driver) The pit crew maintains the engine and vehicle to produce maximum performance. They know when to change the tires, when to refuel, the proper tire pressure. Your inventory manager needs to perform in the same way

to keep your stores engine at peak performance. The driver knows when to shift, when to break, when to accelerate how to go into and come out of the curves. You sales staff has to know how to get maximum performance out of your inventory, how to maintain margins, increase ARS, produce as much profit as possible.

Let the Race Begin!

1:30PM-2:30PM

Winning in Today’s Market and Beyond: Building an UNSTOPPABLE/Trend Culture with Kate Peterson

Good business owners know their markets and continually evaluate the needs and interests of their customers. WINNING business owners anticipate their customers’ passions and motivations, knowing that everything they understand today will evolve to a whole new view tomorrow.

The keys to winning lie in a thorough understanding of consumer behavior, careful attention to the lifestyle details of your customers and recognizing evolving trends in consumer behavior worldwide.

Luxury businesses win when they identify where consumer expectations are heading next – and innovate to meet those emerging expectations – consistently. That takes more than an individual - it takes a trend-driven culture. In this session, you’ll discover actionable ways that YOU can help build that culture in your business, while becoming your organization’s trend champion. Help turn your organization into an unstoppable machine for trend-driven innovation, with all the content and tools you need to inspire, validate and launch your next game-changing brand strategy.

1:30PM-2:30PM

How to Approach the Unapproachable or App Based Customer in Your Store with Dr. Linda Talley

It can frighten any retailer when a customer comes in holding or talking on a smartphone. Any smart retailer would realize that their amygdala has been engaged and the fight is on for the sale! How do your prices match up with the competition? Are you competitive? Can they find a better price someplace else? If so, what can you do to save your customer and close the sale?

If you can’t win on the competitive price, you can win on outstanding customer service by engaging the customer. Many sales professionals believe it’s what they say that closes the sale, but the truth is that it’s what they don’t say that engages the customer and closes the sale. It’s the impression you make on the customer; it’s the emotional connection you create with your nonverbal communication (body language); it’s the person centered communication you use with the customer, even when you don’t say a word.

If you are in sales, this program is a must attend. Your customers are using more technology to make buying decisions that are logically based. Learn how to create the emotional connection with your customer by using the other 90% of the communication process. They buy based on emotions and support that decision based on logic.

What you will learn: 1. What makes a great first impression, even if the customer

is on the phone 2. Why is physical contact important and how to make it 3. How to get the customer’s attention, even if the customer is on the

phone

4.

5.

6.

How to motivate the customer to buy while they are in your store How to use technology to move closer to the customer and not create barriers How to minimize/eliminate buyer’s remorse

If you want to change your communication strategies with your customers to improve your sales, this program will give you the tactics to understand the nuances of body language and enrich your communication and customer engagement skills. Your body is always telling on you. By attending this program, you can make certain your two languages complement each other and create a congruent environment to achieve your objectives and create a satisfied customer.

1:30pM-2:30PM

MAKING THE TAX LAWS WORK FOR YOU with Brian Whitlock

Take the mystery out of the tax laws as we explore the fundamentals of the income tax and payroll tax laws. Learn how the tax laws affect you, your business, and your family. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of operating your business as a proprietor, partnership, Limited Liability Company, C Corporation, or S Corporation. Should you have multiple corporations or entities?

Every so often, the government changes the “Rules of the Tax Game.” Learn what really works, regardless of the changing winds in Washington. Our focus will be on the basic principles of how the tax laws can be used to work for you.

2:45pM-3:45PM

Making the Most of Role Playing with Debbie Hiss

Mention the words “role play” to most people and they’ll either want to run out of the room or disappear under a table. Don’t let this potential reaction prevent you from engaging in this incredibly effective training method! Role playing is actually a dynamic skill development tool. When an effective roleplaying activity is utilized, it allows you to see participants using what you have taught them, therefore allowing you to coach and guide them to better and better performance. This immediate application provided by role playing strengthens learning and increases the probability that the specific behavior or technique will be used beyond the training session. Join sales trainer Debbie Hiss in this fun, interactive session as she covers topics such as how to overcome resistance to role playing and planning and implementing role play. She will also introduce you to various role play activities that you can immediately implement in your business to improve your bottom line.

2:45pM-3:45PM

Identifying Diamond Treatments with Dr. James Shigley / GIA

Through interactive, guided discussion led by GIA’s Dr. James Shigley, this seminar will present information on the natural diamonds, as well as color and clarity treated diamonds including laser drilled, fracture filled, HPHT, irradiation, coated diamonds, and multiple treatment processes.

