Jewelers of Louisiana & Mississippi Jewelers Association Convention

Jewelers of America, Jewelers of Louisiana and Mississippi Jewelers Association are joining forces to bring you and your team one great event! Join us October4-5—you won’t want to miss the opportunity for your team to come together for learning, networking and more. JA will be hosting education during the convention, plus Jewelers of Louisiana and MJA planned some exciting activities!

Details
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
Biloxi, MS
October 4-5, 2025
Registration Price: $150
REGISTER HERE


To receive the special rate in our room block at the Beau Rivage, use this link.

Thank You To Our Learning Workshop Sponsors
Synchrony | Jewelers Mutual Group
International Geological Institute (IGI) | Podium

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Convention Schedule

See the full two-day program below. Jewelers of America will be hosting the education sessions during the convention—we're bringing in the experts for the industry's hottest topics!

Saturday, October 4
10:00AM | Golf at Gulf Hills Golf Club, Ocean Springs (Contact Caroline 504-559-2331 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
12:00–2:00PM | On-Site Registration, Beau Rivage, Magnolia Foyer, 2nd Floor Convention Center
1:00–3:00PM | Meet and Greet, Beau Rivage Pool Bar (cash bar and swimming)
6:30PM | Saturday Night Social & Dinner, Beau Rivage Azalea Ballroom,  2nd Floor Convention Center (Social 6:30PM; Dinner 7:00PM)
Presentation of Awards following dinner

Sunday, October 5
Beau Rivage Camelia Ballroom, 2nd Floor Convention Center
7:30–9:00AM | On-Site Registration, Check-In, Breakfast, Design Contest Judging, Networking
9:00–9:10AM | JA Learning Workshop Kicks Off
9:10–9:55AM | Opening Keynote: Influencing & Motivating for Top Tier Productivity

• Presented by Copey Pulitzer, Jr., Entrepreneur, Inventor and Educator
• Copey will deliver actionable strategies designed specifically for small business owners—the kind you can take home and put to work immediately. Drawing from his hands-on experience as the founder of multiple companies, including a thriving apparel brand and a pioneering non-profit, as well as his years teaching Live Cases in Entrepreneurship at Tulane, he will bridge the gap between theory and practice. Expect to walk away with fresh, implementable ideas, a renewed perspective on your business potential, and a clear path toward growth—directly from a leader who has navigated the entrepreneurial journey from every angle.

9:55–10:40AM | Keeping Up with AI and Other Technologies Changing the Jewelry Business

• Presented by Jennifer Shaheen, President, Technology Therapy
• Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been leading the latest technological revolution in retail, offering powerful tools that enhance customer experience, optimize operations, and boost sales. Understanding how to effectively harness AI and other new tools could be the difference in keeping pace and staying relevant or going the way of the dinosaur. This session will offer an overview of the top tech trends in retail today and how to leverage these innovations to enhance your toolkit and future-proof your business.

10:40–10:55AM | Break, Meet the Vendors, Design Contest Judging
10:55–11:40AM | Jewelers Success in Challenging Times

• Presented by Harold Dupuy, Vice President of Strategic Analysis, Stuller, Inc.,
• Description: Industry veteran Harold Dupuy will share his insight and expertise on how the current economic and geopolitical climate is impacting the jewelry industry. Learn what effect broader trends like tariffs inflation, trade wars, gold prices and consumer sentiment are having on the overall health of the jewelry market and how your business can best navigate and succeed in these uncertain times.

11:40AM–12:25PM | Focus on Selling Diamonds, Period

• Presented by John Pollard, Senior Director of Education, International Gemological Institute
• Whether you sell only natural diamonds or have ventured into lab-grown sales, this session will empower you with the skills needed to confidently sell both and appeal to the range of customer preferences. From highlighting the unique attributes of natural and lab-grown, to managing customer questions, learn techniques to ensure your customers walk away informed and excited about their choice.

12:25–1:25PM | Lunch
1:25–2:00PM | Keeping Your Business Secure

• Presented by Josh Carmichael, Director of Commercial Lines, Jewelers Mutual
• Jewelers Mutual will share the latest information on how to protect your business from crime day-to-day and during challenging times. 

2:00–2:15PM | Break, Meet the Vendors, Design Contest Voting
2:15–3:00PM | Turn First-Time Jewelry Buyers into Lifelong Clients

• Presented by Johnny Tate, RJ, Executive Vice President, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry
• This session will focus on factors that influence repeat purchases, and the key elements of an effective customer retention strategy. Get tips to help bring in new customers, create memorable customer experiences and build loyalty. State of the Industry/Economic Impact

3:00–3:45PM | Design Awards Presentation, Door Prizes, Presentation of New Board Members
3:45PM | Closing Remarks

Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.