The Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair, Feb. 24-28, will be held for the first time in the new 646,000 sq.-ft. hall located at Impact Exhibition & Convention Center. This one-floor exhibition area brings together more than 2,600 booths featuring a wide selection of gems and jewelry.

The Department of Export Promotion and the Thai Gem & Jewelry Traders Association, co-organizers of the event, are moving the fair next door to the current exhibition hall in order to make room for the gem and jewelry show. This will make the fair one of the largest gem and jewelry exhibitions in Asia under one roof, organizers said in a statement. The show will have room for more specialty pavilions, more exhibits, and improved facilities.

The fair is expected to draw 30,000 visitors from around the world, organizers said. The exhibition floor will be organized by product category. Among the products shown will be gold, platinum, and silver jewelry, diamonds, gemstones and pearls. Other exhibitors include suppliers of machinery, tools, packaging and precious metals. A special section is also dedicated to institutions and organizations such as the Chantaburi Gemstone Association, Gem & Jewelry Institute of Thailand, Srinakarinviroj University, Gemological Institute of America, and Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences.

In addition to the all-new special highlights, the fair will still host its most popular exhibits such as TGJ Elite Creations, a showcase of dazzling jewelry sets and jewel encrusted objects d’art crafted by some of the finest artisans in Thailand. Another tops exhibit is the Hot 2004 pavilion where exhibitors at the fair display an array of their latest and greatest jewelry designs and the Thai Silver Exporter Pavilion, a presentation of the Thai silver jewelry.

The show will also hold a lavish opening ceremony and a welcome party hosted by the co-organizers. There are also a wide variety of events including seminars, gem and jewelry competitions, fashion shows, live entertainment, and cocktail parties hosted by top organizations and publications in the industry.

Services at the show include telephone, fax, email, banking and postal services, interpreters and trade and travel information. Free shuttle buses are provided to and from the fairgrounds, along with taxi and limousine service. Other visitor services include foot massages.

JCK