JCK Las Vegas is renewing its emphasis on design and reimagining what it means to exhibit at a tradeshow at each stage in a designer's career. With important feedback from a newly created Design Advisory Board, the Design Center at JCK Las Vegas (June 3-6, 2016) will undergo an extensive makeover and move to the newly renovated Bayside, Level 1 at Mandalay Bay.

This move has allowed JCK to re-envision the space, creating an open concept and unique look in booth design that is meant to inspire. New chalkboard-styled booths and a non-linear floor plan will allow designers to show off their point of view with a unique community feel, providing an ambient and storytelling destination for the design community that is setting trends and taking risks.

JCK has also created a new Exhibitor Evolution Model specifically for the Design Center. Current exhibitors and new applicants will be vetted annually, vying for a spot in one of three exhibiting phases: (1) Kickstarter, (2) Rising Star, or (3) Resident Design Center.

Phase 1: Kickstarter || Students from jewelry and design colleges/schools Created as a platform to launch the next generation of designers, six student designers will be chosen by a Design Advisory Board to showcase their designs and receive a complimentary showcase space in the Kickstarter area of the Design Center. Selected students from participating schools will benefit from a mentorship program that focuses on the next generation of the design within the industry.

Phase 2: Rising Star || Up-and-coming designers who have been in business 5 years or less Reimagined in 2016 to a multi-year program for up-and-coming designers, this cost-effective experience is for designers who are starting to make their mark in the jewelry business: lower cost, smaller booth space and dedicated area of Design Center. Rising Star, which used to only allow 6 debuting designers annually, now allows for 21 designers to reside in this phase for a maximum of 3 years (the requisite move to phase 3). Included in this stage is education and mentorship.

Phase 3: Resident Design Center || Established designer brands The elite and established designers find premier location at the front of the show and Design Center neighborhood, ability to have larger presence (10x10 sq. ft. and larger), along with lounge access, drink tickets and merchandise credit raffle tickets to pass along to customers.

In addition to the new layout, the Design Center at JCK Las Vegas will be connecting designers with elite design-focused retailers through a new hosting program and exclusive networking events. The Design Center lounge will serve as the hub of daily networking beginning with an opening ribbon cutting ceremony, retailer tours and daily happy hours. JCK's Evening of Design, on Friday, June 3, will be dedicated to the celebration of the design community and their accomplishments. The evening includes recognition of the Top 50 Design Retailers along with the Editors Choice Awards honoring the winning Designers who have submitted for consideration in all three exhibiting phases.

With design on the top of JCK's list for 2016 – it's an exciting time to be a designer in the JCK Community. Submission deadline for new applicants is Friday, January 15, 2016. To learn more or apply for the Design Center at JCK Las Vegas, please visit:  http://lasvegas.jckonline.com/Events/Design-Center/.