Message from the CEO - June 2024

As we enter the second half of 2024 it helps to reflect on the success that we enjoyed as we make plans to improve or extend that success in the second half.  Clearly, the Gem Shows in Tucson were once again a productive and successful event for most all involved.  Most exhibitors in the March Hong Kong show and JCK Las Vegas show would give a moderate rating given the thinner crowds compared to previous years. I think it reflects the evolving relationship between buyers and shows (read show exhibition companies).  Jewelers today are becoming more cautious with their time and certainly with their money.  Couple that with the escalating prices, especially for finer goods, due to supply constraints, and it makes sense that more buyers are staying home and those that are coming are being more selective with their purchases.

One of the primary responsibilities of any business focused association is to develop and implement programs that allow its members to improve their businesses. Exhibiting in ICA sponsored pavilions at jewelry trade shows has always been a very desirable benefit of membership and we will continue to examine our pavilions in Tucson, Las Vegas, Bangkok and Hong Kong and work with the show  producers to acquire more space for our members and to develop promotional programs that educate the buyer to the benefits of shopping the shows and working with ICA members.

While we do have ICA pavilions in most major trade shows we also have hundreds of members who exhibit in areas of shows that are not in the ICA Pavilion as well as members who exhibit in shows where there is no ICA Pavilion. ICA will aggressively promote your business and your booth in our outreach to traditional media and social media whether you are in an ICA Pavilion or not. If you are an ICA member, make sure that you are making full use of the benefit provided to you.  Let us help you distribute your message through robust social media channels, advertising opportunities in our renowned ICA InColor magazine, and messages to our Member Portal.   By all means, send us stories of interest about you and your business for a monthly newsletter and quarterly magazine.

ICA has a responsibility to its members to help promote their businesses, but by actively participating in the programs that we offer, you can improve the effectiveness of our programs tenfold.   As members, we understand the importance of our customers trading with us because they appreciate our commitment to professionalism and ethical business practices.  This message resonates with buyers, and you can amplify that message to the customer. Research has continually shown that membership in an organization like ICA, which is committed to ethical and professional business practices impacts and influences the customer  powerfully. Integrating your ICA membership and what it means into  your presentation can  establish stronger customer confidence and significantly improve your closing rates.