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Tuesday, September 15
 

8:30am EDT

Wells Fargo Fast Track
Tuesday September 15, 2026 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis to Retail Firm members only. Maximum registration of 200 attendees. Firms that attend the full program will receive $1,200 per firm in travel reimbursement.*

Spend the morning with your Wells Fargo Consumer Financing Team and rock your financing program! This engaging two-hour program kicks off with breakfast, then heads into micro sessions geared toward helping you get the most out of the AGS Credit Card Program, including practical advice and easy-to-implement tactics.

Your firm does not need to be enrolled in the AGS Credit Card Program to attend.
To register, add "Financing Fast Track" as part of the "Attendee Selections" tab of your Conclave registration. Already registered? Contact [email protected] to add the session to your registration.


*The travel reimbursement will be awarded to firms that check in and attend the full Fast Track program on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, as reported by Wells Fargo, and is limited to the first 100 firms that register for the Financing Fast Track program. For program merchants, Wells Fargo will direct deposit the reimbursement. For non-program merchants, the American Gem Society will reimburse via check payable to the primary firm member of record. Checks required to be reissued due to incorrect information associated with the primary firm member of record shall be subject to a fee of $25 to be deducted from the reissued payment. All reimbursements will be issued approximately 45 days following Conclave 2026.
Tuesday September 15, 2026 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
International 1

9:00am EDT

AI Yourself Calm: Smarter Systems for the Business Behind Your Craft
Tuesday September 15, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Most jewelry businesses already have systems. The question is no longer whether to build them, but how to elevate everyone working inside them. AI absorbs the execution layer beneath your team and your craft, so every person, regardless of role, can work faster, think bigger, and produce at a level previously out of reach. The better you and your team become at directing AI, the better your outputs become. It compounds.

This session is not a one-time setup, but a living system you build, monitor, and keep making smarter. You will leave with a framework, real-world case studies, and a Kickstart Plan to begin with confidence.

Mariel Diaz holds Microsoft's Lead with AI certificate and is a Mindvalley AI Mastery graduate. She built these systems inside her accounting firm — and is still finding new ways to apply them.
Speakers
avatar for Mariel Diaz

Mariel Diaz

Founder & Strategic Originator, Accounting for Jewelers
Mariel Diaz founded Accounting for Jewelers in 2013 to provide accounting services to jewelry businesses in the US. Mariel oversees operations and is a trusted advisor to jewelry business owners. She is a 2nd generation jeweler and was previously a GIA Graduate Gemologist, JA Certified... Read More →
Tuesday September 15, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Colonial B

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
avatar for Amanda Gizzi

Amanda Gizzi

Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Jewelers of America
Amanda Gizzi is the Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Jewelers of America (JA), a nonprofit trade association that has been serving the fine jewelry marketplace since 1906. With 25 years of industry experience, Gizzi brings a deep passion and unwavering commitment to... Read More →
Panelists
avatar for Baileigh Daoud-Soricelli

Baileigh Daoud-Soricelli

Managing Partner and Director of Marketing, Daoud's Fine Jewelry
Baileigh Daoud-Soricelli is a fifth-generation jeweler and managing partner of her family's 131-year legacy at Daoud's Fine Jewelry, where she leads both sales and marketing. Raised in a tradition rooted in trust, expertise, and exceptional value, she has developed a discerning eye... Read More →
avatar for Sarah M. Haugaard

Sarah M. Haugaard

Co Founder/Co Creative Director, Lionheart
Co-Founder and Co-Creative Director of Lionheart, a New York City–based fine jewelry brand. Oversees the brand’s creative vision, shaping its storytelling, identity, and customer experience, while working closely with Joy Haugaard  who designs each collection. Passionate about... Read More →
avatar for Sarah Martin Rowe

