Conclave 2026: Full Schedule

9:00am EDT

Future-Proofing Your Jewelry Business: Lessons from the 20 Under 40

Tuesday September 15, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Jewelers are at an inflection point as they deal with major challenges—and opportunities—facing the industry. Without fresh ideas to navigate these dynamic times, your business could fall behind. This panel will offer bold insights and strategies for future success from the next generation of jewelry leaders, Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 in Jewelry Retail.

Speakers

Amanda Gizzi

Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Jewelers of America

Amanda Gizzi is the Director of Public Relations & Special Events for Jewelers of America (JA), a nonprofit trade association serving the fine jewelry retail industry. JA’s consumer education arm, Jewelry Information Center (JIC), is a unique resource for trend forecasting, industry... Read More →

Tuesday September 15, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Congressional A

Track, Business Management

Level Intermediate
Session Format Panel Discussion
Audience Retailers, Vendors

10:30am EDT

Selling to Gen Z in 2026: What Actually Works Now

Tuesday September 15, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

Congressional A

Gen Z is reshaping how jewelry is discovered, evaluated, and purchased—especially in the engagement category. In this candid panel, Communications & PR consultant Jen Cullen Williams is joined by Gen Z and young millennial jewelry professionals to break down what’s resonating now. From shifting engagement ring preferences to the role of social media, authenticity, and in-store experience, this session will explore how to effectively connect with the next generation of buyers. Panelists will share real-world insights on communication styles, digital touchpoints, and what builds trust (or breaks it) during the sales journey. If you want to stay relevant and competitive, this session offers a clear, unfiltered look at how Gen Z expects to shop and how you can meet them there.

Speakers

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 →

Tuesday September 15, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Congressional A

Track, Sales and Marketing

Level Intermediate
Session Format Panel Discussion
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

2:30pm EDT

How to Find/Locate Watchmakers

Tuesday September 15, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Congressional B

Finding a qualified watchmaker in today’s market can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack—but it doesn’t have to be. In this session, we’ll share successful strategies for locating and attracting skilled watchmakers to support your store’s repair department. From recruitment tactics to workplace culture, we’ll talk about what draws talent in—and what drives it away. Whether you're running a single location or managing a multi-store operation, we’ll explore how to position your business as a place where top-level watchmakers want to work. If you’re looking to build or grow your watch repair team, this workshop is a must.

Speakers

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 →

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 →

Jason Ziegenbein

Lead Watch Educator, AWCI

Tuesday September 15, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Congressional B

Track, Gems Jewelry and Watches

Level Beginner
Session Format Panel Discussion
Audience Retailers, Vendors

2:30pm EDT

Selling with Proof: How Digital Storytelling and Provenance Drive Diamond Sales

Tuesday September 15, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Congressional A

Today’s diamond clients are not just buying beauty. They are buying transparency, personalization, and experience. This session explores how verified origin and digital storytelling are reshaping the diamond selling process.

Panelists will share how retailers are using technology to build trust, simplify decisions, and elevate the in-store experience. They will also address rarity, including the reality that not every 3X or AGS 0 qualifies, and how lower rough yield and selective production contribute to value.

This is not a product presentation. It is a practical discussion about selling differently, where emotion remains central but is reinforced with proof, and where transparency, scarcity, and experience come together to create something truly special for today’s consumer.

Speakers

Moshe Klein

Chief Executive Officer, Grandview Klein Diamonds

Panelists

Mahiar Borhanjoo

Chief Commercial Officer, SVP Polish, De Beers Group

Tuesday September 15, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Congressional A

Track, Sales and Marketing

Level Intermediate
Session Format Panel Discussion
Audience Retailers, Vendors

4:00pm EDT

Brand Storytelling Through Experiences

Tuesday September 15, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Congressional A

Having great products is no longer enough; you need to tell a story that is easy to connect with and remember. But what’s the most effective way to bring that story to life? In this session, event experts will focus on how to translate brand identity into meaningful, memorable customer experiences. From everyday interactions to curated events, panelists will share practical, innovative ways to stay top of mind, without requiring large budgets. Learn how to create authentic moments that reflect your brand, deepen relationships, and turn storytelling into a powerful business driver.

