Second AGS Virtual Education Conference Is All About Negotiation Skills
“Confluence” is happening in August.

Planned for Aug. 22 from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. PST, Confluence 2022 will focus on negotiation skills.
“Each year, Confluence offers our members a great opportunity to hone specific skills that can enrich their career and help them achieve their goals,” said American Gem Society and AGS Laboratories CEO Katherine Bodoh.
“Successful negotiation is essential to many of our members’ careers. We are pleased we can provide them with this important learning opportunity.”
The half-day of sessions will feature presentations from four negotiation experts.
Phil Jones will lead a session called “Exactly What to Say—The Magic Words for Influence and Impact.” Author of the internationally best-selling book of the same name, as well as six other business books, Jones is also the founder of five multi-million-dollar companies.
He is one of less than 200 living members of the National Speakers Association Hall of Fame and will teach virtual attendees how to make conversations count.
Kate Vitasek will present “The New Economics of Commerce: How to Leverage Nobel Prize-Winning Theory in Your Next Negotiation.” The author of seven books including “How P&G, McDonald’s and Microsoft Are Redefining Winning in Business Relationships,” and, “Getting to We: Negotiating Agreements for Highly Collaborative Relationships,” Vitasek provides research-based advice on innovation through strategic partnerships.
After a career with positions at P&G and Microsoft, among other companies, she is now a faculty member at the University of Tennessee.
Victor Antonio will present a session titled: “Position Your Value, Not Your Price.” He is a sales trainer and consultant with 14 books on sales and motivation to his name.
He is also the founder of an online sales training platform with over 60 courses called SalesVelocityAcademy.com.
Tony Perzow will speak on: “Negotiating Price Like a Pro.” Perzow has trained executives in the art of negotiation as a former negotiation trainer at the Karrass Organization and vice president of negotiation training at Strategic Pricing Associates.
He will deliver concrete actions, ideas and techniques based upon his experience as a buyer and seller that negotiated with companies like Walmart, Amazon, and Costco.
Only open to AGS members, they can register for Confluence online.
GIA is the 2022 event sponsor.
Bodoh said, “Because of their generous support, we are able to bring this valuable education to our membership. We are very grateful to GIA for all they do for the AGS community.”
The Latest

The revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.

The special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.

Here are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

Found by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.


Our Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.

From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

The big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.

Marie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.

At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.

Ilana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.

It was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.

The approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.

The men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.

The bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.

The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.

The industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.

Inspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.

The company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.

The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.

Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”

Those born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.

The platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.

Jim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.

When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.

The “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.

