Dr. James Shigley is a distinguished research fellow at the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, California. Prior to joining GIA in 1982, he studied geology as an undergraduate at the University of California Berkeley, and later received his doctorate in geology from Stanford University. He helps direct GIA’s research activities on the identification of diamonds and colored gemstones, and has ongoing research interests in

the natural geological environments of gem mineral formation as well as the characterization of gem materials. Dr. Shigley is the author of more than 180 published articles on diamonds and other gemstones in various journals, and has been a well-known speaker on gemological topics to both professional and general audiences on nearly 250 occasions.

2:45PM-3:45PM

Effective managerial communication and How to get your team to do what you expect when you expect it with Vince Rath

This session focuses on how to achieve mutual understanding and the factors that get in the way. We will also cover how to set clear expectations and ensure that they are met. Attendees will learn how to adapt their personal style to best accommodate the receiver and get results. Key takeaways include; the benefits and drawbacks of one-way vs two-way communication, how to identify the different ways that team members send and receive messages, and how to adapt personal communication styles to achieve greater understanding and better results.

4:00PM-5:00PM

digital media plan panel moderated by Jeff Roberts

Digital marketing is now a known reality to help drive local business.

Smartphones are practically attached to most shoppers as a reference/ research tool or to execute a purchase. Where should you focus your marketing efforts? What are the most important aspects of your online presence? How and who handles this overwhelming task? Get tips from your peers on ways to connect with your customers digitally to help keep your brand top of mind.

4:00PM-5:00PM

Answers to the most commonly asked Display and Packaging questions with Larry Johnson

How do I clean my displays? What kind of displays should I be using? When do I use vendor-provided merchandise displays? What colors are best?

What is the latest in showcase design and lighting? How do I speed up the removal and replacement process each day? How do I organize my bridal to increase sales? What about diamond studs and other diamond goods?

What companies offer the best deals on displays? What do I do with my instore monitor to build sales? How do I make my packaging more helpful in increasing my future sales?

The answers to these and other questions are explained with accompanying photos in this informative seminar by Larry Johnson, visual merchandising consultant and creator of the EffectiveJewelryDisplay.com website. Larry will allow time at the end of his seminar for your questions, so bring your display concerns for discussion.

4:00PM-5:00PM (repeat program)

Spend Less. Grow More. How to get the most out of your marketing budget and crush your competitors with Andy Malis

Marketing is one of your largest expenses. It can also be the most infuriating.

How do you know if your advertising is working? How do you know if you’re spending your money wisely and getting a good deal? How can you compete for customers when you are outspent by local and national competitors?

This session will share honest advice that will challenge you to tear up your current plans and think differently.

5:15PM-6:00PM

MEMBERSHIP BRAINSTORM with your IJO Board of Directors

This is a great opportunity to help IJO help you. We are looking to develop new ideas, programs and tools to make the organization the best it can possibly be. If you have a thought or suggestion, we want to hear from you.

We want to get as much participation as possible from every member of IJO. 5:15PM-6:00PM

Creating a Roadmap to your best holiday selling season ever with Vince Rath

This session will focus on how to construct a merchandise, marketing and sales campaign that leads to superior results for the holiday selling season.

We will cover timelines, strategies and training tactics that ensure your entire team is properly prepared for the biggest sales event in our industry. Key takeaways include: identifying strategic opportunity, building an effective preparation calendar, how to identify and address bottlenecks to sales, and how to coordinate sales activity that leverages marketing and merchandise strategies.

MORE FUN

receptions + gala PREMIER IJO SOCIAL

WELCOME COCKTAIL RECEPTION

ANTWERP RECEPTION

Here’s a fantastic chance to meet fellow IJO attendees and have a

Rich with tradition and ceremony, the Antwerp Reception is

great time as well. Mingle over hors d’oeuvres and cocktails with

an IJO highlight. This event is open only to IJO retailers. At

old friends and take the opportunity to welcome new members.

the reception, you will meet Antwerp diamond suppliers and

Preview the creative displays of IJO vendors and vote for Best

learn from members who have had huge success with the IJO

Showcase Display. Don’t miss this opportunity to view how the

Antwerp Diamond Broker Program. Per tradition, the reception

immense creative thinking of the IJO vendors has taken the tower

will feature a delicious Belgian waffle spread. Hors d’oeuvres

design contest to a new level.

will also be served. And, you will learn all about Antwerp, the

SATURDAY, MARCH 5 6:00PM-7:30PM

world’s largest diamond buying capital, and find out how to become “The Diamond Store” in your area.

MONDAY, MARCH 7 6:15PM-7:15PM

GALA ORLANDO This single, magnificent event has helped define the IJO experience. It’s time for you to sparkle like your favorite gem - put on all of your finest jewelry, wear your most fashionable accessories and get dressed-to-the-nines.