Speakers

Anna Samsonova, CG

Owner, Samsonova Consulting

Tuesday September 15, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Congressional A

Track, Sales and Marketing

Level Beginner
Session Format Panel Discussion
Audience Retailers

4:00pm EDT

Partner Advisory Council

Tuesday September 15, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Congressional B

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Tuesday September 15, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Congressional B

Track, Committee Meeting

Session Format Panel Discussion

10:15am EDT

Beyond Bridal: Elevating the Independent Jeweler Experience

Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Congressional B

Today's discerning client wants personalization, curation, and an experience. We'll look beyond the bridal case — sourcing like an insider and building a concierge, style-led sales model that meets them where they are.

Speakers

Rebecca Boyajian

GIA

Panelists

Grant Mobley

Jewelry & Watch Editor, Natural Diamond Council

Grant Mobley is the Jewelry & Watch Editor of Only Natural Diamonds and the Natural Diamond Council and writer and contributor of diamond and diamond industry-focused content. He comes with 17 years of jewelry industry experience, starting with growing up in his family’s retail... Read More →

Mark Klein

Vice President, Julius Klein Diamonds

Mark is a 3rd generation Diamantaire, following in his families heritage who established Julius Klein Diamonds in 1948.

Mark has firsthand knowledge, experience, and expertise of the entire global diamond trade. From overseeing master diamond cutters and polishers in the company’s diamond cutting facilities, to working first hand with the jewelry manufacturing team, to the ultimate selling and distribution... Read More →

Niveet Nagpal

Omi Gems, Inc.

Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Congressional B

Track, Sales and Marketing

Level Intermediate
Session Format Panel Discussion
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

10:15am EDT

Building the Future – Platinum Education & the Next Generation of Jewelers

Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Congressional A

As the jewelry industry evolves, so too must the way we educate and inspire the next generation of bench jewelers and designers. This forward-looking session explores the current state of bench jeweler education in general (with a special focus on the often overlooked, but increasingly important need for platinum bench jeweler education), why it matters, and how leading institutions and industry partners are shaping the future. (Panelists representing jewelry schools/academic institutions/industry organizations)
Key Discussion Points:
• The importance of platinum-specific training in today’s market
• Gaps in current education and how to address them
• Real-world examples of industry-education collaboration
• How mentorship and hands-on experience shape career readiness

Speakers

Kevin Reilly

Senior Vice President, Platinum Guild International USA

Kevin Reilly is a jewelry industry veteran with over 30 years of experience in brand building, marketing, sales & customer relationship management. In his role at Platinum Guild International USA, he is responsible for developing strategic partnerships with companies at all levels... Read More →

Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Congressional A

Track, Gems Jewelry and Watches

Level Beginner
Session Format Panel Discussion
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

11:45am EDT

Future Legends

Wednesday September 16, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT

Congressional A

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Panelists

Aaron Palke, Ph.D.

Sr. Manager, Colored Stone Research, GIA

Dr. Aaron Palke developed an interest in minerals and gemstones searching for agates and other minerals in eastern Montana. Dr. Palke pursued a formal education in geology, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Tulsa and a Ph.D. from Stanford University. He... Read More →

Christopher “Mike” Breeding, Ph.D.

Senior Manager, Analytics, GIA

Dr. Christopher “Mike” Breeding is a senior manager of diamond analytical testing at the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, California. He obtained a B.S. in geology from the College of William and Mary in Virginia, a Ph.D. in geology from Yale in 2004, and is a GIA... Read More →

Evan Smith, Ph.D.

