MJSA Expo New York 2012 to Feature "Future of Design" Finale
MJSA is partnering with the Jeweler’s Resource Bureau (JRB) and StrategyWerx on the Future of Design contest, a "business incubator" competition for jewelry designers. The winner of the contest will be chosen during a live event at the 2012 MJSA Expo New York.
Unlike other jewelry contests, the Future of Design competition is designed to evaluate business development skills, not just design acumen. "Over the years I have found that more often than not, designers need help with the business side of their occupations," says JRB President Cindy Edelstein, whose marketing firm specializes in the designer sector of the jewelry industry. "And while the winner of this contest obviously receives the greatest amount of guidance, every entrant derives a benefit and learns valuable business skills."
"The impact of sound advice and a network of supporters can make all the difference," says Andrea Hill, CEO of StrategyWerx, a consultancy that helps small businesses gain competitiveness. "The learning curve of success can be very steep and weʼre excited to shorten it for the right folks."
Here’s how the Future of Design Contest works:
• Jewelry designers submit a detailed application/questionnaire that contains the key elements of a business plan. The application is a teaching tool in which designers gather and submit the kind of information needed for professional business planning. All information is kept strictly confidential.
• Six semi-finalists are chosen to receive additional mentoring from one of a group of established designers, including Erica Courtney, Gurhan, Todd Reed, Lisa Jenks, Robert Lee Morris, and Penny Preville. Semi-finalists also received a feature article on NationalJeweler.com.
• Three finalists are chosen and win a trip to NYC and participation in the live finale at the 2012 MJSA Expo New York, March 11-13 .
• The winner receives consulting on strategy, financials, and technology by StrategyWerx; a year of manufacturing services by Fusion Jewelry; a year of sales representation by Viewpoint; sales training and retail introductions by Performance Concepts; a booth in the Designer Showcase at the JA NY Show; and a booth in globalDESIGN, JRB’s international showcase for jewelry designers, held in Philadelphia concurrent with the Buyer’s Market of American Craft.
The Future of Design contest website features a practice application for designers to determine whether they’d like to enter the contest. "The practice application, which designers can use with no obligation, is a great business tool in and of itself-regardless of whether you ultimately enter," says Edelstein.
Go to http://www.futureofdesigncontest.com for more information on entry rules, costs, and other facts. Deadline for submissions is Dec. 1, 2011.