8:00 am – 12:00 pm
NPA Board of Directors Meeting
9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Convention Registration
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
GIA Training Session – “Understanding a Diamonds Value”
Registration Required, $35 per registrant
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
GIA Training Session – “Identifying Diamond Simulants”
Registration Required, $35 per registrant
1:00 pm – 1:50 pm
Industry Insight: “Industry Best Practices” – Presented by Pawnshop Consulting Group, LLC
This piece will focus on any number of the most highly developed best practices for the pawn industry, coming from a lifelong pawnbroker and an industry consultant with a world-wide client base. Best of the best of truly applicable and workable activities for any one in the industry and more, a truly do not miss opportunity for the attendees.
1:00 pm – 1:50 pm
Industry Insight: “Current Trends & State of the Jewelry Industry” Presented by Bluestone Trading Company, Inc
There continues to be massive changes in the Diamond & Jewelry Industry that have a direct impact on pawn stores. Join Ritchie Grampp for a high level conversation about the current state of the Diamond & Jewelry industry and the trends we see on the wholesale & retail side. Our focus will be issues in the marketplace and the opportunities there are for pawnbrokers to stay ahead in the jewelry sector.
1:00 pm – 1:50 pm
Industry Insight: “Lab Grown Diamonds: Facts and Fears” – Presented by Yehuda
What are the facts that pawn brokers need, as well as the fears they face in dealing with the lab grown diamonds. After presenting an industry overview, this talk will focus on the #1 fear – liability. What does a pawn broker have to do to reduce liability? We will discuss the expertise, protocols, tools, and paper trail that will help you avoid future problems in your business.
2:00 pm – 5:30 pm
The Jewelry Exchange – Sponsored by GIA
2:10 pm – 3:00 pm
Industry Insight: “Pawn Shop Popular Training Topics” – Presented by PawnTrain
Learn the most popular training topics. Actual content to use for your shop. Valuable pawn metrics and explanations of financial metrics. A well rounded presentation with topics you can take back to your shop and implement.
2:10 pm – 3:00 pm
Industry Insight: “How To Increase Jewelry Sales Through Better Display Techniques” – Presented by Box Brokers Group
The speaker explains how to implement better display principles in your shop to increase sales and reduce time needed to put in and put away your merchandise and displays daily.
2:10 pm – 3:00 pm
Industry Insight: “Solutions to Industry Challenges” Presented by Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
Our Industry faces many challenges today – from geopolitical concerns that prompt a closer look at our supply chain to the increasing presence of laboratory-grown diamonds and a recent increase in fraudulently inscribed goods.
Recently, we have seen increased reports of fraudulently inscribed laboratory-grown diamonds cut to closely match GIA-graded natural diamonds.
The need for accurate diamond screening to protect your business and clients has never been more important.
In this seminar, GIA Vice President of Market Development Richard Pesqueira, will expand on this topic and share with you the GIA instruments and services that can help you mount the best possible response to these challenges.
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
GIA Training Session – “Identifying Diamond Treatments”
Registration Required, $35 per registrant
3:20 pm – 4:10 pm
Industry Insight: “Testing Precious Metals at the Pawn Counter” – Presented by United Precious Metal Refining
This session is aimed at helping you better perfect your craft of testing gold at the counter. We will take a look at various methods utilized to test gold and work hands on to try and identify fake or plated pieces. From the basic acid and stone test to the x-ray guns, together we will go over tips that will aid you when testing precious metals.
3:20 pm – 4:10 pm
Industry Insight: “The Future of Pawnbroking: Mobile, Ecommerce, and AI in Action” – Presented by Bravo Store Systems
At this year’s Pawn Expo, Tally Mack and other Bravo executives are excited to share inspiring stories from pawnbrokers who are leveraging new and modern technologies like mobile apps, ecommerce platforms, and AI programs to drive growth and enhance the customer experience. You’ll hear firsthand how your industry colleagues are using these innovative solutions to streamline operations, expand their reach, and boost sales. From building an engaging online presence to optimizing AI-powered tools, we’ll explore practical strategies that are already delivering real results for pawnbrokers just like you. This is your opportunity to learn from fellow veterans and discover fresh ways to take your business to new heights. Join me as we dive into the latest technological trends shaping the industry and leave with actionable insights you can implement immediately.
3:20 pm – 4:10 pm
Industry Insight: “Exit Strategy Consulting” – Presented by Stallcup Group
The process of selling your Pawn Business and detailed Q&A
4:30 pm – 5:20 pm
Industry Insight: “Taking a Deep Dive Into Risk Management Solutions” Presented by JM Insurance Agency Partners
Join Howard Stone, VP Global Risk Services & Analytics for Jewelers Mutual as we take a deep dive into multi-faceted risk management solutions and key trends impacting Pawnbrokers today.
4:30 pm – 5:20 pm
Industry Insight: “Data-Driven Decisions: Optimizing Your Pawn Business with Analytics” Presented by Bravo Store Systems
Tired of guesswork in your pawn business? Join this session and unlock the hidden potential of data! Learn how pawnbrokers like YOU can leverage customer data, operational insights, and market trends to make informed decisions that drive profits and success.
Key Takeaways:
4:30 pm – 5:20 pm
Industry Insight: “Authenticity is Everything: Leveraging Your First & Last(ing) Impression with the Luxury Customer” Presented by Entrupy
Equipped with Entrupy’s proprietary authentication data and counterfeit trend reports that span the industry, this discussion will cover the power of AI objective decision-making and its ability to support operators in driving growth.
