Events & AwardsApr 02, 2025
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Converge Taps Neuroscientist as Opening Keynote Speaker
Beau Lotto’s immersive presentation will be a blend of neuroscience, art, and entertainment.
Neuroscientist Beau Lotto will be the opening keynote speaker at Converge in September.
Carlsbad, Calif.—Neuroscientist and perception expert Beau Lotto will be the opening keynote speaker at Converge, a new industry event co-hosted by the American Gem Society (AGS) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
The inaugural event will be held Sept. 7-10 in Carlsbad, California, at GIA’s headquarters and the Omni La Costa Resort.
Lotto's presentation will be “an immersive exploration of perception, reality, and change,” said organizers.
“This keynote will be a standout—Beau Lotto redefines how we think about change. He will captivate and inspire by showing how we—as individuals, businesses, and an industry—can flourish in times of change. His approach to creativity, leadership, and innovation promises to be a truly illuminating experience,” said Katherine Bodoh, CEO of AGS.
Using science and research, his presentation is a mix of entertainment, real-world neuroscience experiments, and art.
“Success depends on adaptability more than anything else,” said Susan Jacques, president and CEO of GIA. “I can think of no better way to begin Converge than with an engaging exploration of how embracing uncertainty can improve our ability to adapt, innovate, and succeed.”
Lotto has spoken at several well-known events, including Davos, Cannes, and Burning Man, as well as at the G8 and on the TED main stage.
He has worked with Microsoft, L'Oréal, the Crown Prince’s Court of the United Arab Emirates, and Cirque du Soleil.
In 2001, he founded the Lab of Misfits Studio, said to be the world’s only neuroperception creative studio.
He is also the CEO and founder of tech company Ripple Inc., which holds five patents in augmented reality with two further patents pending.
Related stories will be right here …
The inaugural event will be held Sept. 7-10 in Carlsbad, California, at GIA’s headquarters and the Omni La Costa Resort.
Lotto's presentation will be “an immersive exploration of perception, reality, and change,” said organizers.
“This keynote will be a standout—Beau Lotto redefines how we think about change. He will captivate and inspire by showing how we—as individuals, businesses, and an industry—can flourish in times of change. His approach to creativity, leadership, and innovation promises to be a truly illuminating experience,” said Katherine Bodoh, CEO of AGS.
Using science and research, his presentation is a mix of entertainment, real-world neuroscience experiments, and art.
“Success depends on adaptability more than anything else,” said Susan Jacques, president and CEO of GIA. “I can think of no better way to begin Converge than with an engaging exploration of how embracing uncertainty can improve our ability to adapt, innovate, and succeed.”
Lotto has spoken at several well-known events, including Davos, Cannes, and Burning Man, as well as at the G8 and on the TED main stage.
He has worked with Microsoft, L'Oréal, the Crown Prince’s Court of the United Arab Emirates, and Cirque du Soleil.
In 2001, he founded the Lab of Misfits Studio, said to be the world’s only neuroperception creative studio.
He is also the CEO and founder of tech company Ripple Inc., which holds five patents in augmented reality with two further patents pending.
There will be two other keynote sessions at Converge, with more details to follow.
The second keynote, held on Sept. 9, will feature a panel of business thought leaders discussing the challenges and opportunities facing the global gem and jewelry sector.
On Sept. 10, the closing keynote will bring together the week’s insights in “an engagingly unexpected way.”
In addition to these keynotes, Converge will offer education sessions, research presentations, and a Harvard Business School executive education seminar created exclusively for Converge.
There will also be excursions to GIA’s headquarters and other local attractions, including a whale watching tour, a vineyard wine tasting, and a tour of the Oceanview mine.
For more information or to register, visit the Converge website.
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