GIA Announces Speakers for Jewelry Career Fair and Open House

Industry’s primary recruiting event is Oct. 16

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Sept. 17, 2009 – The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) unveiled today the speaker roster for this year’s GIA Jewelry Career Fair and Open House, the industry’s largest single recruiting event. The Fair and Open House will be held on Oct. 16, at GIA’s world headquarters in Carlsbad.

GIA’s Jewelry Career Fair is a one-day-only opportunity to connect companies with qualified job seekers. It provides a free, open forum for participants to receive advice on what it takes to succeed in the gem and jewelry industry. Panel discussions, one-on-one career coaching sessions and networking with key trade players are additional benefits.

"We have a dynamic group of top speakers, who will generously share a wide array of industry knowledge and insight,” said Kathryn Kimmel, vice president, Chief Marketing Officer and co-founder of the GIA Jewelry Career Fair. “For job seekers, this is an absolute ‘must attend’ opportunity to be exposed to career paths available right now and for invaluable information that will help them develop a flourishing, long lasting career.”

This year’s GIA Jewelry Career Fair panel sessions and speakers include:

“Job Success in Today’s Market”
Leading industry executives talk about what it takes to succeed in today’s job market, including an overview of the “state of the jewelry industry” by panel moderator and GIA President and CEO Donna Baker. Learn how economic conditions affect employment trends and job opportunities. These panelists include:

Michael O’Connor, jewelry and style expert, television commentator and consultant to Platinum Guild International; Douglas K. Hucker, CEO of the American Gem Trade Association; and Mary Todd-McGinnis, vice president of sales and e-commerce for Ben Bridge Jeweler.

"From Design to Finish”
Coming up with ideas for great jewelry design is just the beginning. Between a designer’s brilliant concept and the final purchase, an entire world of other important aspects of the industry exists, such as manufacturing, marketing and negotiating. Understanding the basic methods of marketing ideas and products can help determine someone’s ultimate success in the industry. Hear experts from diverse backgrounds speak about the design process and provide tips. These panelists include:

John Matty, director of the Roberto Coin Boutique and managing partner of the Martin Katz Salon Rancho Santa Fe; Erica Courtney, president of Erica Courtney, Inc.; and Ricardo Basta, manufacturer at E. Eichberg, Inc., and jewelry designer for Ricardo Basta Fine Jewelry.

“Creative Careers”
A panel of successful jewelry professionals will discuss how creativity made a difference in their careers. Some used innovation to design their dream careers in previously unthought-of areas of the industry. Others used it to keep their jobs by reinventing themselves and upgrading their skills. Still others faced the challenges and legalities of starting a jewelry business. Getting a job is only half the battle. These panelists include:

Dawn Moore, general manager of Mikimoto Beverly Hills; Au-Co Mai, president and CEO of Emitations.com; Steve Mindel, managing partner of Feinberg, Mindel, Brandt & Klein, LLP; and Danusia Niklewicz, senior appraiser for Paradise Associates.

More than 20 notable industry individuals will also be on hand to act as career coaches for job seekers, including: Cos Altobelli, president of Altobelli Jewelers; Claudia Endler, owner/designer of Claudia Endler Designs; Alishan Halebian, designer and owner of Alishan; Becka Johnson-Kibby, training manager for Robbins Bros.; and Paul Klecka, designer.

The Open House portion of the event should not be missed as it is the only day in the year visitors can tour the GIA Museum exhibits and classroom demonstrations without a prearranged tour.

Employers interested in recruiting at this year’s Career Fair can contact GIA’s Career Services office at (800) 421-7250, ext. 7303, or e-mail anna.hayman@gia.edu.

Job seekers can call the Career Fair hotline at (800) 421-7250, ext. 4100, or e-mail careerfair@gia.edu. For more information, visit www.gia.edu/careerfair/. 

GIA’s Jewelry Career Fair and Open House was founded by GIA and The Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California, who is also a sponsor.