JCK's LUXURY PRIVÉ PANAMA - 1ST REGIONAL HIGH END JEWELRY EVENT

JCK EVENTS HOSTS LUXURY PRIVÉ PANAMA, LATIN AMERICA'S 1^ST HIGH END JEWELRY EVENT 

Results Indicate A Strong Market For Fine Jewelry In The Region

JCK Events' LUXURY Privé Panama held its inaugural show in the Latin American hot spot last month with a 3-day event.  The first ever high-end jewelry event in Latin America featured 50 exhibitors and welcomed retailers from 23 countries representing just over 380 stores from 75 leading retailers in the markets.  Held at the Westin Playa Bonita in Panama City, Panama, the atmosphere was full of energy and optimism for the future of jewelry in Central and Latin America, Mexico and the Caribbean. 

Panama boasts oceanfront vistas

Amid the oceanfront vistas, the relaxed, yet upscale environment of LUXURY Privé Panama proved the perfect counterpart to the show's New York arm; where Privé New York draws elite U.S. based buyers during an opportune time in New York City, the Panama show is a convenience for Latin American buyers who need access to high-end brands now more than ever.  

"We are thrilled that JCK has brought such a high caliber show to our area," said Sheyla Assaf de Azuero from Andre Laurent Joyeros in Colombia. "Our customers are looking for new designers and we found many here that are the perfect match for us. We are extremely pleased to have made new connections and are looking forward to continuing the many discussions begun here." 

With a program of daily networking events designed to encourage new introductions and no shortage of upbeat, flavorful social events, the entire event was conducive to both connecting cultures and doing business. Beginning with a tropical-chic poolside welcome reception, the Show progressed with 3 days of "match-making" style networking events, in addition to the usual tradeshow business dealings, as well as daily afternoon snacks and champagne sponsored by Brilliant Insights and nightly cocktails. 

"Our goal with Panama was to provide an atmosphere of business match-making and networking; an opportunity to bring the best manufacturers and the leading retailers from the Latin, South & Central American markets to establish solid relationships in which to do business in an area of the world that is just on the cusp of extreme growth." says Yancy Weinrich from JCK Events.  

At Show's end, the success of the event and the excitement for future business dealings was evident from the glowing feedback of both retailers and exhibitors alike.

Fabrizio Cocchiano, of John Hardy commented, "We didn't come here to sell. We came here to make strong relationships from which sales will result. We met a lot of new retailers, many of whom we know we will have a long term relationship with. This show was a good stepping stone for future business and we look forward returning at next year's show." 

"Having already begun the expansion into Latin American several years ago, LUXURY Privé Panama was the perfect opportunity to further our outreach to new customers," shared Meyer Hoffman, COO of Mikimoto. "For us, to see existing customers as well as discover new contacts in South America, the Show has fulfilled our expectations."

Melva Grimaldo of Joyeria Muller in Costa Rica said "We were thrilled with the brands represented. Many will be of particular interest to our clients in the next 6-8 weeks as the Holiday season begins in earnest. At the end of the Show we met with 7 new brands in a relaxed and upscale environment that allowed us to spend quality time with each exhibitor to continue building relationships and begin new ones." 

Lourdes Ceballos of Daniel Ceballos Joyeros - Hermosillo, Mexico said "We are very excited to have a more private and personalized show, where vendors and buyers really get a feel of starting a long-term business relationship. We are looking to purchase high-end merchandise and for us it's important to take our time, to ask questions for the decision making. It's a small, yet inviting atmosphere that we found at Privé is what makes this kind of experience worthwhile. The social events throughout the show have made networking so easy and efficient, we are so happy to have made new friends and partnerships. LUXURY Privé is a small show with a big future!"

"LUXURY Privé Panama has been both a smart business opportunity and a wonderful, cultural experience for us," shared Fred Sage of Frederic Sage. "We feel extremely optimistic about the potential for business in this part of the world and were delighted by the open warmth and friendliness of the people we will be doing that business with. We felt we made life-long relationships here this week."

ABOUT JCK EVENTS:
JCK is a trusted partner connecting jewelry retailers and manufacturers/suppliers with trends, news, products, education and partners to build business. Whether attending face-to-face events, building inventory with online and onsite sourcing or obtaining authoritative news and insights from JCK, the leading industry magazine in print & online, JCK offers a suite of tools, events and information to deliver sound solutions, innovative opportunities and essential information. Mark your calendars as JCK Events presents its portfolio of upcoming buying opportunities:

-	LUXURY and Elite Enclave: May 28 – 30, 2013, by invitation only, and then continues as the events open their doors to all JCK retailers Friday, May 31 – Monday, June 3 – Four Seasons, Mandalay Bay, THEhotel
-	Swiss Watch: May 31 – June 3, 2013 – Mandalay Bay, THEhotel, Mandarin Oriental
-	JCK Las Vegas: May 31 – June 3, 2013 – Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
-	LUXURY Privé New York: July 29 - July 31, 2013 – New York, The Pierre Hotel – Fifth Avenue
-	LUXURY Privé Panama: October 21 – 23, 2013 – Panama City, Panama, Westin Playa Bonita