Surviving the recession, diamonds as a commodity, and diamond branding are among the topics at the Rapaport International Diamond Conference to be held Sept. 8 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York. The theme of the event is “2010 — The Next Decade: The Future of the Diamond Industry.”

“This year’s conference is about survival—your survival,” said Martin Rapaport. “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.”

Speakers and topics include Gerald Celente of The Trends Research Institute (U.S. Economy); Ralph Desitino, Chairman, Gemological Institute of America (Branding); Neal Goldberg, president and CEO, Zale Corp. (Retailing); Rahul Kadakia, senior vice president, Christie’s Americas (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).

Pricing for the conference starts at $100; a formal luncheon is included for $200; and a special Hotel/Conference Package is available for $599 (includes one night deluxe room at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel). All proceeds from the conference will be donated to the Jewelers for Children and the nonprofit Fair Trade Diamond and Jewelry Association.

For additional information and registration, visit www.Diamonds.Net/IDC; email IDC@Diamonds.Net; or
call 1-702-893-9400.

JCK