Events & Awards

11 Events Not to Miss in Nashville

Events & AwardsApr 19, 2018

11 Events Not to Miss in Nashville

AGS Conclave kicks off Monday in Tennessee. Here are (almost all) the fun things planned.

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Nashville, Tenn.--American Gem Society Conclave kicks off Monday in Nashville, Tenn.

Aside from the keynote speakers, who are led by opener Marie Osmond, here are 11 happenings not to be missed in Music City.

Monday, April 23
Free Headshots All Day
8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Networking Area
The Platinum Guild International and the AGS Young Titleholders are offering free professional pictures all day on the first day of Conclave.

The Power of Brand Building with Kathy Ireland
Kathy Ireland
10:15-11:15 a.m.
The model-turned-entrepreneur launched her own brand, Kathy Ireland Worldwide, in 1993 and is listed by License Global Magazine as one of the 19 most influential women in licensing worldwide. Her empire includes a line of jewelry, Diamonds by Kathy Ireland.

Cybersecurity: How to Be Prepared for an Attack
Bill Gunckel, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group
10:15-11:15 a.m.

It’s not necessarily a fun topic but it’s important and timely. The Jewelers Security Alliance’s 2017 report noted a spike in cybercrime in the jewelry industry, and a number of major corporations have been the target of hackers, most recently Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor.

The Tao of Change: Flexibility, Reaction and Persistence
Joel Zeff
3:30-5 p.m.

Zeff is returning as Conclave emcee and is presenting a late-afternoon session that will use “dynamic interactive skits” to discuss controlling emotions in the face of change and not giving up.

Trivia Night
9:15-11:15 p.m.
The Rotunda Room at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Another function of the AGS Young Titleholders, trivia night includes food and drink as well as questions ranging from gemology to facts about Nashville.

Tuesday, April 24
Titleholders Luncheon
1-2:30 p.m.
Sleep in after trivia night and re-join the crowd at the Titleholders Luncheon. An annual event, this lunch is where the AGS announces the winners of the Sallie Morton, John J. Kennedy, Guild of the Year and Young Titleholder awards.

From Bombshells to Bling: Jewels of the 1940s & 1950s
Gina D’Onofrio, Heritage Auctions
3-4:30 p.m.

D’Onofrio’s session will help attendees comfortably date jewelry crafted in the retro and mid-century modern periods by comparing and contrasting the designs created from World War II through the post-war boom of the ‘50s.

Too Old to Start Over But Too Young to Retire? Strategies to Balance Risk and Reward Amid Constant Change
Hedda Schupak, The Centurion Newsletter
4:15-5:15 p.m.

An editor and analyst working

in the fine jewelry industry for 31 years, Schupak will give her analysis on the challenges facing retailers today—aging baby boomers, keeping up with technology, millennial indifference, etc.—and provide advice they can apply now.

Wednesday, April 25
Intellectual Property Laws for Jewelers
Sara Yood, senior counsel, Jewelers Vigilance Committee
10:15-11:15 a.m.

Intellectual property law covers areas like trademark, patent and copyright. In this session, JVC Senior Counsel Yood will teach attendees the differences among them, what can be protected and how they can be applied in the jewelry industry.

Robert M. Shipley Award Luncheon
1-2:30 p.m.

Another Conclave staple, the last luncheon of the three-day conference features the presentation of the AGS’s highest honor. Last year’s winner was Pennsylvania jeweler Cathy Calhoun.

President’s Party
6:30-9:30 p.m.

The event’s annual closer, the party is always organized by the current AGS president—this year, that is Scott Berg—and the theme plays off the host city. So for this year, we’re thinking it’s going to be all about country music.

American Gem Society Conclave is scheduled to take place Monday, April 23 to Wednesday, April 25 in Nashville.

For a complete list of events and education sessions, take a look at the online program.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

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