The ICA Congress for 2009 will be setting some milestones – its tenure will be extended for the first time since its inception in 1985 from a five day event to a six day event. Also, the Congress is expected to host the maximum number of attendees so far. The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) made the announcement.

ICA president Andrew Cody said in a statement, “In setting the agenda for the ICA Congress in Panyu, we discovered that the number of speakers, discussion sessions and activities could not be scheduled into our usual five-day format.” The agenda will include four days of sessions with speakers from around the world, excursions, registration days and golf and tennis tournaments.

ICA Congress Chairman Edward Boehm remarked that, “Excitement is already building as we set the agenda for bringing the world of gemstones to China.”

The sponsors for the ICA Congress 2009 are the National Gemstone Testing Center (NGTC) in Beijing, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Panyu Branch and Woldmart Jewelry & Gems Emporium (HK) Ltd. The 2009 ICA Congress will be held in Panyu, Guangzhou - China’s largest jewellery manufacturing area, from May 5-10, 2009.