Exhibitors sign up for gem show

The ICA International Gem Show in Dubai is quickly filling up booth space with nearly 80 per cent of the total now reserved.

Exhibitors from 19 countries have signed on for the first trade show organized by the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), scheduled for October 13 to 15.

Excitement in the industry has been building about the show, boosted by visits from ICA president Andrew Cody and marketing director Marisa Zachovay to Bangkok, Jaipur, Dubai, London and Paris over the past few weeks.

"Hosting promotional events around the world to attract buyers to the ICA Gem Show has been a priority," Andrew Cody said.

He said the goal was to build a truly international gem show.

"We want buyers to know they will have a new kind of trade show experience where they have the opportunity to meet the major suppliers of gemstones from around the world under one roof."

While the focus of the show is on loose stones, the line-up of exhibitors includes well-known jewelers and designers .

Dubai is a welcome change of venue for most trade show attendees with its strategic location midway between the Far East and Europe.

Visitors appreciate its well-established business environment and find it to be a very intriguing destination for mixing business with pleasure.

The ICA International Gem Show Dubai will be held in the five-star venue, the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel.