Events & AwardsOct 31, 2023
JFC Announces 2024 ‘Facets of Hope’ HonoreesEvents & AwardsNov 02, 2023
Savannah Bananas Owner to Headline AGS Conclave 2024
Jesse Cole will deliver the opening keynote address at the American Gem Society’s main event next year.
Las Vegas—Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment and owner of the Savannah Bananas, will be the opening keynote speaker at Conclave 2024, the American Gem Society announced Wednesday.
Based in Savannah, Georgia, the Savannah Bananas is an exhibition baseball team—think the Harlem Globetrotters, but baseball.
Cole is credited with transforming the Bananas into the “greatest show in sports.” His creative method of making baseball fun has led to unprecedented success for the team, AGS said, with sold-out games, a waitlist of more than 600,000, and a global fan base.
The team has been featured on the Today show, CBS Sunday Morning, HBO’s Real Sports, and ESPN+.
“Jesse’s unparalleled success with the Savannah Bananas perfectly embodies the spirit of ‘Keeping Conclave Weird,’” said Denise Richards, chair of the AGS’s Conclave sub-committee.
“His novel approach to business aligns with our theme, encouraging us to embrace the unconventional and find joy in the unexpected. As we anticipate Conclave 2024, where each moment promises to be exceptional, Jesse’s insights will undoubtedly inspire and entertain our members.”
Related stories will be right here …
Based in Savannah, Georgia, the Savannah Bananas is an exhibition baseball team—think the Harlem Globetrotters, but baseball.
Cole is credited with transforming the Bananas into the “greatest show in sports.” His creative method of making baseball fun has led to unprecedented success for the team, AGS said, with sold-out games, a waitlist of more than 600,000, and a global fan base.
The team has been featured on the Today show, CBS Sunday Morning, HBO’s Real Sports, and ESPN+.
“Jesse’s unparalleled success with the Savannah Bananas perfectly embodies the spirit of ‘Keeping Conclave Weird,’” said Denise Richards, chair of the AGS’s Conclave sub-committee.
“His novel approach to business aligns with our theme, encouraging us to embrace the unconventional and find joy in the unexpected. As we anticipate Conclave 2024, where each moment promises to be exceptional, Jesse’s insights will undoubtedly inspire and entertain our members.”
Conclave 2024 is scheduled for April 15-17 in Austin, Texas.
In addition to Cole, AGS has revealed the names of additional keynote and featured speakers. They are as follows.
Monday, April 15
While Cole is the day’s keynote speaker, Rachel Tipograph will be the featured speaker. Tipograph is the founder and CEO of MikMak, an e-commerce marketing platform for multi-channel users.
Tuesday, April 16
Breakfast keynote: Mick Ebeling, founder of Not Impossible Labs, will discuss pragmatic innovation using technology and storytelling to create life-changing devices.
Featured speaker: Tasha Eurich, a New York Times best-selling author and organizational psychologist, will provide insights on thriving in a dynamic world.
Wednesday, April 16
Breakfast keynote: Peter Katz, a Juno and Canadian Screen Award-nominated singer-songwriter renowned for transformative “keynote concerts,” will inspire connection and shared vision.
Titleholder luncheon keynote and featured speaker: Sylvie Di Giusto, an internationally acclaimed speaker, will explore modern emotional intelligence, guiding audiences to understand perceptions, choose behaviors, and achieve optimal outcomes. Di Giusto is also the featured speaker that day.
“Not only do we have an incredible lineup of professional and industry speakers innovative, we have so many fun, different, and yes, weird experiences planned for our members,” Richard said. “Conclave Austin is going to amaze and delight attendees!”
To learn more about Conclave’s keynote and featured speakers or to register for the event, visit the AGS website.
AGS members can save $200 with early-bird registration, sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Cast Closes Business, Plans for RelaunchThe jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.
IndependentsJul 01, 2025
Elie Hannoush, Founder of Hannoush Jewelers, Dies at 73He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report SaysThe jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
TrendsJul 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Red Hot RubiesWelcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry SalesThe best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
IndependentsJun 30, 2025
Melanie Grant’s New Book Explores 200 Years of Jewelry“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CollectionThe “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.
