In This EpisodeYou’ll hear JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk with Kate Youngstrom, vice president of brand and content marketing for RX Global. They talk about all things JCK Show—from its safety measures to its social and education events.

Show Notes

00:53 Victoria and Rob introduce today’s guest, Kate Youngstrom, vice president of brand and content marketing for RX Global.05:54 Kate goes over all the safety measures taken this year and shares where you can find more information.08:30 There are plenty of social and networking events at this year’s show. Kate tells the JCK editors about just a few of them.12:12 What’s new this year in the education programs.15:39 Kate talks all about Jewelers Source and the perks of having JCK Pro.

Episode CreditsHosts: Rob Bates and Victoria GomelskyProducer and engineer: Natalie ChometPlugs: jckonline.com, @jckmagazine

Show Recap

Introducing Kate YoungstromVictoria is getting ready to head off to the JCK Show, flying from Burbank, Calif., to Las Vegas, and she’s so excited to see all her friends there. Rob is also excited. Their guest on today’s podcast, Kate Youngstrom, vice president of brand and content marketing for RX Global, will also be in attendance. She’s joining them today to give listeners some details about the show—which she says is unequivocally happening this year. Luxury opens by invitation only on Tues., Aug. 24 for two and a half days, then will remain open for everyone else Friday through Monday. And attendance looks strong!

Safety MeasuresRob asks if people will be able to come from outside of the country to the show, and Kate says interested attendees must follow the rules of their particular country. Safety policies mandate that masks are required, and masks will be offered at the center. But Kate recommends checking out the JCK Show’s website for all of the most up-to-date safety information. Presenters will have the option to wear masks onstage if they want.

Social Events and DiningThere are some evening social events planned. For the all-access badge holders in the Luxury community, on Wednesday night there is the fan-favorite Dine Out program featuring 17 restaurants. On Thursday, for those same badge holders there’s an Around the World happy hour taking place between three restaurant bars, with drink tickets available. On Friday evening, the Women's Jewelry Association (WJA) and the American Gem Society Young Titleholders, in partnership with JCK, are holding a happy hour at Sushi Samba. And on Sunday night, the Jewelers for Children (JFC) dinner is taking place in the Venetian Bar. Victoria mentions that on page 130 of the latest issue of JCKmagazine, Matt Villano wrote a piece about all the new places to eat, drink, and see in Vegas.

Education ProgramsRob asks about the education programs, which Kate says take place across three days of the show, starting on Friday morning and running through Sunday. They’ll be held on the show floor on the showcase stage. For the first time this year, there will be a few viewing pods on the show floor, where those who don't enough time to go from one place to another can watch livestreams of the education programs. Additionally, there will be two new education activation stations. One, the “Podcast Zone,” will allow attendees to watch podcasters record their podcasts live; the other, the "Content Creation Zone," will show visitors how to really bring a piece of jewelry to life through photography, social media, and emails.

Jewelers Source and JCK Pro PerksThis year’s keynote speech will be given on Saturday by the National Retail Federation and will take a look at the past 18 months—where we’ve been, where we’re going, and what we’ve learned. Victoria asks Kate about Jewelers Source, the JCK Marketplace where you can create meetings, source product, and see what the trends are. Kate says that all the content from the JCK Show will be available afterward on the site for JCK Pro users, and that those users will enjoy in-person perks at the show too, such as a dedicated lounge with amenities, and education and networking opportunities.