Rapaport International Diamond Conference on September 8, 2008 in New York
Monday, August 4th, 2008There is a serious concern on how the jewelry industry will endure the downturn. Can it be said that a diamond is a commodity? It is believed that branding will destroy dealer markers for generic diamonds. The Rapaport International Diamond conference for this year will be discussing such issues and other imperative matters concerning the jewelry industry.
The group’s CEO, Martin Rapaport says, “This year’s conference is about survival- your survival. The old game of price, quality and service competition is over. How are you going to compete against a recession, credit crunch and double-digit inflation? The key is strategic thinking. Strategic competition. Those that think smarter will survive. Those that don’t, won’t.”
The conference will include a variety of speakers and topics such as Gerald Celente of The Trends Research Institution (U.S. Economy); Ralph Desitino, Chaiman, Gemological Institute of America (Branding); Neal Goldberg, President and CEO, Zale Corporation (Retailing); Rahul Kadakia, Senior Vice President, Christie’s America (Auction Markets); Rajiv Mehta, CEo, Dimexon Diamonds and Executive Director, Eurostar Diamonds (Diamond Markets); Mark Moeller, CEO, R.F. Moeller Jeweler; President, American Gem Society (Retailing); Martin Rapaport, the Rapaport Group (Commoditization); James E. Shigley, PhD, Distinguished Research Fellow, Gemological Institute of America (Technology); Victor van der Kwast, CEO, ABN, AMRO, International Diamond and Jewelry Group (Economy and Finance).
The cost for the conference will begin at $ , along with a formal luncheon for $. Lastly is a special Hotel/Conference Package offered for $599. The package includes a special one night deluxe room at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. The earnings from the conference will be donated to the Jewelers of Children and the non-profit Fair Trade Diamond and Jewelry Association.