MJSA Expo New York

April 13-15, 2008
Jacob Javits Convention Center
New York City

2008 MJSA Expo New York Seminars

MJSA Members: $50 each
Non-members: $75 each
Students (must present a valid student photo I.D.): $37 each
There will be an additional $10 fee for each seminar registered onsite.

Location: MJSA Seminar Rooms

 

PREMIER EDUCATION SPONSOR:

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT SPONSOR:

 

SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2008

9:30 – 11 A.M. (3 Tracks)

S1: Business Track: The 3P’s—Promotion, Pricing, and Production—a Primer
Chris Ploof, Chris Ploof Designs
When it comes down to selling your work, being an excellent metalsmith is not enough. Other very important factors stand out. You must be able to effectively promote yourself and your work, have a clear understanding of pricing, and have the ability to produce when the orders start flowing.

S2: Design Track: So You Have a Great Product Idea, What Next?!
Elizabeth Brehmer, Stuller Inc.
This seminar explains the process that a company goes through when evaluating an inventor’s or a designer’s concept for potential licensing and manufacture. Learn about licensing agreements, business plans, and how to present your protected idea to the market. Also learn how to prepare yourself to present your concept, what questions to ask, and what you and the licensor might expect in the long term. This seminar is sponsored by Stuller Inc.

S3: At The Bench Track: Loop-in-Loop Chain Production and Repair
Ann B. Cahoon, Flying Marquis Studio
Loop-in-loop chains are one of the truly classical expressions of the goldsmith’s art. This presentation will offer a comprehensive look at all aspects of constructing and finishing these beautiful structures, with a discussion of the custom and commercial tools that simplify the process, and specific guidance for the repair person. This seminar is sponsored by FedEx.

2 – 3:30 P.M. (3 Tracks)

S4: Business Track: Teams that Work!
Mark Shipman, Rio Grande
Learn practical methods for building, and consistently improving, production teams that leverage strengths, mitigate weaknesses and make you profitable. This seminar is sponsored by Rio Grande.

S5: Design Track: Shopping the Aisles of History for Designs
Gail Levine, National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA), Auction Market Resources
Every design has its own origin. Spark your creative side and get a view of history from an expert who can show you where designs originate. You will find a variety of time periods from which to shop for styles, techniques, designs, and metals. This seminar is sponsored by NAJA.

S6: At The Bench Track: Safety Solutions DVD Premiere
Chris Ploof, Chris Ploof Designs
Ensure safety awareness and compliance in your workplace. See the debut of the new MJSA Safety Solutions DVD and bring your questions about safety issues to Chris, who will be bringing this sometimes very dry issue to life with humor and anecdotes. Each attendee will be given a FREE copy of the updated manual, now in a handier 6 inch by 9 inch size, as well as the companion DVD, which brings the manual’s compliance information to life. This seminar is sponsored by FedEx.

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2008

9:30 – 11 A.M. (3 Tracks)

M1: Business Track: 75 Business Tips in 75 Minutes Panel
Cindy Edelstein, Jeweler’s Resource Bureau; Chris Ploof, Chris Ploof Designs; Mark Shipman, Rio Grande; and Andrea Hill, Hill Management. Moderator: Rich Youmans, MJSA.
Business knowledge can be less than riveting, but when it’s delivered in 60-second sound bites, you’ll find yourself truly engrossed! Business experts will give you power-packed, solid business advice you can apply and benefit from right away. This panel is sponsored by Clasp.

M2: Design Track: Tips and Trips of Buying Pearls Part 2
Sandy Jones, PEARLWORKS by Sandy Jones
From buying and selling tips to treatment identification techniques, this seminar will arm you with everything you need to profit from pearls. Discover the differences between saltwater and freshwater varieties; learn when to purchase them domestically and when (and where) to look internationally; and find out how to best incorporate them into your line of jewelry.

M3: At The Bench Track: Working with Systems: Overview of Current CAD/CAM Technologies
Victor Joyner, HD Pattern Co.
Learn about the different methods of reproducing your design into wax or resin models, and which works the best for implementing your design ideas. Presented from a jeweler’s perspective, this seminar is a complete overview of CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided mastering) technologies. This seminar is sponsored by FedEx.