Sarah Martin Rowe

Founder & Designer, The Leake Co.
Sarah Rowe is the founder and designer of The Leake Co., a private jewelry studio located in Louisville, KY and defined by its intimate, client-led approach.  Independently launched in 2020, The Leake Co. is the culmination of a 12-year career spanning independent retail, wholesale... Read More →
avatar for Tony Maggio III

Tony Maggio III

Owner, Reflections in Gold
I was born in New York and raised in sunny Venice, Florida. As a third-generation jeweler, I grew up in the jewelry industry after my grandparents founded Reflections in Gold more than 45 years ago. I credit much of my knowledge to the lessons they taught him, along with the invaluable... Read More →
Tuesday September 15, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Congressional A

10:30am EDT

Recruit Top Jeweler Talent: Connecting AGS Members with top talent from SCAD’s Jewelry Program
Tuesday September 15, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
As part of AGS’s support of the Bench Education Endowment initiative by Jewelers Mutual and its collaboration with Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), members have access to exciting new opportunities to connect with exceptional emerging talent. This session will explore how AGS members can engage with SCAD’s career services ecosystem to recruit interns, apprentices, bench talent, and commercially prepared graduates. Learn how to make the most of this relationship and how JM and AGS can support your recruitment needs.
Speakers
avatar for Mark Smelzer

Mark Smelzer

VP, Business Development, Jewelers Mutual Group
I'm a 22-year veteran of the jewelry business, having joined the industry as publisher of JCK magazine in 2004.  In 2021, I was fortunate enough to join the Jewelers Mutual Group, where I work on a variety of projects in business development and marketing.  In 2022, I was a part... Read More →
Panelists
avatar for Eleanor Twiford

Eleanor Twiford

Associate Vice President, Career and Alumni Success, SCAD
Eleanor Twiford is a creative executive and results-oriented leader with more than 25 years of experience building teams, developing talent strategies, and creating high-impact experiences at the intersection of education, creativity, and industry. Internationally recognized for her... Read More →
avatar for Jaimie Vela

Jaimie Vela

Sr. Director of Advising, Career and Alumni Success, SCAD
Jaimie Vela is a higher education leader and award-winning jewelry designer, with more than 25 years of experience at the intersection of creativity, luxury, and student success. She is recognized for building meaningful relationships, developing professionals, and translating the... Read More →
avatar for Jennifer Markas

Jennifer Markas

Head of Industry Relations & Impact Fund, Jewelers Mutual Group
Jewelers Mutual is excited to champion the next generation of bench jewelers through its investment in the Savannah College of Art & Design. Ask me how I can help you recruit and hire talented bench jewelers with a passion for craftsmanship!
avatar for Kevin Mays

Kevin Mays

John Mays Jewelers
I’m Kevin Mays, and I work at John Mays Jewelers, a family store in Fort Smith, Arkansas that’s been serving our community since 1999. I started full-time in the jewelry industry in 2004, beginning with sales and basic repairs. In 2007, I graduated from GIA’s bench jeweler program... Read More →
Tuesday September 15, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Congressional B

10:30am EDT

The New Diamond Horizon: Merchandising & Profit in a K-Shaped World
Tuesday September 15, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
The diamond category is undergoing dramatic changes. Structural changes upstream include Anglo American’s plan to sell De Beers, alongside continued LGD demand.

In this session, we’ll translate market shifts into practical decisions AGS retailers can implement immediately:
  • What to stock (and what to stop stocking)
  • How to merchandise for a K-shaped consumer economy where affluent buyers remain resilient
  • How to protect profitability when “high margin” lab-grown sales can still produce shrinking gross-profit dollars

Attendees will leave with a clear playbook for assortment strategy and merchandising discipline as the diamond category enters its next chapter.
Speakers
avatar for Gaurav Khandelwal

Gaurav Khandelwal

COO, Union Gems
I’m a second generation diamantaire, and I’m passionate about diamonds and the people that shape this industry – from the meticulous artisans that cut our diamonds to the end consumers trusting us with one of life’s biggest questions, “Will you marry me?”.The “Union... Read More →
Tuesday September 15, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Colonial A

