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Carlsbad, CA—GIA (Gemological Institute of America) has announced that Steve Forbes, chairman of Forbes Media and editor-in-chief of Forbes magazine, will deliver the keynote address for Symposium 2011: Advancing the Science and Business of Gems.

Registration is open for the conference, which will be held at the Institute’s world headquarters in Carlsbad, May 29-30. 

GIA Symposium 2011 is an international conference of gem industry business leaders and research scientists who convene to share findings and insights impacting the global gem and jewelry industry.  Featuring a slate of notable experts over a wide range of disciplines, Symposium’s business and research tracks will cover topics on consumer behavior, luxury marketing, design trends, social media, new gem localities, advances in gemstone treatments and technology, as well as the social, political, and ethical issues surrounding the production and distribution of gems and jewelry.

“We are extremely pleased to have Mr. Forbes serve as our keynote speaker,” said Kathryn Kimmel, GIA vice president and chief marketing officer, and co-chair of Symposium. “He is a significant touchpoint 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.”

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. In addition, he has authored multiple books on leadership, economics and capitalism.

For more information on Symposium and additional speakers visit the website or e-mail symposium2011@gia.edu.