SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
9:30am | Welcome to the CJA Industry Summit in partnership with Jewelers Mutual
On behalf of the Canadian Jewellers Association and our valued sponsors, Welcome! Start the day off right with a continental breakfast. Visit with CJA Benefit Partners in the Member Benefit Alley and connect with attendees before the day officially kicks-off!
10:30am | Annual General Meeting
Have your say in who will represent you on the 2025 CJA Board of Directors. All members are invited to attend this business meeting, and voting members are welcome to participate.
Hosted by Angela Betteridge, Chair
11:00am | MythBusters: Uncovering the truth about Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance
Debunk myths about your AML compliance obligations as a dealer in precious metals and precious stones (DPMS) with the CJA’s AML partner, Outlier Solutions Inc. In this fast-paced session AML expert, David Vijan, will uncover the truth about common AML misconceptions. With the myths uncovered, DPMSs will have a greater understanding of their compliance obligations and access to tools to get compliant!
Speaker: David Vijan, Outlier Solutions Inc.
11:30am | Natural Diamond Confidence: Using unique qualities to promote sales
The rarity, uniqueness and enduring value of a natural diamond makes it the most meaningful proposition to any customer wishing to mark the most important moments in their lives. As laboratory-grown diamond prices continue to fall dramatically, there is also a greater incentive for retailers to sell the natural diamond. Join Ivette Stephanopoulos, De Beers Institute of Diamonds, to learn the four pillar approach retailers can use to promote this extraordinary product. By focusing on the four key characteristics, RARE, UNIQUE, TIMELESS, and VALUABLE retailers and their staff will learn how to confidently communicate the true beauty and remarkable story of natural diamonds with supporting facts, concise and memorable messaging.
Speaker: Ivette Stephanopoulos, De Beers Group
12:00pm | Lunch Break
Refuel for the afternoon at the lunch buffet. Connect with attendees and explore the Member Benefit Alley.
1:00pm | Going Beyond Insurance
Join Mark Devereaux, Jewelers Mutual, for an inspiring chronicle of how a company with humble routes dating back to 1913 has remained committed to honouring and protecting jewellery for their 1 million+ clients. Learn how Jewelers Mutual continues to push the boundaries with innovative products and strategies built specifically for the jewellery industry. Propel your business into the future with a fresh set of tools and a renewed vision of the jewellery industry.
Speaker: Mark Devereaux, Jewelers Mutual
1:15pm | The Evolution of Retail: Is brick and mortar retail dead?
We have all seen the tabloids saying, “brick and mortar retail is dead” and have witnessed iconic brands close their doors all while nimble startups become a household name. Join Wendi Swanson, owner and founder of Etymon Group, for a walk through the evolution (not revolution) of retail. Learn how brick and mortar retailers must adapt to the changing landscape so they can provide a differentiated customer experience (CX) that ignites greatest sales and profits. By exploring the optimal sell through formula, both suppliers and retailers will walk away with tangible take-aways they can immediately implement into their business that are free, low-effort, high-impact.
Speaker: Wendi Swanson, Etymon Group
2:30pm | Securing the Holidays: A Proactive Approach to Crime Prevention
Be on the lookout! The holidays are filled with lots of sparkle AND increased opportunities for crime. Join our panel of Security Experts for a conversation on how to manage risk while on the road, shipping and in store. Understand current crime trends and how you can use the latest tools and technology to deter criminals. By uncovering the reality of crime today, both suppliers and retailers will leave with increased awareness of security best practices and the rich assortment of available security resources.
Moderator: Mark Devereaux, Jewelers Mutual
Panelists:
Scott Hayes, Jewellers Vigilance Canada
Howard Stone, Jewelers Mutual
Brett Walker, Peoples Jewellers
Roy Manias, The Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited
Detective from Peel Regional Police
3:30pm | Connection Break
It’s your last chance to visit the Member Benefit Alley to learn about exclusive savings with CJA Member Benefit Partners. Connect with fellow attendees and and place your bids before the Silent Auction closes.
4:00pm | The Quest for Q4: How to Reach Maximum Sales Potential
The competition for consumer attention is tight! Join our panel of Retailers for a discussion on how to create a successful season. From innovative marketing campaigns to instore activations, uncover the hidden gems retailers are using to consistently generate sales and keep customers coming back. By learning from industry peers, both suppliers and retailers will be prepared to navigate the busiest sales season of the year and surpass their sales goals.
Moderated by Wendi Swanson, Etymon Group
Panelists:
Chau Lui, Paris Jewellers
Tom Hart: Charm Diamond Centres
Linda Bruno, Dana’s Goldsmithing
Jeff Buzbuzian, Knar Jewellery
5:00pm | Brand Building in the Golden Age of Customer Engagement
Does your brand align with what your customers care about? Join Joe Jackman, Founder and CEO of Jackman Reinvents, North America’s leading customer engagement reinvention company, for a conversation on how to bridge the gap between what your customers care about and what your brand stands for. By aligning these two, businesses will be able to increase customer engagement ultimately leading to increased sales.
Speaker: Joe Jackman, Jackman Reinvents
6:00pm | Achieving New Heights Together: The CJA Industry Summit and Beyond
Together, we have gained new skills and have renewed perspectives on how to approach our businesses. With new connections established and existing connections strengthened, we can move into the holidays with confidence in our beloved jewellery community and the tools to make it a successful season!
Speaker: Wendi Swanson, Etymon Group
6:15pm | Cocktail Hour sponsored by Citizen Watch Canada Ltd.
CHEERS to a fabulous day of learning and connecting. Enjoy complimentary cocktails sponsored by Citizen Watch Canada Ltd. while mingling with attendees. Make sure to purchase your raffle tickets and place your final bids for the Silent Auction which closes at 7:00pm.
7:30pm | CJA Awards Dinner sponsored by De Beers Institute of Diamonds
The CJA Awards were founded to honour the incredible achievements of individuals and companies involved in all areas of the jewellery industry across Canada. Join us in celebrating winners of The Erol Paylan Lifetime Achievement Award, The Canadian Retailer of the Year Award, and The Canadian Supplier of the Year Award.
9:00pm | Raffle Prizes & Silent Auction Winners
Get your tickets ready for the Raffle Prize draw! Winning bidders for the Silent Auction will be notified and onsite items will be available for pick up. Formal programming for the evening concludes, however guests are welcome to continue enjoying the evening together.
