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, the manager of the bridal business, and she conducts the estate jewelry buys for the company. Kristin is also an accredited appraiser of jewelry and a member of the International... Read More →
avatar for Maria Brown

Maria Brown

Vice President-Owner, Exclusively Diamonds
Maria Brown is the Co-Owner and Vice President of Exclusively Diamonds, a third-generation, female-owned jewelry store located in Minnesota. Founded in 1980, Exclusively Diamonds showcases exceptional fashion, bridal, and timepiece collections while creating a memorable, rewarding... Read More →
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 optimize their digital experience. He currently works as the Head of Customer Success for Joshua J, a luxury... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Congressional B

3:00pm EDT

Communication in the Jewelry Appraisal Process: Soft Skills for Difficult Conversations
Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
The initial consultation with an appraisal client can present both challenges and opportunities for an appraiser. In this session you'll hear from a panel of appraisers from different business types and experience levels about some common real-world situations and how they've crafted conversations and questions for their clients.
Speakers
avatar for Joel Hassler, ACGA

Joel Hassler, ACGA

Owner, Von Hasle Jewelers
Joel started in the industry in 2000, earning his CGA in 2003. In 2018, Joel was chosen as one of the two new CGA Instructors to take over for Cos Altobelli, ECGA. Joel has been a presenter on appraisal and store operations topics at AGS Conclave since 2018. He is a past AGS Board... Read More →
Panelists
avatar for Andrea Venn, Ph.D., CGA, JEA

Andrea Venn, Ph.D., CGA, JEA

Education Program Specialist, AGS
Andrea began working in the gemstone and jewelry industry 30 years ago, and she continues to become more of an avid gemstone and jewelry enthusiast each day. She has enjoyed working in multiple facets of the industry, including inventory & logistics, sales, repair take-in, buying... Read More →
avatar for Mike West, ACGA

Mike West, ACGA

Gemologist-Appraiser, RF Moeller Jeweler
Mike West is the appraisal department manager at R.F. Moeller Jeweler. He is a buyer of pre-owned, vintage, and estate jewelry and he has earned his Advanced Certified Gemologist Appraiser credential from AGS.

When outside of the store, Mike enjoys sailboat racing for pleasure.

... Read More →
avatar for Randall Lightfoot, CGA, JEA

Randall Lightfoot, CGA, JEA

Gemologist-Appraiser, Mayflower Estate Buyers & Consulting
Randy Lightfoot earned his B.A. in the Geological Sciences from Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois, in 2013 with an emphasis on volcanology, igneous petrology, and mineralogy. His career has been spent largely studying the use of standard screening methods to identify clues... 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 -