Diamond color, clarity, cut and carat weight are collectively termed the “4Cs” – the factors that, when combined, define a diamond’s quality and ultimately determine its value. Join GIA Subject Specialist, Lisa Kennedy, GIA GG, as she details the 4Cs and how they are used to evaluate a diamond’s value in an over-the-counter setting. Participants will be able to examine diamonds under magnification to build their knowledge and confidence to be better prepared when making their next diamond jewelry purchase.
Speaker: Ritchie Grampp, CEO, Bluestone Trading
Bluestone Trading Company, Inc.
In an ever-evolving and competitive market, pawnbrokers need to find fresh angles to attract and keep customers. As a top pawn partner, Ritchie will give an extensive update on the jewelry industry as a whole, explain the changes in the market and how to adjust your tactics to be a major player in the industry.
Speaker: Ido Itskovich, Pawn Industry Specialist at Yehuda
Company: Yehuda Company
What are the market trends, market values, and testing protocols in the lab grown diamonds industry? Should this be part of your pawn shop business plan? Learn the keys to success from the company that invented the Sherlock Holmes Synthetic Diamond Detector, a device that detects CVD and HPHT synthetic diamonds in a matter of seconds. Find out how the work and inventions of Zvi Yehuda, spanning almost 60 years, has revolutionized the diamond and jewelry industry and paved the way for generations to come.
Speaker: Vidyuth Srinivasan, Co-Founder, CEO
Company: Entrupy
Counterfeit goods are not only proliferating and seeping into the pre-owned resale market but are increasing in quality as bad actors become more sophisticated with their manufacturing and distribution processes. Fakes of superior quality, coined by the term super fakes, are not only a headache for pawnbrokers dealing in more traditional verticals such as diamonds and watches are also a vulnerability in newer, lucrative, and less experienced product verticals such as sneakers and handbags. Learn how you can strengthen your pawnbroker toolkit, increase efficiencies and uphold your reputation with tech powered authentication solutions for luxury and Entrupy’s newest product offering, Sneaker Authentication.
Two thousand years ago, students of gemology classified gems by color alone. It is now known that there are thousands of different mineral species in which color often overlaps. In this hands-on presentation, GIA Subject Specialist, Lisa Kennedy, GIA GG, will explain key attributes and classifications of colored gems, expand upon tools and techniques used for colored stone identification, and discuss the factors that determine a gem’s value.
Speaker: Jerry Whitehead, Founder/Owner
Company: Pawnshop Consulting Group, LLC
Session will initially focus on current industry trends for the Pawn Industry in general, followed by open Q&A on any subject matter relevant to the attendees– ANYTHING AND ALL THINGS PAWN
Speaker: Larry Johnson, Owner, Larry Johnson Consulting Services
Sponsoring Company: Box Broker Group
There is a right and a wrong way to display jewelry for maximum sales. This practical seminar by the author of the book “The complete guide to effective jewelry display” will cover each common error and give easy, inexpensive ways to correct them and sell more jewelry at higher prices! You are guaranteed to learn something helpful in your shop.
Speaker: Bravo Leadership Team Panel
Company: Bravo Store Systems
Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just for tech geeks and programmers anymore. It’s one of the most exciting and rapidly growing fields in technology today. Join the team from Bravo for this interactive panel presentation to get a beginner-friendly introduction to AI. You’ll get simple suggestions for how to use AI in your pawnshop, a look into how Bravo employees use AI in their daily work, a live look at how to create blogs, social posts, images and text messages for free using open AI programs, and ideas for how adopting AI can make life easier and business better. We’ll wrap up with a Q&A session where you’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about AI. Whether you’re already using AI or just curious about the field, this interactive presentation is a great opportunity to get easy, free ideas for how to adopt AI.
Speaker: Or Barak, Co-founder & COO
Company: P2M.ai Financing
Have you ever come across an incredible loan opportunity, only to discover that you lack the necessary funds to seize it? Or perhaps you already have the funds available, but you prefer to keep your capital free for personal endeavors or wisely allocate it for your family.