Senior Research Scientist, GIA

Evan M. Smith is a Senior Research Scientist at the Gemological Institute of America. His work focuses on the geology of diamonds, including those originating from depths greater than 300 km, which help constrain models of deep Earth composition and processes. This research has contributed... Read More →

Nathan Renfro

Sr. Manager, Identification, GIA

Nathan Renfro, a native of western North Carolina, developed an interest in minerals during his late teens, which was sparked by his grandfather’s rock collection. In 2006 he completed his undergraduate studies in geology and then went on to enroll at GIA for the resident Graduate... Read More →

Nicole Ahline

Sr. Manager, Colored Stone Research, GIA

Nicole Ahline, originally from Chicago, Illinois, completed her undergraduate studies in geology at Cornell College in 2015. In 2016 Miss Ahline enrolled at GIA for the Graduate Gemologist (GG) program earning her GG credentials in that same year. Miss Ahline has also completed the... Read More →

Wednesday September 16, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Congressional A

Track, GIA Panel

Level Beginner
Session Format Panel Discussion
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

11:45am EDT

Natural Carat Crushers

Wednesday September 16, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT

Congressional B

What separates average retailers from absolute powerhouses? Natural Carat Crushers reveals the three distinct niche business practices that enable these dynamite stores to dominate the natural diamond market. These aren’t generic sales tips—they’re specialized strategies that consistently drive massive natural diamond movement and produce unparalleled closing ratios. In this high-impact session, we break down how top-performing retailers position natural diamonds for maximum emotional connection, engineer in-store experiences that accelerate buying decisions, and implement precision inventory and pricing tactics that keep stones turning at remarkable speed. The result? Higher average tickets, stronger margins, and clients who say “yes” faster and more often. Total natural diamond domination!

Speakers

Jessica Gylsen

XLD

Wednesday September 16, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Congressional B

Track, Sales and Marketing

Level Beginner
Session Format Panel Discussion
Audience Retailers

3:00pm EDT

Attracting the Sustainable Shopper with an Impact-Driven Business Model

Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Congressional B

This panel focuses on how ethical purchasing can help jewelers reach a growing demographic of clients who care about impact and accountability. It is designed as a practical “how to” conversation, not theory. Drawing on the experience of corporate buyers, retail store owners, and suppliers who prioritize transparent and fair supply chains, speakers will share what responsible practice looks like in real life. We’ll talk about how real stories and transparent sourcing build trust, long-term loyalty, and measurable economic value for businesses and mining communities alike.

Speakers

Susan Wheeler

Founder, Responsible Jewelry Transformative, VirtuGem, Susan Wheeler Design

I'm a jewelry designer and a responsible jewelry advocate who works to bring people together from across the global jewelry supply chain and work together to transform the jewelry industry to be more equitable and responsible. I'm the founder of the Responsible Jewelry Transformative... Read More →

Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Congressional B

Track, Business Management

Level Intermediate
Session Format Panel Discussion
Audience Retailers, Vendors

3:00pm EDT

The Future of Fine Jewelry: What’s Changing, What’s Enduring, and What Actually Matters

Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Congressional A

Luxury jewelry is evolving fast—and no, it’s not just about bigger stones and higher gold prices. In this session, we’ll take a clear-eyed, good-humored look at what’s shaping the future of our industry: the rise of lab-grown diamonds, ongoing gold price volatility, tariffs and global supply chain shifts, changing consumer expectations, and what all of this means for brands and independent retailers. We’ll separate noise from opportunity, trends from truths, and short-term challenges from long-term strategy. Most importantly, we’ll talk about how strong brands continue to win—by staying agile, authentic, and focused on value beyond the product itself. Insightful, practical, and refreshingly candid, this is a conversation about navigating change without losing authenticity.

Speakers

Jodi Riesenberg

EVP TACORI, TACORI

Panelists

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 →

Lana Boutros

Tacori

Nadine Tacorian

Tacori

Paul Tacorian

Tacori

Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Congressional A

Track, Sales and Marketing

Level Intermediate
Session Format Panel Discussion
Audience Retailers

4:30pm EDT

A Discussion of the Status of the Global (and US) Watch Industry

Wednesday September 16, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Congressional B

The watch industry is always shifting—from changing consumer habits to evolving dynamics in both the new and pre-owned markets. In this panel, we’ll take a step back and look at where the watch industry stands today, both in the U.S. and globally. We’ll talk trends, challenges, and opportunities that are shaping the future of watch retail, service, and collecting. This conversation will help you better understand the forces at play—and how to navigate them in your own business. Bring your questions—this one’s meant to be interactive.

