Events & Awards

12 Conclave Events That Can’t Be Missed

Events & AwardsMar 14, 2019

12 Conclave Events That Can’t Be Missed

AGS Conclave will start in Seattle in a few weeks. Here are some can’t-miss events to check out.

20190314_Conclave_Logo.jpg
AGS Conclave will be held in Seattle from April 8 to 10.

Seattle—American Gem Society Conclave is headed to Seattle this year.

Scheduled for April 8-10, the annual event includes over 90 education sessions and more than 13 networking events, said AGS and AGS Labs CEO Katherine Bodoh.

Here are a dozen events attendees won’t want to miss.

Monday, April 8

Professional Headshots
8 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Platinum Guild International and the AGS Young Titleholders are offering free professional pictures in the networking area on the first day of Conclave.

Jewelry Industry Insights: Facts, Figures and The Future
9-10 a.m.

Harold Dupuy, vice president of strategic analysis at Stuller, will give his perspective on the U.S. jewelry market, past and present, and delve into the factors that can affect market performance. Topics will include e-commerce, the bridal market, lab-grown diamonds and the evolving retail landscape.

Opening Keynote
12-2 p.m.

Keynote speaker Dan Thurmon will kick off the opening session of Conclave. Attendees of the keynote address, sponsored by Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group, will also hear from AGS Board of Directors President John Carter and AGS CEO Katherine Bodoh.

Hearts On Fire Trivia Night
9:15-11:15 p.m.

Hearts On Fire and the AGS Young Titleholders Steering Committee are hosting a trivia night at Spin, a Ping-Pong social club. Food and drinks will be provided; just bring your thinking caps.


Colin Mochrie (right) and Brad Sherwood (left) of “Who’s Line Is It Anyway?” will be Tuesday’s breakfast keynote speakers.
 
Tuesday, April 9

Breakfast Keynote
8-9:45 a.m.

Early risers will be rewarded at Tuesday’s keynote breakfast. Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, stars of “Who’s Line Is It Anyway?,” will brighten the morning with improv comedy.

Identifying Laboratory-Grown Diamonds
11:45-12:45 p.m.

Brenda Hardwick and James Shigley of the Gemological Institute of America will host an interactive seminar on laboratory-grown diamonds, including a hands-on lab demonstration.

Titleholders Luncheon
1-2:30 p.m.

Stop by the Titleholders Luncheon Tuesday afternoon, hosted by the American Gem Trade Association. AGS will announce the winners of the Young Titleholder of the Year award, the Guild of the Year award, the Sallie Morton Award and the John J. Kennedy Award.

Selling To Women: How To Win the Hearts and Reach the Wallets of Today’s Modern Woman
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Featured speaker Kelly McDonald, a marketing and advertising specialist and founder of McDonald Marketing, will host a session on the most effective ways to market and sell to women.

Wednesday, April 10

The Legends and Lore Behind Favorite Gemstones
10:15-11:15 a.m.

Isabelle Corvin, staff gemologist and merchandise manager at Panowicz Jewelers, will give a guided tour through the history and
legends behind a variety of gemstones.

The Watch Market in 2019: Modern, Vintage and the Future of Watches
3-4 p.m.

Barbara Palumbo of What’s On Her Wrist will moderate a panel on the watch market, leading a discussion about the market’s challenges and opportunities, and what the most successful watch brands are doing right. Panelists are Eric Wind of Wind Vintage, John Carter of Jack Lewis Jewelers, Hodinkee’s James Stacey, and collector Jeffrey Binstock.

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

Named after the founder of both the American Gem Society and the Gemological Institute of America, the Shipley luncheon will take place on the last day of Conclave. AGTA CEO Doug Hucker was last year’s winner.

President’s Party
6:30-9:30 p.m.

Conclave 2019 will end with the annual President’s Party, hosted by AGS board President Carter. The event, sponsored by Centurion, will include food, drinks, dancing and a photo booth.

For a full list of Conclave events and education sessions, check out the online program.

Editor’s note: This article was updated post-publication to add James Stacey’s name to the list of participants for The Watch Market panel on April 10.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

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.

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.

DCA-student-cert-NJ1872x1052-2.png
Brought to you by
The True Power Behind the Counter: Why Sales Associates Are the Heart of the Jewelry Business

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

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

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

Weekly QuizJun 05, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
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.”

Article Image 1.png
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

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.

JCK show
CrimeJun 04, 2025
10 Safety Tips for the Las Vegas Shows

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.

Amy Curran
MajorsJun 04, 2025
Amy Curran Promoted at Hill & Co.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

The eight rings in Viviana Langhoff’s AU79 jewelry collection
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
In Her Latest Collection, Viviana Langhoff Is Leaning Into Gold

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

Gold and diamond bangles on a pair of jeans
FinancialsJun 03, 2025
Signet Jewelers Sees Turnaround in Q1 With Sales Ticking Up 2%

On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

Woman’s hand holding shopping bags
SurveysJun 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Improves in May

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

Dakota Johnson as Roberto Coin Brand Ambassador
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
Dakota Johnson Is Roberto Coin’s New Brand Ambassador

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

Mason Kay Jade necklace
GradingJun 03, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade Adds ‘Fei Cui’ to Jade Reports

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

Gemfields ruby
SourcingJun 02, 2025
Gemfields’ June Auction to Include 36-Carat Ruby

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Adobe Stock image of skyline of Bangkok, Thailand
GradingJun 02, 2025
GSI Opens New Lab in Thailand

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Seaman Schepps pearl earrings
TrendsJun 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Three Gems for June

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

David Allouche
SourcingJun 02, 2025
David Allouche Joins Grandview Klein Diamonds

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsMay 30, 2025
Movado’s Q1 Sales Slip Amid ‘Challenging’ Retail Environment

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Zoë Chicco Bracelets
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Tariffs & Designers: Navigating Pricing in an Unstable Environment

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Renato Cipullo Hematite Blaze Necklace
CollectionsMay 30, 2025
Piece of the Week: Renato Cipullo’s ‘Hematite Blaze’ Necklace

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Trade Court Declares Trump’s Tariffs Invalid

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.

Britney Spears
CollectionsMay 29, 2025
Britney Spears Files Trademark for New Jewelry Line

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.

Inoveo Platinum Grain image.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 29, 2025
Inoveo Platinum Grain, Exclusively Distributed by Stuller

Sponsored by Stuller

Grizzly Mining Pilala emerald
SourcingMay 29, 2025
Grizzly Auctions 6,620-Carat Emerald

It was featured in the miner’s latest sale, which brought in $24.8 million.

×

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