Events & AwardsApr 02, 2025
Punchmark to Host Client WorkshopEvents & AwardsApr 07, 2025
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.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
Policies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case WednesdayAhead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.
MajorsNov 04, 2025
Danny Clark to Become Stuller CEO, Succeeding Matt StullerStuller COO Belit Myers will take on the additional role of president, with all changes effective at the start of 2026.
ColumnistsNov 04, 2025
Peter Smith: What Do Birds Have to Do With the Price of Gold? Smith cautions retailers against expending too much energy on things they can’t control, like the rising price of gold.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for MembersFrom educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.
TrendsNov 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Fall Colors for November BirthdaysCitrine and topaz are birthstones fit for fall as the leaves change color and the holiday season approaches.
Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsNov 04, 2025
Weston Jewelers Heads to Fort LauderdaleThe family-owned jeweler will open its fourth store in Florida in late 2027.
CrimeNov 03, 2025
Men Dressed as Construction Workers Burglarize Jeweler’s Home The NYPD is looking for three men who stole a safe and jewelry valued at $3.2 million from the home of a jeweler in Jamaica Hills, Queens.
MajorsNov 03, 2025
Matthew Rosenheim Takes Over as JA Board ChairThe trade organization also announced its executive committee and five new directors.
CollectionsNov 03, 2025
Muse’s ‘Have a Heart’ Collab Returns, Now With DDGThe “Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good” collection is championed by model and humanitarian Flaviana Matata and will benefit her foundation.
AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online AuctionThe ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.
CrimeOct 31, 2025
5 More Arrested in Louvre Heist, Jewelry Still Missing The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your BusinessExperts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and ResinThe “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted HalloweenShow off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to WatchesThe company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.
TrendsOct 29, 2025
Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.
EditorsOct 29, 2025
Why Creepy, Crawly Bugs Inspire Beautiful JewelryFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award NomineesNotable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.
Recorded WebinarsOct 28, 2025
Watch: The State of the Jewelry Industry Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.
CollectionsOct 28, 2025
Eriness Reflects on Life in ‘One of One’ CollectionAfter experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.
AuctionsOct 27, 2025
Napoleon Left This Brooch Behind, And Now It’s Up For AuctionIt is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.
CrimeOct 27, 2025
Arrests Made in Louvre Jewel Heist One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.
MajorsOct 27, 2025
Target to Cut 1,800 Corporate JobsThe retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.
