GIA to Hold Futurescape Forum at End of International Gemological Symposium

(IDEX News) – The GIA’s sixth International Gemological Symposium, to be held from October 7-9 in Carlsbad, CA, will close with “Futurescape Forum,” featuring six prominent leaders from across the trade discussing the industry’s trajectory.

These will include rapid advancements in research and technology, changing consumer tastes, shifting norms for miners, manufacturers and retailers, and many other forces that will shape the future of the global gem and jewelry industry, the GIA said.

Moderated by David Ager of the Harvard Business School, the 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 share their views and predictions about what lies over the horizon for the gem and jewelry industry.

“Futurescape Forum is a glimpse into what tomorrow might look like for gems and jewelry," said Kathryn Kimmel, GIA chief marketing officer and senior vice president. "These six forward thinking leaders will explore how new technology – including artificial intelligence – and changing consumer behavior will define the future for our industry. The unparalleled insights from this forum will chart a course – perhaps more than one – for business transformation. I can think of no better way to close the sixth International Gemological Symposium.”

Based around the theme “New Challenges. Creating Opportunities,” the Symposium will include a research track featuring presentations by leading scientists and academics. Professors from the Harvard Business School (HBS) will lead a track on business concepts and innovations, using the renowned case-study method employed in all HBS programs.

Pictured above from left: Bruce Cleaver, Gina Drosos, Jason Goldberger, Andy Johnson, Rahul Kadakia and Kent Wong.