About Us
Since 1974, GLW Shows has been at the forefront of the gem, jewelry, and lapidary industry, fostering connections between buyers and sellers. Our commitment is to relationships, quality events, and ensuring that every show is an enriching experience.
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Built for Business.
Backed by Relationships.
At GLW, we keep it simple—we’re here to help you succeed. Whether you’re a vendor or a buyer, our shows are designed to deliver results without the noise. We take pride in honest safe and professional, well run trade shows where serious buyers and sellers connect.
- Professional Exhibitors offering loose stones, finished jewelry, beads, tools, findings, and more
- Qualified Buyers including retailers, designers, and resellers looking for quality and competitive pricing
- Trusted Venues that are safe, accessible, and well-organized
- National Circuit of shows throughout the year in major wholesale markets
Why GLW Shows?
Proven Legacy
Over 50+ years of facilitating wholesale trade
National Footprint
Consistent shows across key U.S. markets
Focused on B2B
Designed for professional buyers and sellers
Community First
Relationships matter. That’s why people keep coming back.
Who We Serve
We proudly serve a diverse network of:
- Independent Jewelers & Retailers
- Wholesale Buyers & Distributors
- Lapidary Artists & Stone Dealers
- Boutique Owners & Resellers
- Jewelry Designers & Studios
If you’re serious about growing your business in the gem and jewelry industry, GLW Shows is your go-to trade partner.
Our History
GLW Shows was founded in 1974 with a simple but powerful goal: to build a dependable and professional platform for the wholesale gem and jewelry trade. What began as a single show rooted in community values has grown into a nationally recognized circuit of wholesale-only events that vendors and buyers rely on to build real, lasting business relationships.
At a time when the industry was fragmented and unpredictable, GLW stepped in to offer something rare—consistency. Vendors could count on well-organized shows. Buyers could count on curated inventory. Everyone could count on a clean, safe, and honest environment designed for serious business.
From a Single Show to a National Circuit
What started as a small regional show has expanded over the decades into a coast-to-coast schedule of professionally run trade events in key U.S. markets. With each year, our reach has grown—but our commitment to quality has never wavered.
Today, GLW Shows hosts dozens of wholesale-only gem and jewelry trade shows each year, serving thousands of qualified buyers and vetted vendors. Our longevity in the industry is no accident—it’s the result of staying true to our roots while evolving with the needs of modern buyers and sellers.
A Legacy of Trust
For over 50+ years, we’ve built more than trade shows—we’ve built a community.
A handshake still means something here. Long-time vendors know they’ll be treated fairly. First-time buyers know they’re walking into a professional space. And everyone knows GLW stands behind its name.
Our shows are attended by some of the most respected names in the industry, and our reputation continues to grow—one show, one relationship, one handshake at a time.
Over Five Decades of Trusted Trade
GLW Shows was founded in 1974 with a simple but powerful goal: to build a dependable and professional platform for the wholesale gem and jewelry trade. What began as a single show rooted in community values has grown into a nationally recognized circuit of wholesale-only events that vendors and buyers rely on to build real, lasting business relationships.
At a time when the industry was fragmented and unpredictable, GLW stepped in to offer something rare—consistency. Vendors could count on well-organized shows. Buyers could count on curated inventory. Everyone could count on a clean, safe, and honest environment designed for serious business.
1974
Founding Year
GLW Shows was founded to bring together gem and mineral enthusiasts. Our first show set the stage for future events.
1985
Expanded Locations
We began hosting shows in multiple cities, reaching a wider audience. This expansion allowed us to feature more exhibitors.
1995
Educational Initiatives
We introduced educational seminars to enhance attendee experience. Our goal was to promote knowledge about gemstones.
2025
Digital Transformation
We embraced digital platforms to reach a global audience. Our online presence has grown significantly.
Our Mission
As we look toward the future, our mission remains the same:
To be the go-to platform for wholesale gem and jewelry trade in the United States—offering dependable events, real opportunities, and a professional environment where businesses grow.
GLW Shows. Since 1974.
Still the standard.
Leadership Team
A respected industry veteran, Candace McNamara has spent 30+ years shaping the standards that define GLW Shows today. An exhibitor favorite known for her meticulous organization, calm leadership, and unwavering fairness, Candace ensures that every GLW event reflects the values the brand was built on by R J 'Bob' Schabillion (Founder)—trust, professionalism, and consistency.
Candace's leadership is driven by a deep respect for the vendors and buyers who make up the GLW community. She’s known across the industry not just as a show director, but as a partner in her clients’ success. Her ability to listen, adapt, and keep shows running smoothly has earned GLW a national reputation as one of the most dependable wholesale circuits in the country.
Felicia Crigler brings a dynamic energy to GLW’s leadership, blending operational know-how with a talent for building real, meaningful relationships. As Chief Operating Officer, she helps manage day-to-day logistics, vendor communications, and customer experience with a sharp eye for detail and a warm, approachable style.
Felicia plays a key role in GLW’s national circuit, supporting vendors and buyers alike while ensuring each show delivers on its promise: a clean, professional, relationship-driven environment that gets real business done. Her commitment to community and clarity is a driving force behind the friendly, welcoming atmosphere GLW is known for.
Our Account Executive Team
The Friendly Faces Who Keep Everything Running Smoothly
Behind every successful GLW Show is a team of experienced, dependable, and welcoming Account Executives – dedicated professionals aligned to your exhibitor account – who ensure the experience on the ground is seamless from setup to teardown. They’re the first to arrive, the last to leave, and the ones you’ll see walking the floor with clipboards, radios—and often, a genuine smile.
Our Account Executives are more than logistics managers. They’re the heart of the show experience. Whether it’s helping a vendor find their table, resolving an onsite request, or making sure the venue is clean, secure, and well-organized, they work tirelessly to uphold the professionalism and hospitality that GLW Shows is known for.
Our Registration Managers play a key role on the GLW Shows team, assisting buyers with a smooth and efficient registration process for attending events. In addition to supporting registration, they also help with account-related inquiries, ensuring attendees have the information and assistance they need every step of the way.
What You Can Expect from the GLW Account Executives:
A Welcoming Presence – You’ll be greeted with warmth, respect, and professionalism every time.
Clear Communication – Our team is approachable, responsive, and always available to help.
Organized Execution – From booth layouts to move-in support, they keep everything running efficiently.
Problem Solvers – Unexpected issue? They’ve seen it all—and they’ll handle it quickly and fairly.
Vendor-First Mindset – Your success is their priority. They’re here to make sure you’re supported, not just checked in.
Who is Who
Our Account Executives have been with us for years and know the GLW community by name. They’re a big part of what keeps vendors coming back. It’s not just the quality of the show—it’s the quality of the people running it.
