Loading…
Venue: Congressional B clear filter
arrow_back View All Dates
Thursday, September 17
 

11:00am EDT

Old School Selling in a New School World
Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Adam Graham, RS, will lead this panel in a discussion of how successful salespeople continue to use classical selling techniques in conjunction with new tools and technologies. We will explore how they have been able to adapt to new forms of communication and sales presentations while maintaining their tried-and-true techniques in building relationships with their clientele.
Speakers
avatar for Adam Graham, RS

Adam Graham, RS

Director of Sales West, Joshua J Fine Jewelry
Adam Graham, RS, is the Western Sales Director for Joshua J Fine Jewelry. In his long jewelry career, he has held executive roles with some of the industry’s best-known companies, including Omi Gems, Erica Courtney, AGTA, Saks Fifth Avenue, Rapaport, and AGS. He has presented sessions... Read More →
Panelists
avatar for Kristin Milne, G.G.

Kristin Milne, G.G.

Business Manager-Bridal, Estate Buys & Appraisals, CD Peacock
Kristin has worked for CD Peacock for the last ten years in various roles. She is a Graduate Gemologist and the Manager of the bridal business and conducts the estate jewelry buys for the company. She is also an accredited appraiser of jewelry and a member of the International Society... Read More →
avatar for Maria Brown

Maria Brown

Vice President-Owner, Exclusively Diamonds
avatar for Michael Schechter

Michael Schechter

Head of Customer Success, Joshua J Fine Jewelry
Michael Schechter is a third-generation jeweler who has spent over 25 years working at the crossroads of fine jewelry and modern technology, helping brands and retailers alike to optimize their digital experience. He currently works as the Head of Customer Success for Joshua J, a... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Congressional B

3:00pm EDT

Women in Leadership: The Real Balancing Act Without Burnout
Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
This candid conversation brings together powerhouse women leaders at every stage of their careers to talk honestly about what it really takes to lead without burning out. From boardrooms to caregiving, from scaling businesses to managing personal health, this session opens up the rarely discussed realities shaping women’s lives today. Topics include stress management, boundaries, perimenopause and menopause, appearance pressures, and navigating personal health challenges while maintaining leadership presence. By sharing experiences about what has worked and lessons learned, the discussion aims to normalize these conversations in professional settings. Attendees will leave with practical strategies, a renewed perspective, and a stronger sense of community.
Speakers
avatar for Jen Cullen Williams

Jen Cullen Williams

Founder, Jen Cullen Williams Communications
Jen Cullen Williams is an award-winning communications consultant recognized for her expertise in retail and marketing trends and her ability to connect businesses with media and consumers to drive visibility and growth. Since launching her career in 2006 in PR agencies, and later... Read More →
Panelists
avatar for Alexis Padis

Alexis Padis

President, Padis Jewelry
Alexis Padis is President of Padis Jewelry in the San Francisco Bay Area. Padis Jewelry has been serving the Bay Area for 50 years and has five locations including three in San Francisco, a tasting room and jewelry store in Napa Valley, and a location within Broadway Plaza Mall in... Read More →
avatar for Becka Johnson Kibby

Becka Johnson Kibby

CEO, Edge Retail Academy
Becka Johnson Kibby brings more than 30 years of experience in fine jewelry retail management, training, and sales. Her career began while earning her Bachelor of Science in Retail Merchandising and Management and has since spanned leadership roles with Robbins Brothers The Engagement... Read More →
avatar for Denise Richards

Denise Richards

Vice President, Underwood Jewelers
Denise Richards is the Vice President of Underwood Jewelers, which has three locations in Jacksonville, Florida. Denise currently serves as Secretary of the American Gem Society (AGS) and Chair of the AGS Conclave Subcommittee. She is the past President of the AGS Young Titleholders... Read More →
avatar for Elyssa Jenkins-Perez

Elyssa Jenkins-Perez

Head of North American Development, Responsible Jewellery Council
Elyssa Jenkins Pérez is dedicated to advancing responsible business practices, industry collaboration, and greater inclusion across the global jewelry and watch industry. She serves as Head of North American Development at the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), the world's leading... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Congressional B

4:30pm EDT

Take-in Pointers for Front of Store Watch Repair Take-in
Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Successful watch repair begins at the front counter. Join AWCI for an in-depth discussion on best practices for watch take-in at the retail counter. Learn how to effectively communicate with customers, gather critical information, and serve as a knowledgeable liaison between the client and the watchmaker. In this workshop, we’ll share the practical strategies we've developed for communicating clearly with watch customers, asking the right questions, and translating customer concerns into meaningful details for the watchmaker or technician. We’ll also talk about how to build rapport with even the most particular clients and how to avoid common misunderstandings that can lead to frustration or delays. This workshop will help set you up for success with even the most selective watch customer.
Speakers
avatar for Jason Champion

Jason Champion

Education Director, AWCI
Jason Champion is a Certified Watchmaker 21 and the education director for the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute (AWCI) where he aids in curriculum development, teaches classes, and oversees AWCI’s world-renowned certification, traveling education, and the Archie Perkins... Read More →
avatar for Jason Ziegenbein

Jason Ziegenbein

Lead Watch Educator, AWCI
Jason Ziegenbein is the Watchmaking Instructor for the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute (AWCI) located in Harrison Ohio. Jason previously served as the Lead Instructor for the School of Watchmaking at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. He holds an AAS degree... Read More →
avatar for Justin Shiver, RJ

Justin Shiver, RJ

Watchmaker, Underwood Jewelers
Justin Shiver has over a quarter of a century of experience as a watchmaker and workshop manager in a retail jewelry store. Justin’s expertise extends beyond the workshop. He is a current member of the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute (AWCI) Board of Directors. As a member... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Congressional B
 
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.
Filtered by Date -