Matchmaking, Geolocation and Virtual Experiences Highlight JCK Las Vegas Show
June 2, 2014
JCK Las Vegas,the world’s largest diamond and jewelry trade show, rolled out the red carpet May 30- June 2 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center, showing that diamonds are, indeed, forever. At the time of consolidation of the jewelry industry, the show boasted strong attendance and exhibitor numbers and took over just about every inch of available space.
“While it’s a healthy industry, jewelry industry is certainly not growing in terms of a number of stores opening,” said Yancy Weinrich, group vice president of Reed Exhibitions’ JCK Portfolio. “Since moving to Mandalay Bay four year ago, we’re up 43 percent. We are certainly back at pre-recession levels.”
Spanning 503,000 net square feet, the show featured about 2,500 exhibitors and attracted approximately 23,000 attendees. The numbers are on par with last year. “We’re positive that there are more stores here,” Weinrich said.
The show is expected to grow, he added, by 2016, when Mandalay Bay is planning to open its 350,000 sq. ft. expansion, as well as more underground parking and carpeted ballroom space.
Among innovations this year are the JCK Match Program and the Geolocation function of the phone app. When registering, exhibitors provided information on their products and price ranges, and buyers were recommended up to 25 exhibitors based on their interests.
“We surveyed 300 people during the show and found that over 90 were aware of the program and over 30 had at least one scheduled meeting with exhibitors that they were matched with,” Weinrich said. “For a first-year program, we feel we’re making good progress.”
The mobile app got a new functionality this year with “Personalized GPS” that offered real-time geolocation and “near me” exhibitor suggestions. The app automatically detects the phone’s position on the showfloor and will show it as a blue dot.
From there, it can create a route to an exhibitor and also show if any of exhibitors that were recommended by the match program are nearby. Tested, the functionality worked very well. The only suggestion from those spoiled by real GPS is that the map turn in real time too.
Overall, the show looked beautiful with all the splash signage, red carpets and product displays in the hallways and public areas of Mandalay Bay. The new required hard-wall package also is a nice departure from pipe and drape for smaller exhibitors.
Exhibit design usually is not the jewel of this show, with so much expensive creativity on display as is. But one different and engaging experience was offered by Rio Tinto that invited attendees to explore their Diavik diamond mine through a virtual flight in Oculus Rift glasses.
During the 2.5 minute experience, users flew over Canadian tundra and explored the mines with 360-degree view. “How are we going to evolve and compete with the Apples of the world?” said Brandee Dallow, head of the Rio Tinto U.S. representative office. “I would love to see this technology in jewelry retail store. It’s endless what you can teach the jewelry community.”
Retailer Amir Askari, with Best in Gold Guys in Delray Beach, Fla., came to find loose diamonds for bridal and was pleased with the selection. “Most of our customers are looking to spend under $5,000,” he added. “We found what we were looking for.”
Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here.
New Wave Experiences
Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024.
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Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space.
Refreshing New Design & Fine Art
The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights.
Sustainable Spectacles
Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles.
The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.
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