The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India will host the first “Indo-US Jewelry Business Development Conference” for jewelry retailers. More than 100 of the top U.S. and Canadian senior business development executives and directors of merchandise are invited to attend the all-expense paid, jewelry business development event, being held Oct. 1-5 at Mumbai’s Marriott Renaissance.

The event is being organized by GJEPC, which represents and promotes Indian gems and jewelry manufacturers and exporters, and and R&B Partners, LLP, a Stamford, Conn.-based branding, marketing, and special event consulting firm.

“Based on the discussions and hot topics coming out of the May 2007 Mines-to-Market International Diamond Conference in Mumbai, it was clear that India needs to actively explore new ways to add value to the jewelry pipeline,” said Sanjay Kothari, GJEPC chairman. “With the growth of jewelry production at SEEPZ (the tax-free, government-sponsored manufacturing and export business hub in Mumbai) and the new diamond bourse nearing completion, we are determined to find new ways to work with the largest and most prestigious retailers of North America. Indian jewelry manufacturers, with their state-of-the art factories, trained work force, and pro-business import/export laws, now have the prerequisite desire, skills, and infrastructure to be more than the world’s leading source of value-priced jewelry.”

The first two days will consist of panel discussions and seminars on industry issues facing North American and Indian jewelry businesses, Foreign Direct Investment initiatives, joint venture opportunities, and Indian banking & finance options for North American businesses. In addition, retailers will have an opportunity to meet with select Indian manufacturers seeking to further their business in North America. Retailers and Indian vendors will pair-up during this “Best-of-the Best” conference, based on a screening process that pre-identifies common interests, skills, abilities, and needs. On the third day of the conference, retailers will be able to tour manufacturing facilities in Mumbai and surrounding areas.

On the fourth day, the conference will head to the Agra market and witness a sunrise at the Taj Mahal, before returning to North America via New Delhi. Retailers have the option of staying on for more meetings in Mumbai or flying home after the third day, while the remainder of the group moves on to Agra. 
 
“Based on our experience in developing high level executive events in the States, it was a natural opportunity for R&B Partners to create a specialized event for the GJEPC to help showcase the extraordinary jewelry manufacturing and design opportunities that now exist in India,” said Phil Ripperger of R&B Partners.

“Of special interest is the educational aspect of the conference,” added R&B Partners’ Rick Bannerot. “This trip is so much more than just a chance to look at yet more rolls of pretty jewelry. … It is an opportunity for the best in the business to come together, learn about common needs and issues, and then find innovative business solutions that will enable them to be ever more competitive in the crowded retail market.”

JCK