Events & Awards

Poet Sekou Andrews to Give Closing Keynote at Converge

Events & AwardsMay 15, 2025

Poet Sekou Andrews to Give Closing Keynote at Converge

The event is also accepting poster submissions now through June 16.

Sekou Andrews
Sekou Andrews, a Grammy-nominated artist, poet, and entrepreneur, will give the closing keynote address at Converge.
Las Vegas—Award-winning poet and entrepreneur Sekou Andrews will be the closing 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.

Andrews blends inspirational speaking with spoken word poetry, coining a speaking style called “poetic voice,” which incorporates theater, comedy, strategic storytelling, and thought leadership.

His style has been described as “Hamilton” meets a Ted Talk, said organizers.

"Ending Converge 2025 with Sekou is a reflection of the creative energy and forward-thinking spirit we’re bringing to this event," said Katherine Bodoh, CEO of AGS.

"He will move, inspire, and challenge us in a way that’s unlike any traditional keynote. Sekou has a rare ability to transform ideas into emotion—and emotion into meaningful action."

The Grammy-nominated artist has two National Poetry Slam championships, multiple Clio awards, and an ABA “Entrepreneur of the Year” award.

Andrews, the founder and CEO of SekouWorld, Inc., has shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, John Legend, and Kendrick Lamar. He has spoken to audiences at Google, Nike, GE, the Mayo Clinic, and the American Medical Association.

“Sekou’s unique artistry connects deeply with people from every walk of life,” said Susan Jacques, president and CEO of GIA.

“His closing keynote will leave attendees feeling energized, empowered, and reminded of the transformative power of storytelling. We couldn’t imagine a better way to end Converge.”

Andrew’s closing keynote performance will be on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 8:00 a.m. PT.

Neuroscientist and perception expert Beau Lotto will host the opening keynote event on Monday, Sept. 8 at 8:00 a.m.

 Related stories will be right here … 

Organizers are also looking for poster presenters for the event who would like to share their ideas, research findings, or other relevant information to the gem and jewelry industry.

Converge is a combination of AGS Conclave, the group’s annual education and networking event, and GIA’s Symposium, a research and education event held every five to seven years.

Submitted abstracts must fall into one of the conference’s research themes and will be reviewed for appropriateness and scientific merit.

The themes include:
Gemology: the evolving science of gems;
Diamonds: geology, characterization, evaluation, sources, treatments;
Colored stones: formation, identification, treatment localities;
Pearls: sources, identification, treatments; and
Instruments, new technologies, and techniques.

The abstracts should include:
Title of the proposed poster presentation;
Name, affiliation, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address of the presenter;
The conference theme for which the abstract is intended;
A brief summary of the research (about 400 words); and
One figure or table (optional).

Abstracts for the poster session have to be sent to posters@gia.edu by June 16.

Presenters must be registered for at least one day of Conclave.

For more details and to register, visit the Converge website.

The Latest

Robinson Pelham Fruits of Love Pear Earrings
CollectionsJun 13, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s Pear Earrings

Take a bite out of the 14-karat yellow gold “Fruits of Love Pear” earrings featuring peridots, diamond stems, and tsavorite leaves.

Ella Sophie
EditorsJun 12, 2025
15 Questions With Jewelry Photographer Ella Sophie

The California-based creative talks jewelry photography in the modern era and tackles FAQs about working with a pro for the first time.

A pink gold Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph Ref. 2499
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Vintage Patek Philippe From the ‘50s Sells for $4M at Sotheby’s

Al Capone’s pocket watch also found a buyer, though it went for less than half of what it did at auction four years ago.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Celine Assimon
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Former De Beers Exec Celine Assimon Joins Bonhams

Assimon is the auction house’s new chief commercial officer.

Weekly QuizJun 12, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
De Beers CEO Al Cook speaking at JCK Las Vegas 2025
EditorsJun 11, 2025
Q&A: Al Cook on Differentiating Natural Diamonds, Traceability, and Tariffs

The De Beers Group CEO discusses the company’s new “beacon” program, the likelihood diamonds will be exempt from tariffs, and “Origin.”

Pandora Las Vegas ribbon cutting ceremony
MajorsJun 11, 2025
Pandora Bets on Las Vegas for First North American Flagship

The Danish jewelry giant hosted its grand opening last weekend, complete with a Pandora pink roulette wheel.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Tiffany Stevens
GradingJun 11, 2025
Tiffany Stevens Exits IGI, Lab Appoints New Board Leader

Industry veteran Anoop Mehta is the new chairman and independent director of the IGI board.

Lee Min Seo and Ianyan Jewelry
Events & AwardsJun 11, 2025
Kering Announces Winners of Sustainability-Focused Award

The winners of the inaugural “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” are student Lee Min Seo and China-based startup Ianyan.

De Beers desert diamonds
SourcingJun 10, 2025
De Beers Turns to Brown, Yellow Diamonds for New ‘Beacon’

“Ombré Desert Diamonds” will emphasize cream-, champagne-, and brown-colored diamonds, shades that set natural stones apart from lab grown.

Gresham grasshopper ring
AuctionsJun 10, 2025
Noonans to Auction 16th-Century Signet Ring

It's one of the “Gresham grasshopper” rings English financier Sir Thomas Gresham was known to gift to acquaintances or business associates.

Mary Chiam
CollectionsJun 10, 2025
Tabayer Names Mary Chiam as CEO

The brand also debuted its new “Zorae” collection featuring a talisman of protection and harmony inspired by a sheaf of wheat.

Lauren Johansen
MajorsJun 10, 2025
Lauren Johansen Joins Loudr

As Loudr’s new account manager, Johansen will partner with clients to craft and execute marketing strategies.

Lunar Rain cat locket
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2025
And the Winners of the 2025 Couture Design Awards Are …

Designers were recognized in 12 categories, from platinum to pearls, before the evening ended with a new, retail-focused award.

Nancy Astor tiara
AuctionsJun 09, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Sells for $1.2M

The rare turquoise and diamond jewel was the top lot at Bonhams’ June jewelry sale.

2025 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductees
IndependentsJun 09, 2025
Here Are the 2025 Retailer Hall of Fame Inductees

This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.

2025 CASE Award Submission Graphic
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025

The deadline to submit is June 16.

RDI Diamonds and Lavalier Personal Jewelry Insurance Logos
MajorsJun 09, 2025
RDI Diamonds Partners With Lavalier

The diamond wholesaler is working with the insurance provider to seamlessly offer personal jewelry insurance to RDI retailers’ clients.

Harwell Godfrey Granny Square Eleanor Necklace
CollectionsJun 06, 2025
Piece of the Week: Harwell Godfrey’s ‘Granny Squares Eleanor’ Necklace

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

 Laura Gallon Joaillerie “Dynasty” ring, Bijules “Compass” bolo tie, Löf “The Orbitalis” ring
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
The 12 Fresh Faces in Couture’s Design Atelier

Discover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.

Jack Abraham The Royal Ruby Collection
SourcingJun 05, 2025
A Rare Suite of Rubies Has Arrived in Las Vegas

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.

Daymond John
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Vaishali Banerjee and Pallavi Sharma
MajorsJun 05, 2025
Platinum Guild International Updates Leadership Team

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

Meredith Tiderington
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Zillion Announces 'Women in STEM' Scholarship Recipient

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

The Gemological Institute of America’s logo
Lab-GrownJun 04, 2025
GIA Reverting to More General Terminology for Lab-Grown Diamonds

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

Exterior of the Venetian and the Las Vegas Sphere
Events & AwardsJun 04, 2025
As JCK Talks Returns, Don’t Miss These 12 Sessions

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy