If you live in the Southern California Area - This is a MUST DO!
Tonight was the Gala Opening for the Bench Jewelers Conference and Suppliers Expo (Information follows report)! http://benchconference.com
Following a really nice spread (food & drinks) courtesy of The Platinum Guild and one other vendor that I can't remember (I will update this tomorrow), Brad Simon (with the onstage assistance of his son) emceed a Jeweler's Version of "The Price is Right!
Just like the TV game show we had the opportunity to "Come on Down" and compete to win tools & equipment. Many of the companies exhibiting at the Suppliers Expo donated great prizes to be won. This is NO JOKE there were amazing gifts $250 certificates for SouthEastern Findings, Gift Certificates for David H. Fell, Equipment and Tools!!!!
For those of you that missed the Opening Gala - there is good news - all prizes not won during the game on Friday night will be given away on Saturday afternoon in a Consolation Drawing.
All but one prizes that is - I WON A PRIZE!!!! The Advanced Stone Setting Class At GIA - is MINE!
The Suppliers Expo is a mere $15 at the door and the information and education provided far surpassed my expectations!!!! The vendors booths were all well manned and all the vendors had time to personally interact with people - there were "hands on" Lazer Welding Demos, a really good demo of two MJSA Innovation Award winners Firescoff and my personal favorite - Lee Marshall (father of Bonny Doon) was there with his amazing new project "Knew Projects"!
I don't think I have ever seen as much excitement as there was around the Knew Concept Saw and while I expected it with the Electric Saw - the Manual Saw was drew just as many amazed expressions!!!! http://knewconcepts.com/
Seen in the crowd among the Jeweler's from across the country...one of my favorite people Dave Arens (of Koil Kutter fame)! It is always nice to meet-up with friends and fellow Orchid Members.
I am returning after class tomorrow and hope to be able to add some photos to tomorrow's report!!!
While it is probably too late to register for the Saturday Classes I am going to tease you by including the info. It isn't too late to get into the Sunday sessions.
Saturday Session 6 9:30 – 10:30am
601 Advanced Setting
602 Rubber Mold Making
603 Marketing Platinum
604 The Final Finish
605 Casting for the Small Shop
Saturday Session 7 11:00 – 12:00pm
701 Hand Wax Carving - Pendant
702 Jewelry Photography
703 Platinum Casting
704 Managing Your Melee
705 Fascination with Fancies
Sunday Session 8 9:30 – 10:30am
801 Basic Setting
802 Unique Jewelry Fabrication
803 Adventures at the Bench
805 Casting for the Small Shop
Sunday Session 9 11:00 – 12:00pm
901 Hand Wax Carving - Pendant
902 PhotoShop for Jewelers
903 Creative Platinum Fabrication
905 Fascination with Fancies
Sessions are in the capable hands of some of the finest artists and instructors in their fields...Jurgen Maerz (Platinum), Wayne Emery (Working With Colored Stones), and
Joel McFadden & Mark Grosser are the "Dueling Designers" (CAD-CAM)!
The Passion Awards were handed out to a great range of artists in an expanded group of fields...CAD-CAM: Ladies Jewelry, Men's Jewelry & Ladies Rings; Finished Jewelry, Ladies Jewelry, Men's Jewelry & Ladies Rings; and Laser Welded Jewelry!
Bench Jewelers Educational Conference
The Educational Conference will have a new format this year and will run from Thursday through Sunday, April 24th – 27th. Attend 1, 2, 3, or all 4 days. There will be Seminars, Bench Demonstrations, Networking Opportunities, Discussion Groups, Meals and MORE! Whether you are a beginner looking to develop your skills and build your career or a seasoned veteran of the bench looking to refresh your skills and rejuvenate your career, the conference programs will help jump-start your creativity and motivate you to accomplish your goals.
General Sessions will be held during the Bench Jewelers Conference & Expo at all of the meals. Paid attendees can attend these General Sessions, PLUS their choice of Break-Out Seminars. For more information on the General Sessions or the Break-Out Seminars go to: http://benchconference.com/Attendee/seminar.html
Bench Jewelers Supplier's Expo
The Supplier's Expo showcases tools & equipment, findings, refiners, casting houses, diamond & stone dealers, laser welders, CAD programs and more. EVERYTHING A BENCH JEWELER NEEDS IS HERE! Friday & Saturday, April 25th & 26th!