(PRESS RELEASE) BANGKOK — The 19th Congress of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) will take place at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok from 12th to 15th October, 2019, enabling industry experts to share their latest knowledge and insights with members of the trade and industry professionals.
The biennial ICA Congresses are organized in member countries across the world. Thailand will be the first country to host the event for the third time – in 1987, 2005 and now 2019.
“As Bangkok is the world’s largest colored stone trading and processing hub, we have an immense opportunity to create great awareness about colored stones to a global audience,” said Prida Tiasuwan, chairman, ICA Congress 2019.
“This Congress will have the largest representation of female speakers and will also have the first ever representation of artisanal miners on an international platform,” he said.
Topics at the ICE Congress will range from rubies, gemstones, mining, technology, the young generation, designs, market trends, social responsibility, media, retailing, and more.
The ICA Steering Committee has created exciting events during the Congress, such as the tennis and golf tournament, a dinner cruise, and the Gala Ruby Night.
A non-profit organization, ICA is the only worldwide body specifically created to benefit the global colored gemstone industry.
ICA was founded in 1984 and now comprises over 700 gem industry leaders from mine to market, including miners, gem cutters, suppliers, retailers, trade associations, gemological laboratories, academia, museums, and so on, from 47 countries, who are devoted to advancing and promoting the knowledge and appreciation of colored gemstones.
ICA’s global network works to develop a common language for promotion and consistent business standards necessary to improve international communications and trade of colored gemstones.
Over the years, ICA has provided direct access to the source for colored gemstones and related information. There is no other international organization with the same collective access to, and knowledge about, all levels of the colored gemstone industry.
Congress Venue
The Congress will take place in the Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, a commanding landmark on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, offering a strategic, luxury heaven to call home in the city.
Delegates to the ICA Congress will have the opportunity to visit important centers of colored gemstone trade in Thailand.
Bangkok’s Silom neighborhood is home to hundreds of gem traders, while Chanthaburi in southeast Thailand is a major center for stone cutting and boasts a big weekend gem market.
Delegates will have the opportunity to join Congress-organized tours to Chanthaburi; the historic Mogok mines in Myanmar; Guangzhou Jade Market, and northern Thailand, after the Congress finishes.
Poster Competition
The main theme of the poster competition in 2019 is “Gemstone – a genuine treasure to hold on to.”
In light of this concept, ICA invites graphics designers worldwide to design a poster (or posters) which include a design of a piece of any kind of jewelry adorned with colored gemstones.
Prize for the winning design:
- First prize – one winner – US$2,000
- Second Prize – one winner – US$1,500
- Third prize – one winner – US$1,000
The prizes will be sent to the winning designer after the conclusion of the ICA Congress.
All entries will be exhibited during the ICA Congress in Bangkok (October 2019) where ICA BOD and congress delegates will vote for their favorite design.
Designers are invited to learn more about ICA, former competitions and to see a variety of posters dedicated to colored gemstones on the ICA website : www.gemstone.org
The deadline for receiving posters is 20 September, 2019
Entries should be sent to: Yehuda Kassif E-mail : kassifus@yahoo.com
Congress Agenda
- Day 1: 12nd October (Saturday) Registration, Tennis, Golf & Inauguration Ceremony
- Day 2: 13rd October (Sunday) Business Session, ICA Dinner & Cocktail Cruise
- Day 3: 14th October (Monday) Business Session & Thai Street Food night
- Day 4: 15th October (Tuesday) Half Day Session, Board Meeting & Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony.
For press enquiries, please contact David Brough at davidbrough2@btinternet.com or mobile 44-7990568064