2:30pm EDT

Our Changing Jewelry Industry
Tuesday September 15, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
This session offers a comprehensive exploration of today's jewelry industry, which is navigating through challenging economic and geopolitical conditions. It will provide a macro view of the headwinds and tailwinds influencing our jewelry industry, including market size and growth, industry health, and competitive influences. With a focus on the jewelry store market, topics include sales trends, custom jewelry, pricing trends, natural and lab-grown diamond markets, diamond screening technology, bridal market changes, color gemstone market, and an overview of the U.S. manufacturing market. Benchmark your company against current market changes. Harold is the 2020 AGS Sallie Morton Award winner, known for his many presentations on jewelry market analysis to industry organizations.
Speakers
avatar for Harold Dupuy, FGA

Harold Dupuy, FGA

Vice President Strategic Analysis, Stuller, Inc.
Harold Dupuy is the 2020 AGS Sallie Morton Award recipient, recognized for presenting jewelry market analysis to industry organizations. He is a Fellow of the Gemological Association of Great Britain (FGA), a Graduate Gemologist (GIA), and a Master Gemologist Appraiser (ASA). Drawing... Read More →
Tuesday September 15, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Colonial A

2:30pm EDT

The Importance of Impactful Signage for Jewelry Stores
Tuesday September 15, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Impactful signage helps customers navigate the store easily and reduces the mental effort it takes to find what they want. It also significantly impacts the overall shopping experience by creating an inviting atmosphere and showcasing products effectively. Imagine walking into a store, eager to purchase a specific piece of jewelry, only to leave empty-handed because you could not find it. Sound familiar? This common frustration highlights a significant issue in retail: poor visual merchandising.
Speakers
avatar for Leslie McGwire

Leslie McGwire

President, Leslie McGwire & Associates: Jewelry Store Interior Design Company
Leslie McGwire ASID Allied (American Society of Interior Designer) has over 40 years in business development, commercial interior design, equipment, furniture sales and marketing services with retail and jewelry-based businesses. She provides national “Concept to Completion” turnkey... Read More →
Tuesday September 15, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Colonial B

4:00pm EDT

From Owner to Legacy Builder: Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders
Tuesday September 15, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Many retail jewelry store owners have built successful businesses but lack a clear plan for developing future leaders and transitioning authority. This session provides a practical framework to identify, develop, and empower the next generation.

Attendees will learn how to move beyond informal succession planning and implement a structured approach to leadership development, accountability, and decision-making. We’ll address common challenges such as promoting the wrong people, holding onto control too long, and navigating family versus non-family dynamics.

Participants will leave with actionable strategies to begin developing leaders immediately while protecting their business, culture, and long-term legacy.
Speakers
avatar for Stephen Barnes

Stephen Barnes

Owner/CEO, Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO)

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

4:00pm EDT

Organized Retail Crime in 2026: Evolving Threats and Practical Strategies for Luxury Retail
Tuesday September 15, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Join Howard Stone, VP of Asset Protection & Claims at Jewelers Mutual, and Scott Guginsky, EVP of the Jewelers' Security Alliance, for a timely discussion on how organized retail crime continues to evolve—and what luxury retailers must do in 2026 to stay ahead.

