Continental Buying Group Unveils Dynamic Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event

Get ready to mark your calendars for an extraordinary experience as the Continental Buying Group (CBG) unveils its exciting roster of speakers for the much-anticipated 2026 Miami gathering. Scheduled from January 19 to 21 at the picturesque JW Marriott Turnberry in Aventura, Florida, this immersive three-day event is tailored specifically for jewelry retailers determined to reinvent their operations and reignite their business growth.

Elevating Jewelry Retail: A Three-Day Journey of Insight and Innovation

At the heart of this event lies a dynamic blend of invaluable networking opportunities, exclusive buying options, and thought-provoking educational experiences. Attendees will immerse themselves in expert-led sessions that don’t just speak to trends—they deliver actionable strategies. A highlight on the agenda is a cutting-edge AI workshop, designed with jewelry retailers in mind, focused on harnessing artificial intelligence to streamline and amplify every facet of business management.

A Stellar Speaker Lineup to Guide the Way

• Sara E. Yood, President, CEO, and General Counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, will open the event on January 19. She will provide an insightful deep dive into the critical legal, regulatory, and ethical challenges shaping the jewelry industry’s landscape as we move into 2026. Her expertise promises to equip attendees with the foresight needed to navigate complex industry waters.
• Rob Bates, the seasoned news director from JCK, will captivate the audience on January 20 with a comprehensive overview of the jewelry market’s evolving landscape. From shifting consumer behaviors to emerging trends, Rob’s session will shed light on the forces defining the industry’s future, giving retailers a strategic edge.
• Jennifer Shaheen, founder and president of Technology Therapy® Group, will lead a practical and highly engaging AI workshop on January 21 titled AI-Powered Retail: Transform Your Business with ChatGPT and Claude. This hands-on session is a true game-changer, offering jewelry-specific AI applications that cover everything from effective prompting and competitive intelligence analysis to professional image evaluation and content creation. Attendees will leave armed with tailored AI prompts, frameworks, and strategies ready to drive immediate improvements in sales, marketing, and everyday operations.

Focused on Practical Solutions for Sustainable Success

Matt Tratner, president of CBG, emphasized that the event’s core mission is to provide pragmatic solutions that attendees can implement without delay. This resonates deeply with retailers and suppliers who need to stay agile and competitive in an ever-changing marketplace. Supporting this vision, CEO Joe Murphy highlighted the importance of delivering strategic education that empowers stakeholders to not only adapt but thrive throughout 2026 and beyond.

Building Community and Trust in the Jewelry Industry

More than just an event, the 2026 Miami gathering embodies CBG’s ongoing commitment to fostering a strong, connected community. With a focus on nurturing trusted relationships and sharing vital business intelligence, this conference plays an essential role in supporting independent jewelers as they face industry challenges and embrace new opportunities.

Conclusion

The Continental Buying Group’s 2026 Miami event is shaping up to be a landmark occasion for the jewelry retail world. With an impressive array of expert speakers, a transformative AI workshop, and a clear emphasis on actionable education, this gathering promises to equip attendees with the tools and insights they need to succeed. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this innovative and inspiring experience driving the future of jewelry retail.

Ready to elevate your jewelry business in 2026? Explore the possibilities this January in Miami and take your operations to the next level.

Celebrating Black Art and Culture During Miami Art Week 2025

As December unfolds in Miami, the city transforms into a dynamic hub of creativity, honoring Black artistry and cultural heritage from the 1st through the 7th. Miami Art Week 2025 promises an electrifying mix of exhibitions, performances, and community engagement that spotlight the powerful narratives and visionary expressions of Black artists. If you want to immerse yourself in this rich cultural tapestry, here’s your essential guide to the standout events lighting up Miami this season.

REVOLT Art Fair

When: December 4–6
Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Where: Ice Palace Studios

Steered by the insightful curators Amy Andrieux and Zindzi Harley, REVOLT debuts its compelling exhibition Dual Currency: Defiance by Design. This powerful showcase explores Black creativity as a dual force—both cultural and economic—challenging conventional narratives. Drawing inspiration from esteemed institutions like MoCADA and the Philadelphia African American Museum, along with progressive groups such as Black Girls in Art Spaces, REVOLT amplifies voices that reshape art’s place in society and commerce.

Art of Transformation

When: December 3–6
Theme: At the Edge of Entanglement
Where: Historic Opa-locka (across five diverse venues)

Entering its 13th edition, Art of Transformation turns the historic streets of Opa-locka into a living, breathing gallery. Across six dynamic exhibitions, it weaves together artistic expression, community dialogue, and cultural performance. This year’s theme delves into the complex intersections of Black identity, resilience, and the quest for freedom against the backdrop of cultural and political change.

Highlighted Exhibitions

• African Diaspora Memory in Motion — unveiling December 3
• Loan Me Your Dreams: African and African Diaspora Art of the Ten North Collection
• The Art of Carnaval: Not All Works of Art Hang on a Wall

Evening Jazz Experience

Don’t miss Simon Mogul’s captivating jazz performance from 9:00 PM to 11:45 PM at Opa-locka Historic City Hall, 777 Sharazad Blvd — the perfect way to end an inspiring day immersed in culture.

PRIZM Edition XIII

Theme: The Brighter Side of the Moon

Marking over a decade of cultural impact, PRIZM’s 13th edition assembles 25 visionary artists from the African Diaspora and emerging global markets. Their works resonate with themes of resilience and imagination, accessible digitally through prizm.art’s Acquire Works Menu. This collection offers a compelling window into the diversity and vibrancy of Black art worldwide.

Point Comfort Art Fair + Show

Where: Historic Ward Rooming House, Overtown

Founded by Chris Norwood, this unique event highlights contemporary African American artists who engage thoughtfully with historic themes, including The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass. The show reinvigorates important narratives, connecting the past with today’s cultural discourse.

AfriKin Art: Miami’s Contemporary Africana Art Fair

When: November 30 – December 7, 2025
Where: Maison AfriKin, Scott Galvin Community Center, Downtown North Miami (1600 NE 126th Street, North Miami, FL)

AfriKin Art offers a distinctive platform celebrating contemporary Africana art, showcasing a broad spectrum of artists and styles that enrich Miami’s cultural landscape throughout the week.

CADA Annual Art Talk

When: December 7
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: Miami Beach Art Deco Museum

Cap off the week by joining this informative gathering that brings together artists, collectors, and enthusiasts to discuss current trends, challenges, and the future of Black art within the visual arts community.

Museums and Highlights

Miami’s leading art institutions wholeheartedly embrace the spirit of this cultural celebration. ICA Miami unfolds with five remarkable solo exhibitions; the Rubell Museum features Joanna van Son in residency alongside a survey of Thomas Houseago’s works; and Pérez Art Museum Miami hosts several key highlights. Many exhibitions are free, particularly those centered in Overtown and Opa-locka—neighborhoods rich with history and artistic vibrancy. This collective energy continues the legacy of Neil Hall and elevates Black art’s presence within Miami’s shifting art scene.

Immerse Yourself in Black Art During Miami Art Week 2025

Miami Art Week 2025 invites everyone to engage, reflect, and celebrate the depth and diversity of Black creativity. Whether you are an art enthusiast, collector, or community member, these events offer an extraordinary opportunity to experience cultural storytelling at its most inspiring.

Plan your visit now, explore new perspectives, and connect with artists whose work shapes the future of art and culture.