We understand the value of maintaining financial flexibility and that’s why we have the ideal solution for you. With our innovative service at P2M.ai, you can now access immediate funds to finance your deals without compromising your financial resources. P2M.ai Financing can help you breathe easier. No profit, no interest!
Speaker: Leah Goldblatt Chief Revenue Officer
Company: myGemma
Speakers: Scott Sweeney, VP, Sr. Sales Executive and Irene Jones, AVP, Program Manager
Company: Marshall & Sterling Insurance
Big jury settlements for liability claims are becoming more common in the United States. High insurance claims affect everyone, including the Pawnbroker industry. Join us as we talk about what we are seeing and share tips to prevent losses and lawsuits.
Speakers: Danny F. Dukes, Chief Financial and Operations Officer
Company: Southern Background Services, LLC
You might think it’s the right employee hire for the wrong reasons. Finding trustworthy employees can be a challenge, but hiring the wrong applicant can be costly. In fact, one bad hire can be much more costly than implementing a thorough employment background screening program. Implementing the right program, the one that fits your business model requires the right business partner.
Diamond color, clarity, cut and carat weight are collectively termed the “4Cs” – the factors that, when combined, define a diamond’s quality and ultimately determine its value. Join GIA Subject Specialist, Lisa Kennedy, GIA GG, as she details the 4Cs and how they are used to evaluate a diamond’s value in an over-the-counter setting. Participants will be able to examine diamonds under magnification to build their knowledge and confidence to be better prepared when making their next diamond jewelry purchase.
Kick-off Pawn Expo at the Welcome Mixer! Grab a cocktail and reconnect with old friends or make new friends as we ramp up for a fantastic convention.
Garrison Wynn’s research-based keynotes for managing a multi-generational workforce include essential tools and knowledge to help managers attract and motivate younger workers. His extremely informative programs won’t offend or demean any age group. The research makes sense to all generations, so buy-in from leaders is quick and the solutions you implement have an almost immediate impact.
Employees, good employees, like consistency, expectations, and a defined plan. So, how do you create an environment that gives your employees the structure they need to feel like coming to work and growing with you? Learn how to make the time and what to do to keep your store healthy and productive.
Panelist/Speakers: Nick Fulton, USA Pawn & Jewelry, Lisa Little, Fieldstone Pawn, Brent West, Braswell and Son, Morgan Jones, American Pawn & Jewelry
Of all the things we sell, isn’t the most important YOU? Learn the key elements to best represent yourself to customers, vendors and peers and turn that into a brand that helps build your business. You should always be working for you.
Speakers: Ryan Wells, Shoedaddykickz and Ryan Carlton, Norcross Pawn
Athletic footwear is right on the heels of luxury bags in terms of resale potential. Do you know your Golden Gooses from your classic Adidas? Join these experts for a lesson on getting into the sneaker biz, including authentication, the brands, the sizes and the big sellers. You’ll learn how to market your shoe business, so you’re not left flat-footed.
Panelists/Speakers: Ben Levinson, Dynasty Jewelry & Loan, Michael Cohen, Top Dollar Pawnbrokers, Lauren Kaminsky, EZ Pawn, Scott Nell, Big Dog Pawn & Jewelry
Join highly successful business owners as they share their secrets for success. Learn how they got there and what they do every day to keep their businesses excelling. You’ll get their recipes for the secret sauce that could help propel you upward.
Panelists/Speakers: Rob Barnett, Elk River Trading Company, Jeremy Powell, BJ Pawn & Gun, John Bocker, NSSF, Bernadette Lingo, Best Little Pawn Shop
Moderator: Johnny Whiteside, Kendale Pawn Shop
One of Pawn Expo’s most popular sessions. Firearms experts share the latest in new rules and laws and how they could impact your stores. Discussion will include the implications of your FFL with respect to liability for injuries from store sales. This, and a lively Q & A.
Success can be defined in its simplest form as making life better for someone else. The key to success in any organization lies not only in the development of great programs and services, but in the development of great people. In this interactive, humorous, and powerful presentation, Dave shares three essential ingredients for developing a purpose-driven mentality to achieve a fulfilling career and balanced life. You will be challenged to make the most of every moment in order to develop yourself personally and professionally while creating value and making a difference in the lives of others.
