CIBJO, the International Jewellery Confederation, has announced major changes to the next annual Congress, to be held March 21-25, 2002, in Munich, Germany.

An additional day will be added to the beginning of the Congress as a way of building camaraderie among the delegates. Friendship Day will provide a structured social program that will include meals, visits to historic sites in Munich, and shopping. For the first time, delegates will be encouraged to bring guests, and the entire Congress will have a more family feel.

Dates for the Congress were initially chosen based on the announced dates for the Basel Fair in 2002. Since the initial announcement, the Basel Fair changed its dates. CIBJO decided to leave its dates for the Congress in place and not try to secure dates immediately following Basel.

The first CIBJO recognition awards will be handed out at a special new dinner event to be held May 22, 2002. CIBJO will recognize longtime supporters of the organization as well as all member countries and associate members. The dinner will be held at the Arabella Sheraton Grand Hotel in Munich, the site of the Congress. The traditional Gala Dinner will be held March 24 at the Munich Residence in the Emperor’s Hall, the historic site of the home of the second king of Bavaria, Leopold II.

The traditional business agenda has been modified to allow for the working commission to have more time for discussion, and the main sector meetings have been combined, where appropriate, to avoid duplication and repetitive discussion.