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AUSTRALIA TO HOST 2001 ICA CONGRESS
The next ICA Congress will be held in Sydney,
Australia from April 29 to May 4, 2001.
ICA members in Australia are looking forward with enthusiasm to making this a truly memorable Congress for all. Later this year, the eyes of the world will be focused on Sydney when the city hosts the Olympic Games, and the momentum generated by this historic event will no doubt spill over to the 2001 ICA Congress.
The decision to choose Australia as the location for its next Congress, was made by the ICA Board at a meeting during the recent Tucson show. Mark Tremonti, ICA Director from Australia, presented a proposal to the Board which included letters of invitation from 10 Australian trade associations and institutions. It was generally agreed that Australia is an ideal choice as it holds an extremely important position in mining and is the source of some of the world's most well known coloured gemstones such as opals and sapphires, as well as diamonds and pearls.
The venue of the ICA Congress in 2001 will be Sydney's new, state-of-the-art Convention and Exhibition Center, "Star City", located on beautiful Darling Harbour. The Center is only ten minutes walk from the city's main shopping and commercial district, and within walking distance from Australia's famous landmark, the Sydney Opera House.
The programme for the Congress will include seminars and lectures covering topics vital to the coloured gemstone trade as we enter into an era of new marketing methods and systems. Discussion groups will give participants the opportunity to voice their opinions on a variety of subjects involving the trade.
In additional to the official programme, consideration is being given by ICA to organizing a local trade show in conjunction with the Congress.
The excursion to an opal mine will no doubt be one of the highlights of the additional activities available. Social events will include gala dinners and receptions, tours of SydneyÕs spectacular tourist spots, a harbour cruise. Recreational activities such as golf and tennis tournaments are also planned.
Participants at the ICA Congress in Australia in 2001 will learn about the latest developments in the industry, discuss problems affecting their business, and learn from experts in their particular field. They also have the opportunity to experience the unique flora and fauna, rugged beauty, and friendly lifestyle of Australia, a country that also has a long and illustrious history of gemstone mining.
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