JCK Las Vegas cancelled for 2020

JCK Luxury was originally scheduled to begin on May 31 and JCK Las Vegas on 2 June, however both were postponed to “later in 2020” on 17 March – four days after US President Donald Trump declared a state of national emergency due to the virus’ escalating spread.

"This decision was made in response to the unprecedented challenges faced by JCK's jewellery community. We know this decision impacts the entire industry, and it was not made lightly"

Sarin Bachmann, Reed Exhibitions

By 28 March the US had overtaken Italy as the country with the most officially confirmed coronavirus cases; at the time of publication, more than 820,000 people had been diagnosed with the illness and more than 44,000 had died.

Sarin Bachmann, group vice president JCK & Luxury at Reed Exhibitions, said the decision to cancel the two jewellery shows “was made in response to the unprecedented challenges faced by JCK’s jewellery community,” adding, “We know this decision impacts the entire industry, and it was not made lightly.”

» Full official statement from JCK Events 

The COVID-19 crisis has also caused significant economic impacts in the US, with 22 million people filing for unemployment benefits since the national emergency was declared, according to the US Department of Labor.

Retail sales fell by 6.2 per cent during March 2020 compared with February, and 3.8 per cent compared with March 2019, according to the US Census Bureau.

With many businesses under unprecedented stress, Reed Exhibitions said it would hold a digital event named JCK Virtual 2020, which it described as “a celebration of the industry with opportunities to network, merchandise, learn, and unite virtually”, as well as a series of webinars and online education resources.

Additionally, all JCK exhibitors will be invited to participate in the JIS October show, which is still scheduled to take place on 13–16 October in Miami, Florida.

Bachmann said, “These are unprecedented times, but one thing we can guarantee: JCK and Luxury are in this with you, and we are here to support you. We will continue to listen to our customers and to facilitate the personal and business connections that our industry is built on, so we can all evolve and emerge stronger and better connected than ever.”

The next JCK Luxury and Las Vegas shows will take place in June 2021 at the Sands Expo and the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.

More reading:
JCK trade shows postponed due to coronavirus pandemic
Postponements/cancellations of international jewellery trade shows