GIA to Launch Traveling Education Program

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will be teaching jewelers and diamantaires across the world how to expand their operations internationally and learn important business strategies and skills through a one-week training program in four nations.

The training sessions, aimed at jewelry business owners, staff members, and executives, will be conducted by GIA School of Business Professor Dr David McKinney. “Whether you’re in the business of mining, manufacturing, wholesaling, or retailing – and at any level – the theories and practices that are taught in this program can take your business to the next tier,” McKinney added.

The sessions will take place at the GIA Education branches in Hong Kong from September 26–30; in London from October 3–7; Mumbai from December19–23, and in Dubai in December with dates and location to be announced.

The program will explore strategies designed to help businesses stand out in the changing global marketplace and specific management tools that can enhance international jewelry operations. Participants will learn how to build strategic alliances, and develop tactics for growing an international business.

Each session will cater to the professional and academic needs of individual students and to the specifics of each region. All leadership levels are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Participants will also learn how to plan international advertising and marketing campaigns, anticipate changing consumer-purchasing patterns, train and manage an international sales staff, and gain a competitive advantage. Contrasting management and leadership styles will also be explored.

“The nature of the international jewelry industry is changing at a phenomenal rate,” said GIA School of Business Dean Dr. Mink Stavenga. “Globalization and the trend toward vertical integration of businesses make international competition that much more challenging.”