EDUCATION
2024 Education Schedule
Sunday, March 10
12:15PM
Solutions to Industry Challenges: Our Industry faces many challenges today – from geopolitical concerns that prompt a closer look at our supply chain to the increasing presence of laboratory-grown diamonds and a recent increase in fraudulently inscribed goods. Recently, we have seen increased reports of fraudulently inscribed laboratory-grown diamonds cut to closely match GIA-graded natural diamonds.
The need for accurate diamond screening to protect your business and clients has never been more important.
In this seminar, GIA Vice President of Market Development Richard Pesqueira and Dr. Ulrika F.S. D’Haenens-Johansson, Senior Manager of Diamond Research, will expand on this topic and share with you the GIA instruments and services that can help you mount the best possible response to these challenges.
The Classroom Sponsored by GIA
12:15PM
Richard Pesqueira
Vice President of Global Market Development, GIA
Dr. Ulrika F.S. D’Haenens-Johansson
Senior Manager of Diamond Research, GIA
1:15PM
Business Strategy In a Year like No Other: In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, companies have been faced with unprecedented changes. As we reflect upon the past year, it is crucial now more than ever before to adapt and innovate as part of your organization’s strategy going forward. But that strategy will not be enough. Knowing the steps you must take to effectively put it into action is what will separate the success stories in a year like no other.
The Classroom Sponsored by GIA
1:15PM
Elle Hill
CEO and Founder of Hill & Co., the premier growth strategy partners who focus exclusively on diamond, gemstone, and jewelry businesses.
Dennis Campbell
Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, Co-Chair of the GIA & Harvard Executive Leadership Course and Hill & Co. Strategy Execution Lead
2:15PM
Top Issues Impacting the Jewelry Industry in 2024: Issues like the Russia/Ukraine war, lab-grown diamonds and other challenges to the jewelry supply chain are driving the transparency revolution. We discuss what’s on the horizon and how the industry can stay ahead of the curve.
Panelists: Feriel Zerouki, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, De Beers and President of the World Diamond Council (WDC); Ronnie VanderLinden, Vice President of WDC and Chair of the United States Jewelry Council
Moderated by Michelle Graff, Editor in Chief, National Jeweler
The Classroom Sponsored by GIA
2:15PM
3:00PM
Gem Trends with Brecken & Benjamin: Join Brecken Branstrator, Editor-in-Chief of the Gem Guide and Benjamin Guttery, Industry Influencer and founder of Third Coast Gems discuss the latest trends in the Precious Gemstone Universe.
The Pop-Up Education Area
3:00PM
Brecken Branstrator, GIA GG
Editor-in-Chief, GemGuide
Benjamin G. Guttery GIA G.G. A.J.P.
@ThirdCoastGems, DCA Diamondtologist , SSEF A.T.C. Gems & A.T.C. Pearls Graduate , FGI Dallas Member ,WJA Member, GIA Alumni Association
4:00PM
What’s Old is New Again: Estate and Vintage Jewelry Take Center Stage: Pre-owned jewelry remains a hot category as consumers look to find pieces that hit the sweet spot of being both timeless and unique. Join us for a look at the vintage pieces and designs trends that are back in style again.
Panelists: Gus Davis, Partner, Camilla Dietz Bergeron, Ltd., Joe Corey, President, Day’s Jewelers and Lauren Levy, Founder and Director, Lauren DeYoung Jewelry
Moderated by Regina Ciarleglio, Director of Membership, Jewelers of America
The Classroom Sponsored by GIA
4:00PM
Monday, March 11
12:30PM
GEM Awards Red Carpet Rundown: As the Oscars of the jewelry industry, GEM Awards attendees and honorees always show up in their jewelry best to honor the industry’s best. Jewelers of America’s Amanda Gizzi shines a light on this year’s styles and trends.
The Classroom Sponsored by GIA
12:30PM
Amanda Gizzi
Director of PR & Events, Jewelers of America
Julia Hackman Chafé
Social Media Manager/Administrative Assistant, IntercolorUSA
2:00PM
How AI is Reshaping Retail: From the customer experience to design development, artificial intelligence has become an integral part of retail supply chains. Join us for a discussion of how AI and related technologies are currently deployed in the jewelry industry and what the future may bring.
Panelists: Angelo Palmieri, President, GCAL by Sarine; Matthew D. Asbell, Partner, Lippes Mathias
Moderated by Lenore Fedow, Associate Editor, National Jeweler
The Classroom Sponsored by GIA
2:00PM
3:00PM
Ice Cream with JFC: Enjoy a delicious Häagen-Dazs ice cream bar and meet Sara Murphy, JFC’s new Executive Director, who recently succeeded the amazing and now retired, David Rocha. Learn about Sara’s vision for the future of the ‘Industry’s Charity’ and how your retail store can benefit from working with JFC.
Moderated by Matthew Tratner, Show Director, JA New York Shows
The Pop-Up Education Area
3:00PM
