2nd edition of WES will be held in Bogotá
The second edition of the World Emerald Symposium will be held in Bogotá, Colombia, 12-14 October 2018. Senior representatives from Colombia’s flourishing emerald industry will be joined by major international experts and opinion influencers to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, including best practices, governance and how to incorporate blockchain and other technological advances.
Registration for this year’s symposium is now open and the organizers have already confirmed the attendance of delegates from 25 nations, including the eight main emerald producing countries: Afghanistan, Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Pakistan, Russia and Zambia.
The three-day event will address the challenges and opportunities faced by the emerald industry, with presentations by more than 60 speakers and experts, panel discussions, working groups and hands-on training. Discussions will focus mainly on the challenges relating to mining and geology, harmonization of color names and practices, consumer education and awareness, Corporate Social Responsibility, traceability, compliance, ethics, sustainability, branding and marketing and the incorporation of new technologies.
World-renowned keynote speakers from the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) and Dubai Multi-Commodities Center (DMCC) have been confirmed, as well representatives from major international luxury brands including Van Cleef & Arpels.
The world’s major trade associations and foremost gemological laboratories will also be in attendance, including the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO), Thai Gem & Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA), China’s National Gemstone Testing Center (NGTC), Gemstone Association of China (GAC) and India’s Gem & Jewellery Export Council (GJEPC).
The symposium will be held at Bogotá’s new Grand Hyatt Hotel and is organized by Fedesmeraldas—the Colombian Emerald Federation—with the support of the Emerald Producers Association (APRECOL), the Emerald Exporters Association (ACODES), the Emerald Dealers Association (Asocoemeral) and the Ministry of Mines. Among the special sponsors are Mineria Texas Colombia (MTC/Muzo), Emeraldas de Santa Rosa (Cunas Mine) and Fura Gems (Cosquez Mine).
The symposium is also delighted to present a number of itineraries to Colombia’s emerald mining region for delegates looking to discover the magic of Boyacá. Additional information can be found here.
