Initiatives in Art & Culture (IAC) Announce Their 7th Annual Gold Conference

Initiatives in Art & Culture (IAC) announced the agenda for its Seventh Annual Gold Conference, entitled “Creativity, Community & Collaboration,” taking place April 26-28, 2017. Presentation highlights include:

• “Transforming Retail,” a conversation with Andrea Hansen, Founder, LuxeIntelligence; Jim Tuttle, Founder and President, Green Lake Jewelry Works; and Mickey Alam Khan, Founder and Editor in Chief, Luxury Daily.
• “The Golden Menagerie: A Creative Journey,” a presentation by Jewelry Designer Temple St. Clair.
• “Regulatory Restrictions: Advocacy for and by Jewelers, Retailers, and Manufacturers,” Linus Drogs, Owner and President, AU Enterprises; Mark Hanna, Chief Marketing Officer, Richline Group, Inc.; Susan Thea Posnock, Director of Public Affairs and Education, Jewelers of America; Sarah Yood, Senior Counsel, Jewelers Vigilance Committee; moderated by Peggy Jo Donahue, Owner, Donahue Communications.
• “Heritage, Traditional Methods, and New World Education: Goldsmith's Hall and Goldsmith's Center – Bringing Jewelers Into the 21st Century,” a presentation by David Mills, Director of Communications and Marketing, Goldsmiths’ Company.
• “Cutting Through the Noise: Differentiating Between Editorial and Advertorial in Social Media,” a panel presentation with Barbara Palumbo, Founder,Adornmentality.com; Mark Smelzer, Publisher, JCK magazine and JCKonline.com; Trace Shelton, Editor in Chief, INSTORE Magazine; Monica Stephenson, Founder, idazzle; moderated by Peggy Jo Donahue, Owner, Donahue Communications.
• “Story Telling: The Importance of Narrative in Today's Jewelry Market,” Wendy Brandes, Jewelry Designer; Brandee Dallow, Director, North America Representative Office—Diamonds Sales and Marketing, Rio Tinto; Orin J. Mazzoni, III, Director, “Sharing the Rough;” Melissa Quick President, Steve Quick Jeweler; Steve Quick, CEO and Founder, Steve Quick Jeweler; Trace Shelton, Editor in Chief, INSTORE Magazine; moderated by Andrea Hill, Founder and CEO, Hill Management Group, LLC.

IAC’s Seventh Annual Gold Conference sponsors include Signet Jewelers, Richline Group Ltd., Hoover & Strong, AU Enterprises, Freeman’s, the Society of North American Goldsmiths, Republic Metals Corp., and Unleashed. Events are hosted by Reinstein/Ross, Goldsmithsand Aaron Faber Gallery.

“Each year, Initiatives in Art & Culture takes a 360-degree approach to the consideration of gold in keeping with our cross-disciplinary approach. We are delighted to work with the leading figures from throughout the world to present comprehensive information from the historical, to the predictive, to that which captures the here and now,” said Lisa Koenigsberg, President of Initiatives in Art & Culture. “In the Seventh Annual Gold Conference, we address the ‘Magic of Gold.’ Throughout the ages to this very day, this material has had an extraordinary impact on our culture, our economy, and our creativity. The 15 presentations offered at this event by some of the most interesting and authorative individuals in their fields explores that power and how they see it changing our future.”

Richline Group Released these comments regarding its corporate involvement in this event:

“One again, IAC will be presenting a grand vision of gold and gold jewelry. The annual event celebrates and educates all things gold with engaging presentations by experts for learning and entertainment,” said Mark Hanna, CMO of Richline Group. “Richline is always proud to support IAC’s gold conference, which fosters new and unique perspectives of the precious metal synonymous with lifetime value and enduring beauty.

Hoover & Strong released this statement about its support of this event:

"We are thrilled to support the Seventh Annual IAC Gold Conference. Since its early beginnings as a platinum metal refiner, Hoover & Strong has always provided socially and environmentally responsible products and services to the jewelry industry,” said Torry Hoover, President,Hoover & Strong. “Recycled, Fairmined and Fairtrade metal options are now readily available, so jewelers have opportunities to create the most beautiful eco-friendly jewels in the world. We support the efforts of the
IAC Gold Conference in its ongoing commitment to exploring the issues of responsibility and ethical sourcing."

Jewelry and Accessories Designer Kara Ross released this statement:

“I am thrilled to be involved in IAC's Gold Conference because I believe in the power of collaboration through collective communities. The conference uses gold as a lens to explore industry issues such as sustainability and ethical sourcing; collaboration and new models of working, learning, and spreading skills,” said Kara Ross. “I only have one voice, but if we work together as an industry our messages will be amplified and heard.”

Formal sessions for the conference will be held at The Graduate Center, The City University of New York (365 Fifth Ave.). Additionally, two private cocktail receptions and viewings will be hosted for conference attendees. On April 26, 2017, Reinstein/Ross, Goldsmiths will host a reception at its Downtown Store and Gallery (30 Gansevoort Street). And Aaron Faber Gallery, will host a reception and viewing on April 27, 2017 (666 Fifth Avenue). For further information regarding presenters, schedules and locations for events related to this conference, please see the following agenda.

Those interested in attending can register at, https://iacgold2017.eventbrite.com.