Attend our black-tie (preferred, but optional) IJO social event and dance the night away with your IJO friends and family! Prepare to experience a thoroughly enjoyable evening of laughter and fun in Orlando, accompanied by a delectable meal and live entertainment. If you’ve never experienced the IJO Gala, this is the event and destination you surely should not miss!

TUESDAY, MARCH 8

7:00PM pre-gala reception 7:45PM–12 MIDNIGHT GALA

PLEASE BE SURE TO PICK UP YOUR TICKETS BY NOON ON SUNDAY

THANK YOU

vip functions

b y in v i t a t ion onl y

VIP BRUNCH

VIP COCKTAIL PARTY

Attention IJO VIP members! Start off your IJO conference by

Starting your day with the VIP Brunch means you should only

joining us and celebrating with other VIPs at this sumptuous

end it with the VIP Cocktail Party! There’s no better way to

and sensational experience. Following General Session, there

toast the first day in the IJO Buying Room than with other VIP

will be a brunch and a great chance to socialize. Make certain

members. Enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres and cocktails as you

you bring your appetite and be ready to enjoy time with new

unwind from the day and look forward to your time in sunny

and old friends as we kick off the opening of our Buying Room.

Orlando. This is a can’t miss function, so be sure to attend!

SUNDAY, MARCH 6

SUNDAY, MARCH 6

11:00AM

7:30PM–9:00PM

CHAIRMAN’S DINNER

VIP BREAKFAST

You and your spouse are cordially invited to the IJO Chairman’s

Socialize once again with your fellow IJO VIPs while you enjoy

Dinner. One of the most exclusive and anticipated events of

a hot, full breakfast, fresh hot coffee and an array of fruit

the conference, this evening is dedicated to those who have

juices. This is a great venue to get energized and to prepare

reached Chairman’s Circle status. Hosted by Jeff Roberts, this

for another productive day at the IJO Conference. Share your

event is a great chance to spend quality time with other IJO

highlights or plans for the IJO Buying Room, or just spend

peers, while enjoying a memorable dinner.

quality time with other members.

MONDAY, MARCH 7

TUESDAY, MARCH 8

7:00PM please RSVP ONLINE BY FEB 12 or call ijo for form

8:00AM–9:30AM

elite vip event

P R E M I E R e X C L U S I V I TY

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL “LA NOUBA” and DINNER AT BONGO’s CAFE La Nouba is the meeting of two worlds poles apart: the fantastic world of the circus artists - the Cirques (circus people), sporting bright, fluorescent colours–and that of the Urbains (urbanites), who wear dark, monochromatic outfits. When these two worlds first make contact, the magic and amazing feats of the one set fire to the pale mundanity of the other. La Nouba is a boundless and festive journey of the imagination that has the entertainment and acrobatics known only from Cirque du Soleil. Enjoy this performance at Disney Downtown with fabulous seats to experience every nuance of the dazzling and colorful performers. And as La Nouba delights the visual and auditory senses, you’ll join fellow IJO VIP members for a sensational time of drinks and dinner at Bongo’s Cuban Cafe. Here you will delight the savory senses with the rich, fiery flavors of authentic Cuban cuisine.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9 | 5:00PM SHOW + 7:30PM DINNER

par 7 1

golf

HAWK’S LANDING GOLF CLUB Conveniently located at the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort, Hawk’s Landing Golf Club was designed by noted golf architect Robert Cupp, Jr. This world-class golf course is the perfect setting for challenging golf among a scenic blend of native Florida wildlife and tropical vegetation. Enjoy the great location, perfect weather and the satisfaction that will reward golfers of all skill levels. For all the IJO golf enthusiasts, come and discover why Hawk’s Landing Golf Club is 18-holes of Championship Golf at its very finest. 8:00AM shotgun start.

This will be followed by a delicious lunch ideal for networking.

SATURDAY, MARCH 5 | 8:00AM SHOTGUN START $150 per player. pre-registration required by FEBRUAR:Y 12 (space is limited)

jewelry design SUBMISSIONS BY RETAILER MEMBERS ONLY

contest

Get those creative juices flowing and be prepared to present your talents at the upcoming IJO Conference. There are four categories with a first place, second place, and honorable mention winner in each. Enter as many designs as you like in each category. All IJO members can judge the designs via ballot. Designs will be displayed Sunday through Tuesday.

Entries must be submitted to the IJO Registration Desk by 3:30PM on Sunday. Winners will be announced at our Gala and will be awarded with a certificate and cash prize. First place winners will also receive a personalized plaque that will be mailed to them following the conference.

