INSTORE buys JA New York trade shows from Emerald

By AI, Created 4:00 PM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – INSTORE has acquired the JA New York trade shows from Emerald Holding, bringing one of fine jewelry’s best-known events under the control of a media brand deeply tied to independent retailers and suppliers. The company says the move is aimed at rebuilding JA New York around practical education, business connections and exhibitor value, with more details coming soon.

Why it matters: - The acquisition gives INSTORE control of a marquee fine jewelry event with deep ties to independent retailers and suppliers. - JA New York is being positioned as a more practical, business-focused show for buyers, exhibitors and the broader jewelry community. - The move could strengthen the event’s relevance at a time when trade shows are competing for attention, attendance and measurable value.

What happened: - INSTORE announced the acquisition of the JA New York trade shows from Emerald Holding, Inc. on May 20, 2026. - The deal reunites JA New York with a company that has spent decades covering and serving the fine jewelry trade. - INSTORE said JA New York will be restored as a must-attend event on the industry calendar. - Tobi Smith, a longtime JA New York account executive, is returning to the show. - Smith is marking her 33rd year with the event this July.

The details: - Matthijs Braakman, publisher of INSTORE, said the show will be built around serving the industry, with a focus on answers for independent retailers, connections for suppliers and stronger outcomes for the community. - INSTORE said future JA New York shows will center on practical education, peer-to-peer learning and curated business connections. - Trace Shelton, editor-in-chief of INSTORE, said the company wants serious buyers and exhibitors to connect in New York City while education and networking take center stage. - Krista Collins Walters, associate publisher of INSTORE, said JA New York will matter to readers and advertising partners because it puts the industry face-to-face in New York City, which she described as the national hub of the business. - INSTORE said it will work with exhibitors, retailers and other industry stakeholders over the coming months to shape the show experience. - INSTORE said dates, programming and exhibitor opportunities for upcoming JA New York shows will be announced shortly. - The source text includes no event date for the upcoming JA New York shows.

Between the lines: - The acquisition is as much about repositioning the show as it is about ownership. - INSTORE is betting that its editorial credibility and existing industry relationships can make the event more useful, more focused and more commercially valuable. - The return of Tobi Smith signals continuity as INSTORE tries to change the show’s direction without losing its identity.

What’s next: - INSTORE will release more information about show dates, programming and exhibitor opportunities in the coming months. - The company plans to engage exhibitors, retailers and other stakeholders before the next JA New York shows are finalized. - The full company announcement is available here.