Even though more than 700 people from 35 countries have already confirmed, there is still time to register for the sixth International Gemological Symposium on Oct. 7-9 at GIA's world headquarters in Carlsbad, California. Focused on the theme "New Challenges. Creating Opportunities," the three-day event will showcase the latest research in gemology and related fields by GIA researchers and other leading scientists, and offer a business track lead by professors from the Harvard Business School (HBS). A limited number of registrations are still available at Symposium.GIA.edu.
Symposium will open with the Music Paradigm, a unique musical program that examines leadership using a symphony orchestra. Following the opening, the sessions will divide into research and business tracks. The research track will feature seven keynote speakers and more than 70 presenters and poster sessions exploring topics in mineralogy, gemology, geology, natural and synthetic diamond formation, and quantum technologies. During the business track sessions, Harvard professors will explore authentic leadership, disruptive innovation and customer centricity, using the renowned case-study method employed in all HBS programs.
Symposium will close with Futurescape Forum, a landmark event providing a glimpse into what tomorrow might look like for the gem and jewelry industry. Opening with a provocative video from iconoclastic marketer Scott Galloway and moderated by Professor David Ager of HBS, the interactive panel discussion will include Bruce Cleaver, chief executive officer of the De Beers Group; Gina Drosos, chief executive officer of Signet Jewelers; Jason Goldberger, chief executive officer of Blue Nile; Andy Johnson, CEO of Diamond Cellar Holdings; Rahul Kadakia, international head of jewelry at Christie's; and Kent Wong, managing director of Chow Tai Fook. These industry leaders will deliberate their unfiltered predictions for the gem and jewelry industry.
The program also includes an exclusive opportunity to attend Sunday night's opening gala honoring the centennial birthday of Richard T. Liddicoat, the father of modern gemology and GIA's second president. Festivities will include music, food and a spectacular exhibit dedicated to Mr. Liddicoat featuring exceptional diamond jewelry, and Centuries of Opulence: Jewels of India, with 50 ornate objects and gemstone jewelry from the 17th to 20th century that will be on display only until Oct. 12.
To register and for more information on the program, related events and hotel accommodations, visit Symposium.GIA.edu.