Speakers

Justin Shiver, RJ

Watchmaker, Underwood Jewelers

Jason Champion

Education Director, AWCI

Jason Ziegenbein

Lead Watch Educator, AWCI

Wednesday September 16, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Congressional B

Track, Gems Jewelry and Watches

Level Beginner
Session Format Panel Discussion
Audience Retailers

11:00am EDT

From Overseas to Your Counter: How Tariffs Really Impact Your Jewelry Business

Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Congressional A

Tariffs aren’t just headlines; they shape what you stock, what you pay, and what your customers see at the counter. This panel brings together wholesalers and retailers to break down how tariffs directly affect every step of the supply chain. From sourcing materials overseas to pricing and profitability in U.S. stores, our panelists will share firsthand insights, real numbers, and practical strategies for navigating today’s shifting trade landscape. Whether you buy, sell, or design, this discussion connects global policy to everyday business decisions.

Speakers

Anna Samsonova, CG

Owner, Samsonova Consulting

Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Congressional A

Track, Business Management

Level Beginner
Session Format Panel Discussion
Audience Retailers, Vendors

11:00am EDT

Old School Selling in a New School World

Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Congressional B

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

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 →

Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Congressional B

Track, Sales and Marketing

Level Intermediate
Session Format Panel Discussion
Audience Retailers

3:00pm EDT

Communication in the Jewelry Appraisal Process: Soft Skills for Difficult Conversations

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Congressional A

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

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

Andrea Venn, Ph.D., CGA, JEA

Education Program Specialist, AGS

Mike West, ACGA

Gemologist-Appraiser, RF Moeller Jeweler

Randall Lightfoot, CG, JEA

Gemologist-Appraiser, Mayflower Estate Buyers & Consulting

Randy Lightfoot earned his B.A. in the Geological Sciences from Augustana College, Rock Island, IL in 2013 with an emphasis on volcanology, igneous petrology and mineralogy. Mr. Lightfoot’s career has been spent largely studying the use of standard screening methods to identify... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Congressional A

Track, Appraisals

Level Intermediate
Session Format Panel Discussion
Audience Retailers, Appraisers

3:00pm EDT

Women in Leadership: The Real Balancing Act Without Burnout

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Congressional B

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

Jen Cullen Williams

Founder, Jen Cullen Williams Communications

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Congressional B

Track, Sales and Marketing

Level Intermediate
Session Format Panel Discussion
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

4:30pm EDT

How to Boss 2.0

Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Congressional A

The best leaders evolve. We know that leadership demands adaptability, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire others. But we've also learned some things in the last few years, so we're taking a crack at this again to open up a conversation about what it's like to lead a company through massive change. “How to Boss 2.0” brings together a dynamic panel of leaders from across the jewelry industry to share candid insights on what leadership looks like in 2026. From motivating multigenerational teams and navigating workplace culture shifts to making tough decisions, managing growth, and staying authentic under pressure, this conversation will explore the real-world challenges and rewards of being “the boss.” This panel is for the dreamers with big ideas and the doers with big dreams. Because leadership isn’t just about being in charge: it’s about bringing people with you.

Speakers

Sara Yood, Esq.

CEO, JVC

Sara Yood, Senior Counsel at the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), is an attorney admitted in the state of New York with extensive experience in intellectual property law. Sara’s responsibilities at JVC include anti-money laundering compliance, FTC Jewelry Guides compliance, trademark... Read More →

Panelists

Lisa Bridge, CG

Monica Stephenson

President, ANZA Gems

Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Congressional A

Track, Business Management

Level Intermediate
Session Format Panel Discussion
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

4:30pm EDT

Take-in Pointers for Front of Store Watch Repair Take-in

Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Congressional B

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

Track, Gems Jewelry and Watches

Level Beginner
Session Format Panel Discussion
Audience Retailers

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