The NPA Board of Directors invite you to an elegant evening of dinner, entertainment and the annual NPA Auction. After dinner is served at your seat, enjoy some live entertainment. The Andrews Brothers Dueling Pianos are a high energy, all-request, sing-a-long, interactive music and comedy show. Also on the program is the Annual Fundraising Auction, which promises to have some exciting experiences up for bids. Dress in your party best, accessorize with your checkbook, and join us for an evening of networking, entertainment and fundraising.
Get caught up on legislative and regulatory developments in 2023 and hear about the top issues the NPA is following in Congress and State Legislatures. Moderators: Cliff Anderson, Kathy Pierce, Sarah Jane Hughes, Bill Dawson
New to the NPA? New to Pawn Expo? Come meet the NPA board of directors at the NPA booth in the center of the trade show. We want to shake your hand and welcome you personally to the NPA, along with finding out what you expect of the NPA.
Meet in the exhibit hall to thank all the vendors who support the pawn industry. Enjoy a drink while you stroll through the trade show and show your support for the great people and companies who provide expertise and products to the pawn industry. Then head off to the Braves game!
Under 40? Meet and network with other Young Professionals before heading out to the Braves Game! There will be drinks and snacks to get you in the spirit. If you want to attend the Braves games, you’ll need to purchase a ticket to sit in the NPA section.
Take in a game at SunTrust Park, which is walking distance from the conference hotel. The NPA has a VIP section of seats and will be welcomed with mention on one of the big screens. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased by June 2. This is a hard deadline, so don’t wait! CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE
Two thousand years ago, students of gemology classified gems by color alone. It is now known that there are thousands of different mineral species in which color often overlaps. In this hands-on presentation, GIA Subject Specialist, Lisa Kennedy, GIA GG, will explain key attributes and classifications of colored gems, expand upon tools and techniques used for colored stone identification, and discuss the factors that determine a gem’s value.
Diamond color, clarity, cut and carat weight are collectively termed the “4Cs” – the factors that, when combined, define a diamond’s quality and ultimately determine its value. Join GIA Subject Specialist, Lisa Kennedy, GIA GG, as she details the 4Cs and how they are used to evaluate a diamond’s value in an over-the-counter setting. Participants will be able to examine diamonds under magnification to build their knowledge and confidence to be better prepared when making their next diamond jewelry purchase.
Panelists: Tony Gallo and Jeff Bartley of Sapphire Risk Advisory Group
Experts from the nation’s oldest pawn security company speak on best practices for preventing internal theft, shoplifting, and loss. Learn how to protect your property, people, and profits with actionable safety and security strategies for pawn businesses.
Join your pawnbroker peers to discuss all of your burning luxury questions. New to the luxury business? Someone has been there before you and can give you tips. Need innovation? Discuss how to ramp up an existing business.
Panelist/Speakers: Douglas Braswell, Braswell and Son; Bart Boling, Smart Financial
Good managers get the job done. GREAT managers will help your business THRIVE. Learn how to identify diamonds in the rough and help them become skilled leaders that shine.
Attendees’ choice! You voted on the topics you most wanted to discuss with your fellow pawnbrokers. Still at the roundtable of the topic that is of most interest to you. Stay tuned! As we get closer to Pawn Expo, we will reveal this years’ hot topics.
There is a reason Bluestone has been to every NPA show since its inception. The networking and relationships built here last a lifetime. NPA has supported us and valued our participation during a very successful 2021 Expo. We have no doubt future shows will operate with the same professionalism and efficiency."
~ Bluestone Trading Company
thank to our sponsors
DIAMOND SPONSOR
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GOLD SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSOR
AWARDS LUNCH SPONSOR
TOTE BAG SPONSOR
JEWELRY EXCHANGE SPONSOR
GENERAL SESSIONS KEYNOTE SPONSOR
BADGE SPONSOR
WELCOME MIXER SPONSOR
EXPO LUNCH SPONSOR
