Mission Statement
The Santa Fe Symposium® is a passionate, collaborative, non-commercial community that shares know-how, fosters innovation and connects resources across all facets of the jewelry-making industry.
What the Santa Fe Symposium® Does for the Jewelry Industry
The Santa Fe Symposium® began as an idea in the mid-1980s, born of frustration over the lack of access to substantive, cutting-edge information about jewelry casting and manufacturing. Two men, Dave Schneller and Eddie Bell, came up with a solution and put forward their idea of a non-commercial, not-for-profit gathering of jewelry professionals—people well-known in the industry, working in well-known businesses and organizations, coming together to freely discuss their ideas, manufacturing innovations and research. At the time, the concept was unheard of—it was impossible, unthinkable...wasn’t it?
In reaching out and talking to other friends and colleagues, they found that they were far from alone in their frustrations. The time had come to act. They invited like-minded jewelry manufacturing colleagues from around the world to a new kind of conference. The focus would be on exchanging information and on networking with fellow professionals. No one would be selling anything. No one would be buying anything.
Over the course of more than 30 years, the Symposium has brought technical know-how from and to expert makers, teachers, researchers and professionals working in every conceivable area of the jewelry-making industry. Visit the “Agenda” tab to see what's on the 2022 agenda and visit the “Speakers” tab to get a sneak peek at the 2022 presenters.
Why YOU Should Be At the Santa Fe Symposium®. . .
The scope of this unique conference encompasses every kind of jewelry industry professional, from custom casters to bench jewelers to gemologists to business owners, managers and more. Presentations range beyond manufacturing and casting-related subjects to include a wide variety of timely topics like running a business in this industry, protecting your employees, creating a positive work culture and more.
You’re never just an attendee; you are a participant, teaching even as you learn along with every other jewelry professional there. Your input enriches the discussion and adds to the knowledge. No matter where you fit in the jewelry-making industry, the Santa Fe Symposium ® offers you incredible benefits that last throughout the year and into the future, serving your business, your work and your goals in ways you could not have imagined.
Knowledge
Learn firsthand about the latest work going on in the industry with endless opportunities to ask questions, challenge assumptions and discuss what it means from the point of view of your work and your business.
Problem-Solving
Take what you learn, add your own experience and apply your individual know-how to bring fresh ideas to every discussion and to formulate strategies that can help you address your challenges back home.
Networking
Forge new relationships, build bonds of respect and create friendships with colleagues from around the corner to around the world. Many relationships born at the Symposium go on to thrive for decades—and not just at the event but throughout the year, day in and day out, as priceless peer support you can count on.