Each year, Rapaport hosts a premier International Diamond Conference in New York to address the most pressing topics facing members of the diamond and jewelry trade.  Always ahead of the curve, Rapaport conferences bring you the inside story before it becomes news. For your business to survive in these unpredictable times, you need to be able to make informed decisions backed by clear thinking. The Rapaport Conference delivers in-depth economic analysis supported by Rapaport’s cutting edge research to empower your decisions with knowledge.

Each conference features a highly anticipated presentation by Martin Rapaport along with the latest economic and industry analysis delivered by the most respected experts in their fields.  Topics are geared towards understanding the global financial markets and their impact on diamond suppliers, retailers, consumers, investors and government regulators.  As the world undergoes drastic and uncertain transformations, Rapaport gives you the information to develop strategic solutions to help you work smarter and turn your challenges into opportunities.

Former conferences have addressed issues such as the new economics of globalization, the rise of India and China and its effect on America, the decline in mining and the loss of manufacturing centers, the role of future technologies, and the relevance of branding and marketing.

In addition, the Rapaport Conference always brings to the forefront issues of social responsibility rarely touched upon at other industry events. Human rights, conflict diamonds and the Kimberly Process are issues that demand our attention and are included in every conference agenda.

All conference proceeds are donated to Jewelers for Children and the nonprofit Fair Trade and Diamond and Jewelry Association.

 To view materials from previous Rapaport Conferences including agendas and speaker presentations, click on the appropriate link below.

IDC 2011- “ Diamonds and Social Responsibility - Real Solutions to Real Problems ”

IDC 2010- “Human Rights and the Diamond Industry – The Way Forward”

IDC 2009–“New Realities: Challenges and Opportunities”

IDC 2008 –“2010 – The Next Decade: The Future of the Diamond Industry”

IDC 2007- “Diamonds and Development in West Africa” featuring Ed Zwick, producer of the Blood Diamond movie as the keynote speaker

Rapaport Fair Trade Conferences

Rapaport sponsors numerous conferences throughout the year that introduce and promote the idea of Fair Trade to members of the jewelry industry in developed countries. Hosted during the most prestigious jewelry events of the year (JCK Las Vegas and Baselworld), each conference showcases a Fair Trade jewelry exhibit featuring gold and jewelry created in partnership with cooperatives in Africa.

Conferences address such topics as sustainable development and consumption, ethical trade, ethical consumption, standardized certification systems, artisanal mining, and human rights.

To learn more about Rapaport’s Fair Trade initiatives, please visit the Rapaport Fair Trade Website.