NORWALK, Conn. — This year’s Jewelers International Showcase (JIS) trade-only jewelry show was one for the record books. Domestic and international attendance at JIS Spring 2022, held March 13–15 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Fla., was up more than 26% over the previous year. There were 322 exhibitors offering everything from bridal, diamond and classic jewelry to watches, loose gemstones, and equipment and supplies. Attendees were more than eager to check out the wares, which were spread over four pavilions including a new Turkish Pavilion and upscale Product Showcase Lounge. Overall, the show doubled its floor size since last year, reaching 64,216 square feet this year.
“The excitement and demand for in-person product sourcing by our buyers was palpable,” Lauren van Rensburg, JIS Marketing Director, said. Responses from the post-show survey found that the big draw was a critical need for restocking and product purchasing as the jewelry business continues to rebound.
“JIS is known for bringing buyers and retailers together from unique markets including the Southeastern United States, Latin America, Mexico, the Caribbean and more by offering the efficiency of shopping from an extensive range of suppliers of finished jewelry during ideal buying timeframes. We invest heavily to attract such buyers to our events, and with US borders now open, it is great to see growth in those segments,” she said. The biggest increase was in attendance from Latin America, which was up 81% over 2021. The number of attendees from the Caribbean was up 65% this year, and the number of Canadian attendees more than doubled.
Domestic attendance also was up, with onsite registration increasing 33% year over year, Rensburg said. The biggest influx of domestic attendees came from Florida, New York, Texas, California and Michigan.
“Attendees reported positive feedback stating JIS Spring was an ‘impressive and productive show’ with a great selection of products and exhibitors — with plenty of cash-and-carry options,” van Rensburg added.
Show organizers also have announced that Sara McDonough, formerly the JIS Platinum Club and Special Events Director, would be taking over as Event Director for JIS. She is replacing Jordan Tuchband, who has been promoted to Group Vice President, overseeing RX-US’s Security, Transportation, Natural Disaster and Card Not Present brands.
JIS shows are produced by RX USA, which organizes more than 400 events in 22 countries.
Reach Lauren van Rensburg at (203) 840-5311 or lauren.vanrensburg@rxglobal.com
