GIA announces speakers for business track of Symposium 2011

GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is hosting its Symposium 2011on the theme Advancing the Science and Business of Gems, and has finalized on the initial selection of speakers for the business track. The Symposium 2011is slated at the Institute’s world headquarters in Carlsbad, May 29-30, 2011.

“Symposium 2011 brings together an impressive and inspiring combination of thought leaders from the world of business,” said Kathryn Kimmel, GIA vice president and chief marketing officer, who is co-chair of the business track for Symposium. “These experts will explore important topics from a wide range of perspectives, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to gain insight into the most important business advancements shaping the gem and jewelry industry.”

The speakers finalized include: Scott Galloway, founder of Red Envelope and clinical associate professor for New York University’s Stern School of Business, will present “The New Rules of Engagement – Finding and Keeping Customers in the Digital Age”; Dilip Mehta, CEO of the Rosy Blue Group, will discuss diamonds; and Douglas Hucker, CEO of the American Gem Trade Association, will review colored stones in a panel on “The Future of Gemstones and Gemstones of the Future”; Wallace Chan, world-renowned jewelry designer, will present “Jewelry Design – From the Masses to Museums”; Stuart Robertson, a leading gemstone research and pricing expert, will deliver a presentation on “Putting Gemology to Work in Your Business”; Ken Royal, senior client service manager of Gallup, will lead a panel discussion on “Marketing Luxury – Creating Brands for a Brave New World”; Gary Schuler, a senior vice president for Sotheby’s and head of the company’s Jewelry Department since 2002, will headline the panel “Everything Old is New Again – The Appeal of Auctions, Estate and Vintage Markets”.

More speakers are expected to be added to this track at a later date. The keynote speakers for the research track, which will run parallel to the business sessions, have already been announced.

Besides hosting an impressive list of speakers, the Symposium will also be the occasion when the GIA will commemorate its 80th anniversary.