Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends TalksEvents & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker Lineup
The annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.
Conclave 2026 will take place Sept. 14-17 at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate in Orlando, Florida.
Las Vegas—The American Gem Society (AGS) has announced its keynote speaker line-up for Conclave 2026.
The annual event will take place Sept. 14–17 at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate in Orlando, Florida.
This year’s keynote speakers were chosen to provide actionable strategies that address the evolving needs of the jewelry industry, said AGS, bringing their perspectives on leadership, service, creativity, and magic.
The opening keynote speaker on Tuesday, Sept. 15, is Ben Nemtin, co-founder of The Buried Life movement, which encourages people to embrace “radical possibility,” and the author of “What Do You Want to Do Before You Die?”
He is also a nationally recognized speaker whose message focuses on purpose, resilience, and personal growth.
Wednesday’s breakfast keynote speaker will be Will Guidara, the author of “Unreasonable Hospitality” and former co-owner of New York City restaurant Eleven Madison Park.
Under his leadership, the restaurant earned four New York Times stars, three Michelin stars, and was named No. 1 on the “World’s 50 Best Restaurants” list in 2017.
Guidara’s keynote will focus on leadership, service, and organizational culture.
Thursday’s breakfast keynote speaker is Deanna Marsigliese, an art director, character designer, and 2D animator at Pixar Animation Studios.
Since 2012, Marsigliese has worked on several films, including “Inside Out,” “Soul,” “Toy Story 4,” and “Luca,” and most recently designed characters for Pixar’s “Inside Out 2.”
On Friday, the Titleholder Luncheon keynote speaker will be David Kwong, a magician, New York Times crossword puzzle constructor, and TED Talk speaker.
Kwong combines illusion and psychology to explore the subjects of perception, influence, and problem-solving for professional audiences.
Related stories will be right here …
The annual event will take place Sept. 14–17 at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate in Orlando, Florida.
This year’s keynote speakers were chosen to provide actionable strategies that address the evolving needs of the jewelry industry, said AGS, bringing their perspectives on leadership, service, creativity, and magic.
The opening keynote speaker on Tuesday, Sept. 15, is Ben Nemtin, co-founder of The Buried Life movement, which encourages people to embrace “radical possibility,” and the author of “What Do You Want to Do Before You Die?”
He is also a nationally recognized speaker whose message focuses on purpose, resilience, and personal growth.
Wednesday’s breakfast keynote speaker will be Will Guidara, the author of “Unreasonable Hospitality” and former co-owner of New York City restaurant Eleven Madison Park.
Under his leadership, the restaurant earned four New York Times stars, three Michelin stars, and was named No. 1 on the “World’s 50 Best Restaurants” list in 2017.
Guidara’s keynote will focus on leadership, service, and organizational culture.
Thursday’s breakfast keynote speaker is Deanna Marsigliese, an art director, character designer, and 2D animator at Pixar Animation Studios.
Since 2012, Marsigliese has worked on several films, including “Inside Out,” “Soul,” “Toy Story 4,” and “Luca,” and most recently designed characters for Pixar’s “Inside Out 2.”
On Friday, the Titleholder Luncheon keynote speaker will be David Kwong, a magician, New York Times crossword puzzle constructor, and TED Talk speaker.
Kwong combines illusion and psychology to explore the subjects of perception, influence, and problem-solving for professional audiences.
“Conclave delivers the education, inspiration, and community that AGS members rely on to grow, and we’re excited to bring that experience to Orlando,” said Denise Richards, chair of the Conclave subcommittee.
“There’s something inherently magical about gathering in a place known for imagination and possibility, and that spirit of whimsy is reflected in this year’s keynote lineup. The program is designed to deliver practical ideas attendees can bring straight back to their businesses—strengthening leadership, elevating the client experience and sparking fresh thinking that helps teams perform at their best.”
Alexis Padis, president of the AGS International board of directors, said she’s excited to welcome Conclave 2026 attendees to Orlando.
“Conclave is one of those rare events where you leave feeling recharged, prouder of the work we do, and even more excited about what’s next,” she said.
“Our keynote lineup, along with other plans we have in store, will make it a standout year.”
More information about speakers and education programming will be announced in the coming months, said AGS.
Registration is now open online.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans ApprovedThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyOfficials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
SourcingApr 29, 2026
De Beers’ Production Rises, Market Remains ‘Challenged’De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.
AuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's RingA signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the TorchThe owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICAThe colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.
