(IDEX Online) - More than 90% of the exhibitors who participated in the inaugural CARAT+ 2017 will be taking part in the May 2018 event.
The latest figures reveal high-levels of satisfaction among exhibitors and a shared commitment to make CARAT+ the most successful diamond event in the world, according to show Founder and Event Director, Filip Van Laere.
The second edition of CARAT+ will feature a maximum of 150 exhibitors, including a number of service providers that require much larger spaces located in Hall 1. They will be joined by diamond suppliers, manufacturers, diamond jewelry brands and colored gemstone specialists in Hall 4 of Antwerp Expo.
"Our objective is clear: we are aiming for substantially more visitors for roughly the same number of exhibitors," explained Van Laere. "We want to maximize the return on investment for our returning exhibitors and partners who took the plunge with us during our first edition. In 2018, we understand that 'visitor experience' is the key-word for the continued success of CARAT+, and we are excited to reveal various activities and partnerships in due course. To date, we already feel visitor-interest in the second edition of CARAT+ rising, which is a very positive sign."
Leading Italian fine jeweler Roberto Coin will exhibit his eponymous brand at CARAT+ for the second time in May. He said: "Antwerp is the place where the best players of the diamond industry provide the highest quality stones. After all, Antwerp has one of the biggest diamond bourses in the world and is home to many of the largest diamond companies. I am coming back to CARAT+ for the second time because, last year, I was very pleased to be part of a serious event that offered a new opportunity for the jewelry world to choose from the widest selection of diamonds."
Launched in 2017, the event attracted more than 3,000 visitors and 130 exhibitors in its first year alone. Partners and sponsors who have joined CARAT+ for the 2018 edition include its Main Partner AWDC (Antwerp World Diamond Centre), plus ABN AMRO; motor company, Bentley; security expert Brinks; Brussels Airlines; insurance broker Driesassur; education and certification world-authority GIA (Gemological Institute of America).
CARAT+ takes place from May 6-8 at the Antwerp Expo in Antwerp.