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

FREE Seminar: "Reinforcing Confidence in Jewelry Store Products"
The only constant in the jewelry industry is change. What should the manufacturing sector be doing at the source to ensure that transparent business practices are in place when dealing with issues such as responsibility in mining and en-vironmental practices, child labor, and the legitimate flow of diamonds and gemstones downstream? Today’s consumer will demand a transparent supply chain, from the mine to the re-tail counter, to reinforce and maintain their confidence in the jewelry industry. What tools are available to manufacturers so they can ensure consumer confidence in the products they sell through to the retail community? Sproule will outline a multi-sector industry initiative that promotes responsible, ethical, social, and environmental practices in the diamond and gold supply chain. This seminar is sponsored by the Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices.

2 – 3:30 P.M. (3 Tracks)

M4: Business Track: How to Gain More Customers and Generate Greater Profit Margins Through Differentiation
Timothy Malone, PhD, Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
Differentiation is not about being different…it is about being preferred by customers. True differentiation rescues jewelers from the never-ending bargain negotiations of price discounting. This presentation will help jewelers understand what differentiation is and is not, and provide step-by-step instructions on how to effectively differentiate a company, brand, and product. This seminar is sponsored by GIA.

M5: Design Track: Profiting By Design Panel
Marlene Richey, author, designer, and business expert; Cindy Edelstein, Jeweler’s Resource Bureau; Chris Ploof, Chris Ploof Designs; and a representative from Jeweler's Mutual Insurance Co.
Learn how design can promote your bottom line from industry experts who will discuss web building, promotion, legal issues, and more.

M6: At The Bench Track: The Jeweler’s Bench: Smart Set-ups
Charles Lewton-Brain, Brain Press
The bench is where the goldsmith lives—it is the most important spot in our shops. Lewton-Brain will examine the bench: the production station for all jewelers, the place where speed, accuracy, easy access to tools, and ergonomic thinking are all imperative. He will also analyze several different styles and set-ups, storage ideas, ergonomics, lighting, and seating—sure to be the most in-depth presentation of the jeweler’s bench and how we work. This seminar is sponsored by FedEx.

NEW EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES: TECHNIQUE TUESDAY

TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2008

MJSA Members: $20 each
Non-members: $25 each
There will be a $10 fee for each seminar registered on-site.
Location: MJSA Expo New York Show Floor

9:30 A.M. – NOON

T1: Pearl Knotting
Nick Regine and Leigh Alsfeld, Swarovski
This hands-on seminar will focus on the proper technique of pearl knotting to ensure high quality end products. Participants will experiment with various tools and Swarovski Crystal Pearls to create a beautiful, hand-knotted jewelry piece. (Seating is limited to 25). This seminar is sponsored by Swarovski.

T2: Loop-in-Loop Chain Making
Ann Cahoon, Flying Marquis Studio
Learn the basics of loop formation and the weaving processes used in creating loop-in-loop chains. The workshop will explore the three basic structures of chains: single, two-way, and double. (Seating is limited to 15).

T3: Designing with the Newest and Innovative Findings
Wyatt White and Fernando DaSilva, Beadalon
Utilizing the newest and most innovative of findings, learn design techniques from members of the design and product teams at Beadalon. New products and wire will be provided. Attendees are required to bring their own 16” strand of beads. (Seating is limited to 30). This seminar is sponsored by Beadalon.

12:30 – 3 P.M.

T4: Gluing Crystal Stones
Nick Regine and Leigh Alsfeld, Swarovski
This hands-on seminar will focus of the proper techniques required to glue Swarovski crystal stones to ensure high-quality end products. Participants will experiment with various types of materials such as wood, glass, fabric and metals and will learn the proper types of glue and technique to be used in each case. Each participant will receive a finished piece of jewelry that they have glued Swarovski crystal stones into. (Seating is limited to 25). This seminar is sponsored by Swarovski.

T5: Texturing and Hand Wrought Forming Using Hammers
Bill Fretz, Fretz Tools
From ancient to contemporary, forming and texturing with hammers is one of the most spontaneous and tactile of all the jewelry techniques. The metal moves and changes dimension in your hands as it is being hammered against stakes and mandrels. This will be an exploration into what is possible with various shaped hammers. (Seating is limited to 25).

T6: Knotting with a Beadalon Knotter
Wyatt White and Fernando DaSilva, Beadalon
Learn knotting techniques and how to prepare beads for knotting utilizing battery operated reamers. Also, learn to professionally begin and end projects using French wire and more. (Seating is limited to 20). This seminar is sponsored by Beadalon.

Click here to register for seminars.