Steve Forbes, chairman of Forbes Media and editor-in-chief of Forbes magazine, will deliver the keynote address for GIA Symposium 2011: Advancing the Science and Business of Gems. The conference will be held at the Gemological Institute of America’s world headquarters in Carlsbad on May 29-30 and will bring together industry business leaders and research scientists who will share findings and insights that impact the global gem and jewelry industry.
“We are extremely pleased to have Mr. Forbes serve as our keynote speaker,” notes Kathryn Kimmel, GIA vice president and chief marketing officer, who is co-chair of the Symposium. “He is a significant touch point in the global business landscape, which ideally positions him to address some of the most important business issues facing our industry today.”
“Attendees will be challenged to think strategically and expand both the scope and geography of their business, which is necessary in today’s economic environment,” adds Kimmel. “Forbes’ commitment to leadership and success, along with his global economic insight, are sure to leave a lasting impression.”
A widely respected economic prognosticator, Forbes is the only writer to have won the highly prestigious Crystal Owl Award for accurate economic forecasting four times. He campaigned for the American presidency in 1996 and 2000. President Ronald Reagan named him chairman of the
bi-partisan board for International Broadcasting, where Forbes served in this role from 1985 until 1993.
GIA Symposium 2011 will commemorate the 80th anniversary of GIA. The event celebrates the institute’s commitment to serve the public and trade through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development. (symposium2011@gia.edu, www.gia.edu) JANE SHIOMI
