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Diamonds Love Politicians: Or Is It the Other Way Around?
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the worlds foremost Research and Diamond Grading Laboratory announced yesterday that Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright is scheduled to be the lead keynote speaker at their 4th International Gemological Symposium, slated for Aug. 27-29, 2006, at San Diego's Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel.
Madeline Albright
When appointed to the post in 1997, Secretary Albright became the first female secretary of state in U.S. history. At the time, she was the highest-ranking woman in the history of the U.S. government. Preceding her appointment, she served as the U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations, and was a member of the President's Cabinet.
"In keeping with our symposium theme of 'Navigating the Challenges Ahead,' Secretary Albright's significant experience in U.S. international strategy and policy perfectly position her to address the important business and geopolitical issues facing the world today. We are delighted and appreciative that Madeleine Albright will be our lead keynote speaker for symposium," said William E. Boyajian, GIA president, in a statement.
Albright founded The Albright Group LLC, a global strategy firm she currently heads. She is also chairman of the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, co-chair of the Pew Global Attitudes Project and president of the Truman Scholarship Foundation. Additionally, she serves on the board of directors of the Council on Foreign Relations and on the board of trustees for the Aspen Institute.
Albright is a jewelry enthusiast, and is currently at work on a book about her eclectic collection of fine and costume brooches, scheduled for publication in 2008. The illustrated book will discuss the historical and personal significance of her collection, as well as her use of brooches as a tool of diplomacy. Her autobiography, Madam Secretary: A Memoir, was a New York Times bestseller. Albright's upcoming book, The Mighty and the Almighty: Reflections on America, God and World Affairs, will be published next May.
GIA's symposium is expected to bring together upwards of 1,500 participants from around the globe to gain firsthand knowledge from gem and jewelry experts representing every aspect of the international trade: diamonds, colored stones, pearls, gemology, jewelry design, manufacturing, marketing, branding and retail. The program will include presentations by industry leaders and business figures from both within the trade and outside of it, plus "war rooms," panel sessions and social events.
The symposium's opening session is co-sponsored by ABN AMRO Bank and the VNU Expositions Jewelry Group. For more details on the conference, visit: www.gia.edu
Hey, great gig, Madeline; if you need help, Imelda Marcos is available for consultations. Just make sure there's a Manolo Blahnik shoe store near the Convention Center!