As criminal networks become more coordinated, mobile, and tech‑enabled, understanding current trends is critical to protecting your business. This session will explore emerging organized crime tactics impacting luxury and jewelry retailers, practical prevention strategies, and proven approaches to safeguarding your people, inventory, and customers.
Speakers
avatar for Howard Stone

Howard Stone

Vice President Global Asset Protection & Claims, Jewelers Mutual
Howard joined Jewelers Mutual in January 2024 with over 30 years of progressive Loss Prevention experience. He has held leadership roles at Macy's, Old Navy, Anchor Blue Stores and The Wet Seal. Most recently, Howard was the Director, Loss Prevention & Operations at Amazon in Seattle... Read More →
avatar for Scott Guginsky

Scott Guginsky

Vice President, Jeweler's Security Alliance
Mr. Guginsky is a highly decorated 24-year veteran of the New York City Police Department where he served as the commanding officer of the Organized Theft Squad before his retirement from the Police Department in 2011. This unit specialized in targeting violent criminal enterprises... Read More →
Tuesday September 15, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Colonial B
 
Wednesday, September 16
 

10:15am EDT

Legal & Compliance Essentials for Today’s Jewelry Professionals
Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Global trade policy is shifting rapidly — and jewelry businesses are feeling the impact. From new tariff proposals and customs enforcement priorities forcing businesses to seriously evaluate sourcing strategies, today’s market requires companies to stay informed and adaptable. The jewelry industry continues to evolve, as do the legal, regulatory, and consumer protection issues impacting businesses every day. Join the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) for an informative and practical session covering the most important compliance topics facing jewelry professionals today. This presentation will explore key areas including tariffs, advertising and marketing claims, social media and influencer compliance, product disclosures, responsible sourcing considerations, and emerging legal trends affecting the industry. JVC experts will also share real-world examples and best practices to help businesses reduce risk while building consumer trust and confidence. Designed for professionals across all sectors of the jewelry industry, this session offers valuable takeaways to help attendees strengthen compliance practices and stay ahead in a rapidly changing marketplace.
Speakers
avatar for Liz Fraccaro, Esq.

Liz Fraccaro, Esq.

Assistant Counsel, Jewelers Vigilance Committee
avatar for Sara Yood, Esq.

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

10:15am EDT

Pure Transparency
Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
In an industry built on trust, I believe transparency is no longer optional — it is the foundation of sustainable growth. At Shree Ramkrishna Exports, this belief has been deeply shaped by my father, Shri Govind Dholakia, who has always led with integrity, purpose, and a people-first approach.

In this session, I will share how we have embedded what we call “Pure Transparency” into our business, not just as a principle, but as a way of operating every day. From ethical sourcing and digital transformation to building a strong internal culture, I will talk about how transparency can strengthen trust, create long-term value, and differentiate a brand in today’s evolving diamond industry.

For me, true success lies in building a business that is not only profitable but also principled.
Speakers
SD

Shreyans Dholakia

Entrepreneur- Brand Custodian, Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt. Ltd.
Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Colonial B

10:15am EDT

The Anti-AI Playbook: Scaling With AI Without Losing Your Brand or Designs
Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
AI is everywhere, but for jewelry, most of it falls short. Generic tools produce unmanufacturable designs, dilute brand identity, and put your proprietary IP at risk.

In this forward-thinking session, Madeline Fraser, an expert at the intersection of art, software, and AI—shares how to actually use AI the right way in jewelry.

You’ll walk away understanding how to:
  • Leverage AI to scale design, sales, and operations
  • Protect your proprietary designs and brand integrity
  • Ensure outputs are manufacturable and aligned with your standards
  • Avoid the common pitfalls that make most AI unusable in this space

This is not hype. It’s a practical framework for using AI as a competitive advantage, without compromising what makes your brand & jewelry designs valuable.
Speakers
avatar for Madeline Fraser

Madeline Fraser

Founder & CEO, Gemist
I’m the Founder & CEO of Gemist, an AI and SaaS platform transforming the jewelry industry through customization, visualization, and immersive digital experiences. As a three-time entrepreneur, I’ve always been passionate about building companies that merge creativity, technology... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Colonial A

11:45am EDT

The Art of Intentional Merchandising: Turning Product Into Story, Structure, and Sell-Through
Wednesday September 16, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Merchandising is not just about displaying product; it is about creating clarity, meaning, and a reason to shop.
In today’s retail environment, many showcases are overfilled yet underperforming, leaving customers overwhelmed and disengaged. Intentional merchandising transforms existing inventory into cohesive, story-driven collections that guide the customer journey and improve conversion.