6:30 pm
Dinner on own
7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Convention Registration
8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Exhibitor Setup
8:30 am – 9:00 am
Continental Breakfast
9:00 am – 10:15 am
Opening Keynote Session – “Future-Proof Your Business: Strategies for Growth in an Era of Disruption” – Presented by Gene Marks
Ready to ditch the guesswork? Discover the real-world playbook smart leaders are leveraging right now to overcome economic hurdles, political shifts, and talent shortages in today’s unpredictable climate. Gene’s dynamic talk unveils the proven strategies driving success in this complex landscape, empowering you to navigate change and propel your business forward.
8:45 am – 11:45 am
The Jewelry Exchange – Sponsored by GIA
10:30 am – 11:30 am
Breakout Session – Store Layout & Merchandising
Join father daughter team, Anthony and Stacy Vanegas, as they embark on the journey of designing the layout for our latest establishment! In this session, we’ll share the exciting transformation of a former BBQ joint into a fully functional pawnshop. We’ll guide you through the strategic optimization of our retail space and the conversion of the kitchen into a warehouse area. Maintaining the charm of the original business is a key aspect of our approach when acquiring new locations. Explore the outcome of this unique transition from BBQ joint to pawnshop while delving into our insights on best practices for merchandising and store layout.
10:30 am – 11:30 am
Breakout Session – A Focus on Luxury Watches
11:45 am – 1:20 pm
Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon – Sponsored by Marshall & Sterling
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Breakout Session: Giving Back Will Get You More – Tyler Wilson
How your pawnshop can leverage local community involvement to cultivate a loyal customer base, create more foot traffic, and drive business growth in ways you would never expect.
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Breakout Session: Retaining & Engaging Quality Employees: A Fresh Perspective – NPA Young Professionals Panel Discussion
Join us for an insightful session led by our NPA Young Professionals, who will offer unique insight and perspective on a topic always top of mind for pawn store business owners. Join our YPs as they delve into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by pawnshop owners and managers in fostering a motivated and committed workforce. In an industry that thrives on customer interactions and trust, the role of engaged and satisfied employees cannot be overstated. This session is designed for pawnshop owners, managers, and human resource professionals seeking practical insights and actionable strategies to enhance employee engagement and retention. Join us for a dynamic discussion that aims to empower your team and drive success in the competitive pawnshop industry.
2:45 pm – 3:45 pm
Breakout Session – Firearms Panel
Explore essential topics at Pawn Expo’s highly sought-after annual firearms session. Learn from firearms experts as they guide you through navigating compliance with the latest laws and regulations, shedding light on their implications for your store. Delve into discussions about the potential liabilities associated with your Federal Firearms License (FFL), particularly concerning injuries stemming from the sale of firearms or ammunition. The session offers ample opportunity for you to pose specific questions related to your store, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the crucial aspects involved.
2:45 pm – 3:45 pm
Breakout Session – Retaining Quality Pawn Customers – Panel Discussion
Maintaining a loyal and satisfied customer base is paramount for long-term success. In the dynamic world of pawnbroking, maintaining a loyal and satisfied customer base is paramount for long-term success. This session, led by a panel of successful pawnshop owners, is designed to empower pawnshop owners, managers, and staff with the knowledge and strategies needed to cultivate lasting relationships with valued clientele. This comprehensive session delves into the intricacies of customer retention within the pawn industry, offering practical insights and actionable techniques. Participants will gain understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with retaining quality pawn customers, allowing them to enhance customer loyalty and drive sustained business growth.
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Team GRC: State of the Nation (Interactive Discussion with Q&A)
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Grand Opening Welcome Reception (Exhibit Hall)
7:00 pm
Dinner On Your Own
8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Convention Registration
8:30 am – 9:15 am
Continental Breakfast
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Peer Group Roundtable Session (All attendees welcome)
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Exhibit Hall Opens
10:30 am – 11:00 am
Coffee Break – Exhibit Hall
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Lunch – Exhibit Hall
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
“First Timers” Meet & Greet – NPA Booth
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Pawnbroker Peer Group Meet & Greet – NPA Booth
3:00 pm – 3:15 pm
Coffee Break – Exhibit Hall
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Young Professionals Reception – Sponsored by GIA
Gala Foyer area
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
NPA Annual Gala & Auction (Attire: Cocktail Best, Both Attendees/Exhibitors Welcome)
8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Convention Registration
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Breakout Session: “Enhancing Security and Compliance in the Pawn Industry” – FBI Insights
Join us for an informative session presented by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), focusing on critical aspects of the Pawn industry to bolster security measures and ensure regulatory compliance. This session will provide valuable insights into the following key topics: Employee Background Checks through NICS Deployment; Firearm Serial Number Verification through NCIC; Challenging Denied NTN and Potential Overturn Letters; Databases Searched for Each Potential Purchaser.
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Exhibit Hall Opens
10:30 am – 11:30 am
“Vendor Love Brunch” – Exhibit Hall
12:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Exhibitor Breakdown
12:45 pm – 2:30 pm
Legends Unleashed – Panel Discussion to include: Michael Mack, Bob Moulton, Sam Shocket & Nick Fulton with Jerry Whitehead as Moderator
Step into the exhilarating world of pawnbroking as industry titans unite in a dynamic and insightful session. Join us for a riveting exploration of the pawn industry’s past, present, and future, as legendary figures engage in spirited dialogue, sharing unparalleled expertise and diverse perspectives. In this unique session, seasoned veterans with decades of experience will take center stage to discuss the evolution of the pawn industry, its challenges, and the innovative strategies that have shaped their success. With anecdotes that span the history of their careers, this session promises a rich tapestry of wisdom, wit, knowledge and storytelling.
2:30 pm
Adjourn – Thank You For Joining Us!
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