PodcastsJan 12, 2026
The latest poscasttest
Events & AwardsApr 12, 2016
5 Must-Attend Education Sessions at Conclave
From an update on diamond grading reports to succession planning for jewelry store owners, here’s a rundown of just a few of the education sessions taking place at AGS Conclave 2016.
Washington--Former Secretary of State Colin Powell will kick off American Gem Society Conclave 2016 on Wednesday, speaking on leadership in the event’s opening keynote.
Joining the retired four-star general in the lineup of keynote speakers are Shawn Achor, the bestselling author of two books on how to be happy; retired U.S. Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, author of the bestseller Lone Survivor; and returning Conclave speaker Joel Zeff, who will deliver the closing keynote on how to lead teams in times of change.
Outside of the keynote presentations, there’s many more education sessions at Conclave, which is taking place in the nation’s capital this year.
Here are five that stood out to National Jeweler’s editors as must-attend events for jewelry store owners.
1. Diamond Grading Reports 2016 – An Update!
SPEAKER: Andrew Rickard, RDI Diamonds Inc.
DATE: Friday, April 15
TIME: 11:45 a.m.
2. Business Transition: When to Start, What to Do, How to Finish
SPEAKER: Daniel Pharr
DATE: Friday, April 15
TIME: 3:30 p.m.
3. The Year in Style: Jewelry Fashion Trends That Define
SPEAKER: Jennifer Heebner, JCK magazine and JCKOnline.com
DATE: Thursday, April 14
TIME: 11:45 a.m.
4. How Generating Rave Reviews Drives More Business
SPEAKER: Dhanusha Sivajee, XO Group
DATE: Friday, April 15
TIME: 10:15 a.m.
5. Engaged. Trend Talk on All Things Engagement and Bridal Style
MODERATOR: Michelle Graff, National Jeweler editor-in-chief
PANELISTS: Desiree Hanson, NPD Group; Danielle Miele, Gem Gossip; Stacy Tasman, How He Asked
DATE: Wednesday, April 13
TIME: 3:45 p.m.
To view a complete list of sessions, download the 2016 AGS Conclave Mobile App by searching “AGS Conclave” or “American Gem Society” in the App Store or Google Play.
AGS Conclave 2016 is scheduled for April 13 to 16 in Washington, D.C.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
AuctionsOct 09, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Up for SaleThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
AuctionsOct 08, 2024
Sotheby’s Selling Jewelry That Belonged to a Bulgarian TsarThe November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s LifeCommercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Is Current Diamond Industry Turbulence Shaping a ‘New Normal’? Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
