Russell Simmons
Friday, May 30
8:30 am
Delfino Ballroom, Level 4,
Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino

USA Today recently named Russell Simmons one of the "Top 25 Most Influential People of the Past 25 Years," calling him a "hip-hop pioneer" for his groundbreaking vision that has influenced music, fashion, finance, television and film, as well as the face of modern philanthropy.

Simmons entered the jewelry industry in 2005, and in fall of 2006 he went to South Africa and Botswana, Africa, where diamonds are a natural resource. He saw how some diamonds were positively affecting the lives of Africans. He then created the Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.) to help Africa and sensitize the diamond industry to the plight of the Africans. Simmons Jewelry Co. has created a special collection of jewelry – The Green Initiative – which is giving back to Africa through D.E.F. Learn more about the D.E.F. here. Get more information on Russell Simmons.

Saturday, May 31

Jewelers of America Executive Roundtable Discussion
“Retailer-Supplier Relationships: Changing Expectations”
8:30 am – 9:45 am
Delfino Ballroom, Level 4,
Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino

Moderator:
Peggy Jo Donahue, Director of Public Affairs, Jewelers of America

Panelists:
Michael Rae, CEO, Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices; Cecilia Gardner, President, CEO and General Counsel, Jewelers Vigilance Committee; John Hall, General Manager, External Relations, Rio Tinto Diamonds; Kathe Mai, Trios' Studio, Lake Oswego, OR; and John Hayes, Goodman's Jewelers, Madison, WI.

In the past, the only demand that retailers made of their suppliers was: "I need it for the best price." Today, however, retailers not only require suppliers to comply with laws and guidelines for precious metals and gems, they also expect them to achieve higher ethical, social and environmental standards in general. Why? Issues such as conflict diamonds, "dirty gold," and "blood rubies" have raised public awareness, and consumers, media and NGOs increasingly hold retailers accountable for a wide range of practices throughout the supply chain. What’s at stake is the public's very confidence in the integrity of jewelry store products. This roundtable of panelists will discuss how the growing responsible practices movement in the jewelry industry is affecting retailer-supplier relationships.

Luncheon Keynote Address: Shane Decker
“Where Have All the Stores Gone?”
12:00 pm – 1:15 pm
Delfino Ballroom, Level 4,
Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino

In this keynote address, Shane will discuss the reality of jewelry retail storefronts closing their doors today. He will coach retailers on how to make changes in the way they do business to prevent this from happening to them.

Monday, June 2

Martin Rapaport
“The State of the Diamond Industry”
8:00 am
Delfino Ballroom, Level 4,
Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino

What’s the state of the diamond industry? Come hear the fresh, energetic and often provocative insights of this ultimate industry insider on global trends from sourcing to marketing and how to grow your business. Limited to 400 people on an RSVP basis. RSVP to conference@diamonds.net.