In this session, jewelry strategist Nan Lung Palmer shares real-world examples from working with independent retailers ranging from $2M to $25M in revenue. Through before-and-after photos and videos of in-store transformations, she will demonstrate how to rethink case lines using strategic product grouping, visual hierarchy, and storytelling.

Beyond the showcase, this session also explores how to streamline vendor and manufacturer mix, buy with intention, and establish merchandising standards that ensure the right product is brought into the store—and placed with purpose.

Attendees will leave with a practical, repeatable framework—the 5 P’s of Merchandising—to drive engagement, improve sell-through, and elevate the retail experience.
Speakers
avatar for Nan Lung Palmer

Nan Lung Palmer

Owner and Managing Director, Facets Jewelry Consulting
Nan partners with CEOs, owners, and leadership teams across the jewelry industry to turn merchandising into a strategic growth driver. Through her proprietary 5 P's of Merchandising™, Product, Price, Place, People, and Presentation, Nan brings together data and design, strategy... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Colonial B

11:45am EDT

The Leader You Imagined You'd Be and the One Your Business Actually Needs
Wednesday September 16, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Most jewelry business owners and managers became leaders by accident. They were great at the craft, great at the sale, great at the product—and one day found themselves responsible for people, culture, and performance without ever being taught how. The leader they imagine themselves to be rarely matches the leader their business actually demands. In this session, Andrea Lucille Pooler, COO of Modani Jewels, draws on more than 25 years leading, coaching, and transforming jewelry businesses to help attendees honestly assess where they are, identify the specific gaps holding their teams back, and leave with a clear, actionable path forward. This is not a motivational talk. It is a leadership diagnostic, with the tools, frameworks, and next steps to begin closing the gap.
Speakers
avatar for Andrea Lucille Pooler

Andrea Lucille Pooler

COO, Modani Jewels

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

11:45am EDT

Turning Losses Into Wins: What 25 Years of Building Companies Taught Me About Independent Retail
Wednesday September 16, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Val Katayev is something of an anomaly in the jewelry industry. Over a 25-year career, he built and sold a series of companies across performance marketing, media, fintech, and real estate, generating more than $100 million in profits. For the last nine years, through Jocalio and Luxe Software, he has focused on a single mission: helping independent jewelers grow, modernize, and compete.

If one thread runs through his career, it is the ability to turn losses into wins. From a $5,000 loss on his first day of a venture at 19, to tariffs, a manufacturing facility lost to war, and industry disruption that rewrote the rules overnight, Val has repeatedly turned setbacks into the catalyst for his next stage of growth.

In this session, he shares the mentality behind those comebacks and the practical, grounded takeaways jewelers can apply right away to run leaner, lead better, and stay competitive in a market that never stops changing.
Speakers
avatar for Val Katayev

Val Katayev

Founder & CEO, Jocalio & Luxe Software
I first entered the world of independent jewelers at 12 years old, working in a jewelry store on weekends; sweeping floors, polishing cases and learning how the business actually runs. Fast forward to a 25-year career, where I have built and sold a series of companies across performance... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Augusta B

3:00pm EDT

Agentic AI: When Your Digital Assistant Starts Running the Store
Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Most jewelers who've experimented with AI know the basics—using ChatGPT to write a caption, generate a product description, or ask a question. That's AI as a tool. What very few people in this industry understand is AI as an agent.

Agentic AI doesn't wait to be asked. It monitors, decides, and acts. It can watch your website for low-converting pages and flag them. It can monitor your review platforms and draft responses. It can check your inventory against your marketing calendar and alert you to mismatches. It can follow up with appointment inquiries automatically. It can run your email sequences without you scheduling them.

