RAPAPORT... Technology, synthetic diamonds, and midstream growth are among the topics that expert speakers will address at this year's Carat+ show in Antwerp.The diamond event, in its second year, has introduced Carat+Conference 2018, a series of talks that will take place during the trade fair.The conference will focus on industry issues, as well as broader subjects withinthe trade. Jonathan Chippindale, CEO of Holition -which provides augmented-reality technology for the retail sector -will open the conference, discussing how brands can use technology to innovate.On the second day of the gathering, the Responsible JewelleryCouncil (RJC) will cover challenges currently facing thediamond industry. Rapaport Senior Analyst and News Editor Avi Krawitz, meanwhile, will provideinsights on topics that impact dealers and manufacturers, as well as growthsolutions for midstream businesses.Katrien De Corte, HRD Antwerp's chief officer of education,will address new methods for identifying synthetic diamonds when she speaks on the last day ofthe event.Carat+ will run from May 6 to 8 at the Antwerp Expo.