By Jaime Kautsky

Duncan Parker, president of the Canadian Gemmological Association, with GIA President Donna Baker at the welcome reception. Photo by Alan Katowitz

Donna Baker, GIA president, was on hand to meet and greet the 100-plus attendees, who included registered delegates, conference speakers and invited guests.

Special exhibits featuring Canadian gemstones and designs by students in Vancouver Community College's Jewelry Art and Design program were also on display throughout the evening.

"Everyone enjoyed the networking, and especially enjoyed the opportunity to meet Donna Baker, whom they found warm and approachable," said Donna Hawrelko, chair of the conference and director of Education for the CGA.

Vancouver Community College studetns (from left) Richard Sunde, Breanne Avender, Ronald Kwan, Adreena Chan and David Beach with conference chair Donna Hawrelko. Photo by Alan Katowitz