Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
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Poet Sekou Andrews to Give Closing Keynote at Converge
The event is also accepting poster submissions now through June 16.
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 …
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.
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.
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