AGS Conclave will be held in Seattle from April 8 to 10.
Seattle—American Gem Society Conclave is headed to Seattle this year.
Scheduled for April 8-10, the annual event includes over 90 education sessions and more than 13 networking events, said AGS and AGS Labs CEO Katherine Bodoh.
Here are a dozen events attendees won’t want to miss.
Monday, April 8
Professional Headshots 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Platinum Guild International and the AGS Young Titleholders are offering free professional pictures in the networking area on the first day of Conclave.
Jewelry Industry Insights: Facts, Figures and The Future 9-10 a.m.
Harold Dupuy, vice president of strategic analysis at Stuller, will give his perspective on the U.S. jewelry market, past and present, and delve into the factors that can affect market performance. Topics will include e-commerce, the bridal market, lab-grown diamonds and the evolving retail landscape.
Opening Keynote 12-2 p.m.
Keynote speaker Dan Thurmon will kick off the opening session of Conclave. Attendees of the keynote address, sponsored by Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group, will also hear from AGS Board of Directors President John Carter and AGS CEO Katherine Bodoh.
Hearts On Fire Trivia Night 9:15-11:15 p.m.
Hearts On Fire and the AGS Young Titleholders Steering Committee are hosting a trivia night at Spin, a Ping-Pong social club. Food and drinks will be provided; just bring your thinking caps.
Colin Mochrie (right) and Brad Sherwood (left) of “Who’s Line Is It Anyway?” will be Tuesday’s breakfast keynote speakers.
Tuesday, April 9
Breakfast Keynote 8-9:45 a.m.
Early risers will be rewarded at Tuesday’s keynote breakfast. Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, stars of “Who’s Line Is It Anyway?,” will brighten the morning with improv comedy.
Brenda Hardwick and James Shigley of the Gemological Institute of America will host an interactive seminar on laboratory-grown diamonds, including a hands-on lab demonstration.
Titleholders Luncheon 1-2:30 p.m.
Stop by the Titleholders Luncheon Tuesday afternoon, hosted by the American Gem Trade Association. AGS will announce the winners of the Young Titleholder of the Year award, the Guild of the Year award, the Sallie Morton Award and the John J. Kennedy Award.
Selling To Women: How To Win the Hearts and Reach the Wallets of Today’s Modern Woman 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Featured speaker Kelly McDonald, a marketing and advertising specialist and founder of McDonald Marketing, will host a session on the most effective ways to market and sell to women.
Wednesday, April 10
The Legends and Lore Behind Favorite Gemstones 10:15-11:15 a.m.
Isabelle Corvin, staff gemologist and merchandise manager at Panowicz Jewelers, will give a guided tour through the history and
The Watch Market in 2019: Modern, Vintage and the Future of Watches 3-4 p.m.
Barbara Palumbo of What’s On Her Wrist will moderate a panel on the watch market, leading a discussion about the market’s challenges and opportunities, and what the most successful watch brands are doing right. Panelists are Eric Wind of Wind Vintage, John Carter of Jack Lewis Jewelers, Hodinkee’s James Stacey, and collector Jeffrey Binstock.
Robert M. Shipley Award Luncheon 1-2:30 p.m.
Named after the founder of both the American Gem Society and the Gemological Institute of America, the Shipley luncheon will take place on the last day of Conclave. AGTA CEO Doug Hucker was last year’s winner.
President’s Party 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Conclave 2019 will end with the annual President’s Party, hosted by AGS board President Carter. The event, sponsored by Centurion, will include food, drinks, dancing and a photo booth.
For a full list of Conclave events and education sessions, check out the online program.
Editor’s note: This article was updated post-publication to add James Stacey’s name to the list of participants for The Watch Market panel on April 10.
Lenore Fedowis the associate editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.