This session introduces agentic AI in plain language—what it is, how it works, and which tools and use cases are most valuable for jewelry retailers right now.
Speakers
avatar for Ross Cockerham

Ross Cockerham

CEO & Co-Founder, Punchmark
Ross Cockerham is the CEO & Co-Founder of Punchmark, and has been involved in the jewelry industry for over 25 years, helping retailers learn to run their stores more effectively and grow their businesses. In Punchmark's early days, Ross was responsible for engineering Punchmark's... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Colonial A

3:00pm EDT

Attracting the Sustainable Shopper with an Impact-Driven Business Model
Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
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
avatar for Susan Wheeler

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 →
Panelists
EP

Emily Phillippy

Emily Chelsea

avatar for Monica Stephenson

Monica Stephenson

President, ANZA Gems
After 25+ years in jewelry, I am (still) endlessly curious about the people involved in our beautiful jewelry industry, and constantly working on how to support artisans throughout our supply chain. I’m mostly happy to talk about gemstones and the people and places they are from... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Congressional B

3:00pm EDT

Edit to Grow: The Discipline Behind Profitable Jewelry Assortments from Concept to Retail
Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Growth in today’s jewelry market does not come from carrying more product. It comes from carrying the right product with intention.

As gold costs fluctuate and consumers become more informed before beginning the buying process, retailers and brands must rethink how assortments are structured, edited, and presented. Strategic assortment discipline, from initial design concept through the sales floor and digital storefront, offers a path to stronger profitability and differentiation.

In this session, strategist Nan Lung Palmer shares case studies showing how retailers, designers, and suppliers can refine product strategies through collaboration, disciplined SKU creation, and clearer price architecture to improve margin clarity, product turn, and brand focus.
Speakers
avatar for Nan Lung Palmer

Nan Lung Palmer

Owner and Managing Director, Facets Jewelry Consulting
Nan partners with CEOs, owners, and leadership teams across the jewelry industry to turn merchandising into a strategic growth driver. Through her proprietary 5 P's of Merchandising™, Product, Price, Place, People, and Presentation, Nan brings together data and design, strategy... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Colonial B

4:30pm EDT

Jewelry Interior Design is Rising to the Challenge of Current Customer Demands
Wednesday September 16, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Whether owners are building out a new interior or updating an existing one, a primary function of jewelry store design is to convey your brand image and optimize the customer experience. As an owner the design must be attractive, engaging and on-brand, while meeting the expectations of today's customers. The pandemic accelerated the transition from in-person to online shopping, and many consumers say they will continue making online purchases because of the selection and convenience digital channels now offer—far more than just a few years ago. But not everyone wants to buy jewelry by clicking a link.
Speakers
avatar for Leslie McGwire

Leslie McGwire

President, Leslie McGwire & Associates: Jewelry Store Interior Design Company
Leslie McGwire ASID Allied (American Society of Interior Designer) has over 40 years in business development, commercial interior design, equipment, furniture sales and marketing services with retail and jewelry-based businesses. She provides national “Concept to Completion” turnkey... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Colonial B

4:30pm EDT

Organized Retail Crime in 2026: Evolving Threats and Practical Strategies for Luxury Retail
Wednesday September 16, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Join Howard Stone, VP of Asset Protection & Claims at Jewelers Mutual, and Scott Guginsky, EVP of the Jewelers' Security Alliance, for a timely discussion on how organized retail crime continues to evolve—and what luxury retailers must do in 2026 to stay ahead.

