2025 GAA Federal Conference

Join Us for the GAA Conference 2025 in Melbourne!

The Gemmological Association of Australia is excited to invite you to the GAA Conference 2025, hosted by the VIC Division in Melbourne. This event offers an exceptional opportunity for gemmologists, students, and industry professionals to engage in educational talks, committee meetings, and an exclusive Melbourne Museum tour.

📍 Venue: 380-382 Spencer Street, Melbourne
📅 Dates: Thursday 1st May – Sunday 4th May

Conference Agenda & Events

🔹 Thursday 1st & Friday 2nd May – Committee Meetings
🔹 Saturday 3rd May – AGM, Scientific Seminars, Graduation Dinner
🔹 Sunday 4th May – Melbourne Museum Tour

Scientific Seminars – Saturday 3rd May

📍 Where: Conference Venue, 380-382 Spencer Street, Melbourne
💰 Cost: $125 (members), $150 (non-members), $90 (current students)
📩 Registration Required: Please complete the form or admin@gem.org.au

Featured Speakers

🔹 Wim Vertriest – Field Gemmology
The Manager of Field Gemmology at GIA Bangkok shares insights on the complex connections between gemstones, communities, and mining in East Africa, while exploring key gem varieties from the region such as tsavorite, sapphire, and spinel.

🔹 Garry Holloway – Diamond Grading Report Integrity & Consumer Trust
Explore the science behind diamond grading and its limitations, including face-up colour grading, cut impact, and the need for clearer standards.

🔹 Dermot Henry – Museum Mineral & Gemstone Collections
Discover the fascinating mineralogical and gem collections at Melbourne Museum, with insights from the Head of Sciences, Museums Victoria.

Graduation Dinner – Saturday 3rd May

📍 Where: Savoy Hotel, 630 Little Collins Street Melbourne
💰 Cost: $90 (members), $100 (non-members)
📩 Registration Required: Please complete the form or admin@gem.org.au

Melbourne Museum Tour – Sunday 4th May

🔹 Guided exploration of the Museum’s gemmological & mineralogical collections
🔹 Light lunch provided
🔹 Sponsored by Museums Victoria & Hamid Bros
💰 Cost: $125 (members), $150 (non-members)
📩 Registration Required: Please complete the form or admin@gem.org.au

This exclusive tour offers a rare opportunity to view extraordinary specimens from the Museum’s collections, making it a must-attend event for gem enthusiasts!