The categories are: Under $1,000*, $1,000-$1,999*, $2,000-$2,999* and Over $3,000*

*Indicates Jeweler Cost

SATURDAY, MARCH 5

11:30AM–12:30PM How To Utilize Financing To Drive Traffic And Sales with Mike Bagull, Synchrony Financial

7:30AM–8:45AM 7:30AM–8:00AM: Kick Off Breakfast 8:00AM-8:45AM: Simply Diamond Exclusive Disney Collection!

11:30AM–12:30PM Identifying Synthetic Diamonds with Dr. James Shigley/GIA

8:00AM Shotgun START Golf: Meet at Hawk’s Landing Golf Course

9:00AM–10:00AM Navigating Compensation And Employee Benefits with Kate Peterson

in one view

at-a-glance

9:00AM–10:00AM Perception Is All There Is: How To Use Six Powerful (And Subtle) Nonverbal Behaviors To Influence & Persuade with Dr. Linda Talley 9:00AM–10:00AM IJO Business Program: Your People with Chip Terry 10:15AM–11:15AM Spend Less. Grow More. How to Get The Most Out Of Your Marketing Budget And Crush Your Competitors with Andy Malis 10:15AM–11:15AM Display Successes From Other IJO Retailers That Might Work In Your Store with Larry Johnson 10:15AM–11:15AM Protecting And Transferring The Family Jewel with Brian Whitlock 10:15AM–12:15PM [DOUBLE SESSION] New Member/Guest Member Meeting with Penny Palmer

11:30AM–12:30PM Millenialls Selling To Boomers: Tips For Success with Debbie Hiss 1:30PM–5:00PM The Edge: Inventory – The Engine That Propels Your Business with Dick Abbott, David Brown, Sally Furrier and Lenny Prion 1:30PM–2:30PM Winning In Today’s Market And Beyond: Building An Unstoppable Trend Culture with Kate Peterson 1:30PM–2:30PM How To Approach The Unapproachable Or App Based Customer In Your Store with Dr. Linda Talley 1:30PM–2:30PM Making The Tax Laws Work For You with Brian Whitlock 2:45PM–3:45PM Making The Most Of Role Playing with Debbie Hiss 2:45PM–3:45PM Identifying Diamond Treatments with Dr. James Shigley/GIA 2:45PM–3:45PM Effective Managerial Communication And How To Get Your Team To Do What You Expect When You Expect It with Vince Rath

4:00PM–5:00PM PANEL: Digital Media Plan moderated by Jeff Roberts 4:00PM–5:00PM Answers To The Most Commonly Asked Display And Packaging Questions with Larry Johnson 4:00PM–5:00PM (REPEAT PROGRAM) Spend Less. Grow More. How To Get The Most Out Of Your Marketing Budget And Crush Your Competitors with Andy Malis 5:15PM–6:00PM Membership Brainstorm with Your IJO Board Of Directors All Retailers Welcome!!!

5:15PM–6:00PM Creating A Roadmap To Your Best Holiday Selling Season Ever with Vince Rath 6:00PM–7:30PM Welcome Cocktail Reception

SUNDAY, MARCH 6

9:00AM–11:00AM General Session with Keynote Speaker Lee Cockerell 11:00AM VIP Brunch (by invitation only) 11:00AM New Member Brunch (by invitation only)

12:15PM–1:00PM Part 2: Lessons In Leadership, Management And Customer Service with Lee Cockerell

TUESDAY, MARCH 8

1:00PM–7:30PM Buying Room Open

9:30AM–6:00PM Buying Room Open

5:00PM–7:15PM Buying Room Cocktail Reception

4:00PM–6:00PM Buying Room Cocktail Reception

7:30PM-9:00PM VIP Cocktail Party (by invitation only)

7:00PM–12:00 MIDNIGHT 7:00 Pre-Gala 7:45 Gala All Are Welcome!!!

Tickets will be collected at the door

MONDAY, MARCH 7 7:30AM Vendors’ Breakfast

8:00AM–11:00AM Team Clinics – one day only 11:00AM Guest Member Recap with Penny Palmer

8:00AM–9:30AM VIP Breakfast (by invitation only)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9 9:30AM–1:30PM Buying Room Open

10:30AM–12:30PM IJO Exams (pre-registration required)

10:00AM–6:00pM Buying Room Open

5:00PM Elite VIP Event: Cirque du Soleil La Nouba and Dinner at Bongo’s Cafe (by invitation only)

4:00pM–6:00pM Buying Room Cocktail Reception

retailer registration $200

6:15PM–7:15PM Antwerp Reception 7:00PM Chairman’s Dinner (by invitation only)

pay online by JANUARY 8 $150 (save $50 early bird) pay online after JANUARY 8 $175 (save $25) www.ijo.com

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