As criminal networks become more coordinated, mobile, and tech‑enabled, understanding current trends is critical to protecting your business. This session will explore emerging organized crime tactics impacting luxury and jewelry retailers, practical prevention strategies, and proven approaches to safeguarding your people, inventory, and customers.
Speakers
avatar for Howard Stone

Howard Stone

Vice President Global Asset Protection & Claims, Jewelers Mutual
Howard joined Jewelers Mutual in January 2024 with over 30 years of progressive Loss Prevention experience. He has held leadership roles at Macy's, Old Navy, Anchor Blue Stores and The Wet Seal. Most recently, Howard was the Director, Loss Prevention & Operations at Amazon in Seattle... Read More →
avatar for Scott Guginsky

Scott Guginsky

Vice President, Jeweler's Security Alliance
Mr. Guginsky is a highly decorated 24-year veteran of the New York City Police Department where he served as the commanding officer of the Organized Theft Squad before his retirement from the Police Department in 2011. This unit specialized in targeting violent criminal enterprises... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Colonial A
 
Thursday, September 17
 

11:00am EDT

Change is Inevitable. Growth is Optional.
Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Markets don’t stand still, and neither can your business. From shifting economic conditions and evolving customer demographics to fluctuations in gold, diamond, and fuel prices, today’s retail landscape demands agility and focus. The most successful retailers and vendors aren’t just reacting; they are recalibrating.

In this dynamic session, you’ll learn how to realign your strategy around three drivers of sustainable growth: Merchandising, Margins, and Marketing. Walk away with practical insights to sharpen your assortment, improve profitability, and connect more effectively with your customers, no matter how the market moves.
Speakers
avatar for Abe Sherman

Abe Sherman

CEO, Buyers Intelligence Group
Abe Sherman understands the challenges faced by retailers and vendors and is dedicated to consistently improving the jewelry industry. His company BIG, has continually developed new approaches to overcome those challenges.  BIG is comprised of three divisions, Balance to Buy... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Colonial A

11:00am EDT

From Overseas to Your Counter: How Tariffs Really Impact Your Jewelry Business
Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
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
avatar for Anna Samsonova, CG

Anna Samsonova, CG

Owner, Samsonova Consulting
Anna Samsonova, CG, is a Chicago, IL–based jewelry consultant and industry leader with more than 20 years of luxury experience working with retail and wholesale companies across sales, merchandising, buying, branding, event marketing, and operations. She is the founder of Samsonova... Read More →
Panelists
avatar for Adam Funk

Adam Funk

Owner, Diamonds & Gold
Native to Green Bay, Adam lives on the west side with his two sons Wyatt, and Evan and puppy Enzo. Adam is very involved in the local community, and he has worked in the jewelry industry since 2000. He is a GIA Graduate Gemologist as well as a Certified Gemological Appraiser with... Read More →
avatar for Joshua Israileff, RS

Joshua Israileff, RS

Co-Owner, ASBA USA
Joshua attended DePaul University where he graduated with degrees in Finance, Marketing, and Economics. Post-graduation he worked at UBS Financial before joining ASBA USA, the family business. He has received accreditation from the GIA, AGS, as well as the CPAA. He now does speaking... Read More →
avatar for Sara Yood, Esq.

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

11:00am EDT

The Edge User Group: Recent Enhancements, Real-World Use, and What’s Coming Next
Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
This interactive Edge User Group session is designed for retailers who want to better understand recent enhancements to The Edge and how they can be applied effectively in day-to-day store operations.

We’ll review key features and improvements released from early 2025 through Conclave 2026, focusing on real-world workflows such as inventory accuracy, purchasing, receiving, reporting, and operational visibility. Attendees will learn not just what’s new, but why changes were made and how other Edge users are putting them into practice.

The session will also include a forward-looking discussion of upcoming enhancements currently in development, giving attendees insight into where The Edge is headed and how they can prepare their processes and teams. Time will be reserved for questions and peer discussion and collaboration.
Speakers
Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Colonial B

3:00pm EDT

From Instinct to Intelligence: Building a Data-Driven Culture in Your Jewelry Business
Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Most jewelers built their businesses on relationships, taste, and instinct, and those things still matter enormously. But in a market where margins are tighter and competition is broader than ever, instinct alone isn't enough. The retailers growing right now are the ones pairing their expertise with data.

