Loughborough Conference 2009

The N.A.G.'s Institute of Registered Valuers' Loughborugh Conference
Saturday 19 to Monday 21 September inclusive
Loughborough University of Technology

The Institute’s annual Conference takes places this September at its usual venue, Loughborough University, over the long weekend of Saturday 19 to Monday 21 September.  This is our 21st Conference and if you consider yourself to be a professional then the N.A.G.’s Institute of Registered Valuers’ Loughborough Conference is THE event for you. 

Once again the Association’s Valuations Committee and IRV Forum has put together a fantastic programme including the ever popular Workshop Sessions with Main Presentations as well as finding room for our regular Open Forum session (now affectionately known as Happy Hour). 

The Birmingham Assay Office is the principal financial supporter of the Conference and their Chief Executive Michael Allchin strongly recommends the event.  "The Loughborough Conference is good fun and great value for money - an excellent opportunity for jewellery professionals to exchange views, increase their knowledge and raise standards," says Michael.  "The level of experience and expertise here is incredible.  In tough times it is even more important for the jewellery trade to stick together, retain its integrity and professionalism and keep up-to-date with developments."

Although this year’s programme will cover many topics, a number of lectures and workshops will concentrate on the all important theme of colour.  Many valuers find the whole process of appraising coloured gemstones to be fraught with all sorts of problems.  By ‘appraising’ we mean assessing the ‘quality’ of coloured gemstones in the same way we all routinely assess the quality of diamonds before subsequently ascribing values to them by referencing conventional price guides like Rapaport and The Guide, etc. 

Through an integrated series of Workshop Sessions and Main Presentations, including opportunities to take the Munsell Color Test, we will provide delegates with guidance on the methodology of coloured gemstone appraisal subsequently proved by producing consistent practical coloured gemstone quality assessments resulting in more accurate values.

This Conference is the only event in the world that endeavours to appeal to all sectors of the trade from junior sales staff to senior partners: all are welcome to attend.  This year, in conjunction with Bransom Retail Systems, we are offering a free place at the Conference for one lucky first-timer.  All delegates attending their first Loughborough Conference will have their names put in the proverbial hat from which one lucky delegate will be drawn and have their fee reimbursed with the announcement at the Conference during the Saturday night evening dinner.  Daren Daniels, Sales and Marketing Manager for Bransom, who has been going to the Loughborough Conference for 12 years and was a Registered Valuer for four years says, “Sponsoring and attending the Conference fits perfectly with Bransom’s ethos – training and on-going education are of the utmost importance.”  Daniels continues, “We hope to help the Institute encourage more people to attend the Loughborough Conference and help promote the benefits of meeting in person some of the most knowledgeable people in the jewellery trade who give up their time to educate all who attend; this is a weekend not to be missed.”  

We hope this will be an incentive to those who have thought about attending but so far haven’t. 

We also welcome delegates from other trade bodies within the jewellery and allied craft industries to this event.  Members from the likes of the BJA, BADA, RICS, NPA, Gem-A etc can attend at special discounted rates for groups of five or more delegates.

This event truly offers something for everyone in the jewellery trade.

If you would like a copy of the brochure please email irv@jewelleryvaluers.org.