JCK Shows is delighted to announce that His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, the President of the Republic of Botswana, will open the JCK Las Vegas Show as a keynote speaker on Friday, May 31, 2019 at 7:30 am in the Palazzo Ballroom, Venetian Level 5. Presented by De Beers Group, this historic conversation will focus on the special connection between the Americans and the people of Botswana as His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Botswana provides his unique perspective on how diamonds bring us together."We are extremely honored to partner with De Beers Group to host His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Botswana for this meaningful conversation at the opening of JCK Las Vegas," says Yancy Weinrich, Senior Vice President of Reed Exhibitions & Reed Jewelry Group. "As JCK is bringing the entire industry together under one roof, we are honored to help connect jewelers with a prominent and influential leader behind the supply system for our precious materials. The inspirational impact of the good the diamond industry does in Botswana is proof of the power of our industry to create a meaningful impact on the world."
The son of a Former Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament, Masisi is a lifelong, award-winning public servant. He has served in leadership positions in education and curriculum development for UNICEF and for the Botswana government, as well as on the board of various environmental NGOs. His passionate commitment to the advancement of all Botswana led him to join politics. After serving in various Cabinet positions and as Vice President, Masisi was sworn in as the fifth President of the Republic of Botswana in April 2018.
According to the Diamond Producers Association, in 2017 Botswana was the second largest producer of diamonds (by both volume and value) in the world, producing 22,961 carats in valued at $3,329M. Just last month, the second largest diamond ever found was discovered in the Karowe Diamond Mine in Botswana. The unbroken 1,758 carat rough diamond is the size of a tennis ball.
"Having pioneered diamond mining operations in Botswana in partnership with government since the late 1960s, we have seen firsthand the incredibly powerful influence that diamonds have had on this thriving democracy," says Bruce Cleaver, CEO, De Beers Group. "We are honored to welcome His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, the President of the Republic of Botswana to JCK Las Vegas, the largest and most influential jewelry trade event in North America. His unique perspective on the special connection between America and Botswana is sure to be thought-provoking, powerful and inspirational. The true story of human advancement in Botswana is uplifting and in large part thanks to the remarkable gift of nature - the diamond."
De Beers Group will be hosting a breakfast along with the keynote presentation. Breakfast will start at 7:30 am and the keynote will conclude at 9:20 am to coincide with the opening of the JCK Las Vegas show floor at 9:30 am. Seating for the keynote address is limited, so please RSVP to reserve your seat by visiting seat by visiting www.debeersevents.com and log in with: username: debeerspublic, password: publicEvents!2019.The RSVP process will close when capacity is reached. Guests who RSVP will be prioritized. Due to the enhanced security surrounding this event, the check-in process will be strictly observed. A JCK, Luxury or JIS Exchange Show Badge will be required for entry.
About De Beers
De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company and the world’s largest diamond producer by value. It has mines in four countries – Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa – and employs more than 20,000 people.The company was established in 1888 and is owned 85 per cent by Anglo American and 15 per cent by the Government of the Republic of Botswana. With its headquarters in London, it has unrivalled expertise across the diamond value chain – from exploration and production, to rough diamond sales and diamond jewelry retail. For more information, please visit www.debeersgroup.com.
