(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK – A modern luxury inherent to our planet, diamonds and gemstones have a special place in the design story. Because of its nature and complexity, Initiatives in Art and Culture (IAC) is adding Vortex: Day of Light, a supplement to its two-day fashion conference, to be held Monday, November 12th, 2018, at the William and Anita Newman Conference Center of Baruch College, at 151 East 25th Street.
Lisa Koenigsberg, founder and president of Initiatives in Art and Culture (IAC) says, “We have a deep commitment and interest in precious substances, metals, and jewels, as seen in our annual gold conference. Last year during the fashion + design conference, we had a ‘Blinded by the Light’ panel, as well as a panel on rings. Great enthusiasm was expressed about these two panels, and we were asked to create something specifically for diamonds and colored gemstones. Our hope is to make this an annual event; we are thrilled to be working with the many organizations and entities we have partnered with through the program. In particular, DMIA and IDCA have been involved with conceptualizing this day from the beginning, and we thank them and all of our supporters for making this diamond and colored gemstone event come to fruition.”
Day of Light seeks to explore a range of topics, from branding initiatives in the industry, to color trends affecting design, to the importance of storytelling in customer engagement and experience. By exploring the bread and butter bridal market alongside bespoke, as well as issues impacting the colored gemstone industry, Monday’s program is set to immerse participants in thoughtful and engaging discussions around hot topics, better practices, and new approaches for customer connection. Kevin Lane, vice president of business development, Forevermark, says, “Forevermark is proud to join the other sponsors of Vortex: Day of Light. This event gives us all the opportunity to journey together into the fascinating world of diamonds and gemstones and challenge ourselves in this ever-changing industry.”
Speakers include: Lisa Koenigsberg, Conference Director and Founder and President, Initiatives in Art and Culture (IAC); Kevin Lane, Vice President Business Development, Forevermark; Jeffrey Skaret, Vice President of Partner Development, Forevermark; Christophe Allard, Director Sales & Marketing North America, Brussels Air; Rob Bates, Senior Editor, JCK; Hannah Becker (aka Diamondoodles), Artist, Gemologist, and Digital Strategy Consultant; Wendy Brandes, Jewelry Designer; Alan Bronstein, President, Natural Color Diamond Association; Brandee Dallow, North America Business Development Consultant for the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC); Leatrice (Lee) Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute and founder, Eiseman Center for Color Information & Training; Severine Ferrari, Founder and Editor, Engagement 101; Edahn Golan, Founder, Edahn Golan Diamond Research & Data; Sarah Gorvitz, Strategic Communications and Insights Lead, Diamond Producers Association (DPA); Michelle Graff, Editor-in-Chief, National Jeweler; Elle Hill, Founder & CEO, Hill & Co.; Tracy Matthews, Chief Visionary Officer and Director, Flourish & Thrive Academy; Grant Mobley, Trade Lead, Diamond Producers Association (DPA); Jean Z. Poh, Founder and CEO, Swoonery; Hedda Schupak, Editor, The Centurion Newsletter; Nilesh Sheth, President, Forever Collections; Benjamin Smithee, CEO, The Smithee Group; Janice Mack Talcott, Independent Consultant, Trainer, and Staffing Specialist; Ronnie Vanderlinden, President, Diamex Inc.; Richard Weisenfeld, President, Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT); Sara Yood, Senior Counsel, Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC); Benjamin Zucker, Authority on precious stones, and Helena Krodel, Brand Strategist, seasoned Publicist, and Fine Jewelry Expert.
DPA Trade LeadGrant Mobley states, “The DPA is proud to be among other great industry organizations participating in this year’s Vortex event. This has been a very positive year in the diamond industry and there are many exciting things ahead. We look forward to amplifying that positivity with attendees and doing our part to make this industry the best it can be.”
Register for Vortex: Day of Light directly on Eventbrite by clicking here. To learn more about Initiatives in Art and Culture, inquire about sponsorship opportunities for Vortex, visit http://artinitiatives.com, call 646-485-1952, or email info@artinitatives.com. For press or media coverage inquiries, images, speaker quotes, or interviews, contact Pietra PR at 212-913-9761 or email info@pietrapr.com.