(1888PressRelease)
February 11, 2007 - Fusing creativity and business principles will be at the top of the agenda of the Women’s Jewelry Association’s 4th Annual “Women in the Know” conference, to be held Friday, March 16, 2007 at the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Katie Murphy Amphitheater. This dynamic full-day gathering is being sponsored by Collectors Universe companies: Gem Certification & Assurance Lab (GCAL) and American Gemological Laboratories (AGL), and Platinum Guild International (PGI). It will bring together professional women from all areas of the jewelry and related industries, with presentations focusing on leadership skills, networking, luxury marketing strategies, public speaking, website development, and more.
The opening keynote speaker will be Judith Ripka, founder and chairman of the board of The Judith Ripka Companies, Inc., who will talk about “Passion, Persistence, and Performance.” Headquartered in New York City, Ripka’s company has grown into a multi-million dollar business with over 120 employees, including 105 women.
Carole Hyatt, an author and speaker specializing in careers, follows with a general session about “How Smart Leaders Deliver Results.” Hyatt has been writing and lecturing about career topics for over 30 years, and her books, including "The New Woman’s Selling Game" and "Shifting Gears," have helped millions throughout the world effectively identify and accomplish their goals. .
What are the most successful luxury marketers doing to increase customer loyalty? Greg Furman, president of Furman Communications & Marketing as well as founder/chairman of The Luxury Marketing Council, will discuss “The Ever Evolving Luxury Market and Best Marketing Practices for Success.”
Outstanding speakers will also participate in several afternoon breakout sessions, including:
• Renee Palmer – president of Pink Rat, a New York City-based web design and consulting firm that focuses on small and medium-sized businesses.
• Linda Zimmer – business and professional coach with over 30 years of experience working with the jewelry and other luxury industries.
• Larry Sharpe – president of Neo-Sage Institute, a sales and service training guild as well as an entrepreneur advisory organization.
• Beth Schoenfeldt – president of Ladies Who Launch, a national women’s business group offering resources, networking and support to women starting new business ventures.
• Erica Keller -- senior trainer for Media Training Worldwide, a media and presentation training firm that has trained thousands of executives, government officials and business people.
Finally, the “Women of Excellence” panel, featuring WJA Award for Excellence past winners, will be moderated by Lynn Ramsey, president of Lynn Ramsey Public Relations. Panelists will share their inspirational life stories on the road to success, including Julianne Jaffe, vice president, J.J. Marco; Candy Udell, president, London Jewelers; Chris Correia, president, the Chris Correia Collection; Tania Riddell, accessories editor, Modern Bride; and Diane Mattioli, sales director, luxury goods, Conde Nast Media Group.
Advanced tickets for the conference are $175 for WJA members and $200 for non-members and are available from the WJA website, www.womensjewelry.org, or by calling WJA Headquarters at (856) 423-3156.
WJA, founded in 1983, is the preeminent association of professional women in the jewelry, watch and related businesses.
