<a href="http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Martin-Rapaport.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1278" title="Martin Rapaport" src="http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Martin-Rapaport.jpg" alt="" width="95" height="117" /></a>The Rapaport International Diamond Conference (IDC) will take place on Thursday, October 21, 2010 at The Times Center in New York. The one-day conference, held annually in New York City, is renowned for identifying important trends in the diamond industry. The topics of this year's conference will be "Diamond Demand" and "Human Rights and the Diamond Industry – The Way Forward".

"Diamond Demand"

The future of the diamond industry is about demand. Who will our customers be? What will they buy? And most importantly, why will they buy? While globalization will continue to impact our markets, the greatest challenge will be to understand the demographics of the next generation of diamond consumers. Whether it is in the U.S., China or India, opportunities await those that take the time and make the effort to truly understand what motivates their customers.

"Human Rights and the Diamond Industry – The Way Forward"

The afternoon session will be devoted to finding reasonable and pragmatic solutions to the ethical problems confronting the diamond industry. The challenge facing the trade is not just recognizing the problems, but solving them. Experts in the field of business and human rights, law and ethics will participate in open discussions.

"Over the next few years, diamond demand will be more important than diamond supply," said Martin Rapaport, Chairman of the Rapaport Group. "Those that anticipate and meet the needs of their customers will prosper, while those that don't won't. Understanding diamond demand is the key to your success.

"The diamond trade needs to confront the problem of human rights head on. Instead of complaining about the problem, it's time for us to focus on solutions and identify the way forward for ourselves and our industry", Rapaport added.

Ref: <a href="http://www.gjepc.org/news/view.aspx?NewsId=7776" target="_blank">GJEPC</a>