In this session, Elle Hill shows jewelers how to build a culture of smarter decision-making without becoming data scientists or overhauling their entire operations. From knowing which metrics actually matter to building simple dashboards your whole team can use, this session is about making data feel like a natural extension of how you already run your business.

Walk in with instinct. Leave with intelligence.
Speakers
avatar for Elle Hill

Elle Hill

Founder & CEO, Hill & Co.
Elle is a renowned entrepreneur and lauded expert in the diamond, gemstone and jewelry industry. Her 28 years of achievements include helping businesses large and small to succeed—from launching her own award-winning international designer jewelry retailer, which she brought public... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Colonial A

3:00pm EDT

Not All AI is Created Equal
Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
With so many AI tools available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. From ChatGPT to Claude to Gemini, each platform offers different strengths—and selecting the wrong tool can lead to wasted time, poor results, or unnecessary cost.

In this session, we’ll break down the key differences between leading AI platforms and explore how they perform across common business use cases like writing, analysis, research, and workflow automation. You’ll learn a practical framework for evaluating AI tools based on your specific needs, goals, and level of technical expertise.
Speakers
avatar for Jordan Freeman

Jordan Freeman

COO, BOSS Logics
Jordan Freeman is the COO of BOSS Logics, where she oversees everything from account management to business strategy for a platform that helps jewelry brands and retailers manage and distribute content across their networks. She has a knack for spotting the chaos hiding in the back... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Augusta A

4:30pm EDT

AI in Action: Solving Real Business Problems—Together
Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
AI isn’t just about tools—it’s about solving real business problems.

In this interactive, workshop-style session, we’ll move beyond theory and into practical application. I’ll start by sharing a curated set of AI tools and real-world examples to spark new ways of thinking. Then, we’ll shift into a collaborative working session where participants bring their own challenges—whether it’s time-consuming admin work, workflow inefficiencies, or communication bottlenecks.

Together, we’ll crowdsource solutions, share what’s actually working, and explore how AI can be applied across different roles and businesses. You’ll gain practical ideas, discover new tools, and learn from the experiences of others in the room.

Whether you’re just getting started or already using AI, you’ll leave with actionable tips and techniques.
Speakers
avatar for Jordan Freeman

Jordan Freeman

COO, BOSS Logics
Jordan Freeman is the COO of BOSS Logics, where she oversees everything from account management to business strategy for a platform that helps jewelry brands and retailers manage and distribute content across their networks. She has a knack for spotting the chaos hiding in the back... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Augusta A

4:30pm EDT

Finish Well: How to Build a Jewelry Business Someone Actually Wants to Buy
Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Whether you plan to sell, pass it to your children, or simply want the decades you have invested to mean something beyond your last day behind the counter, this session is for you. Many jewelers build genuinely successful businesses and still have nothing structured to show for it at exit. Not because they failed, but because success alone does not create a transferable legacy.

This session covers the financial and operational systems that turn a successful jewelry business into one that can be passed down, sold, or protected regardless of what the future brings.

Mariel Diaz founded Accounting for Jewelers in the shadow of her father, a talented and successful jeweler who built something real but left no systems behind to protect it. When he was gone, so was everything he had built.
Speakers
avatar for Mariel Diaz

Mariel Diaz

Founder & Strategic Originator, Accounting for Jewelers
Mariel Diaz founded Accounting for Jewelers in 2013 to provide accounting services to jewelry businesses in the US. Mariel oversees operations and is a trusted advisor to jewelry business owners. She is a 2nd generation jeweler and was previously a GIA Graduate Gemologist, JA Certified... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Colonial B

4:30pm EDT

How to Boss 2.0
Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
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
avatar for Sara Yood, Esq.

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
avatar for Annie Doresca

Annie Doresca

President + CEO, Diamond Council of America
I lead the Diamond Council of America and serve as COO and CFO of Jewelers of America, so I work at the intersection of education, strategic planning, finance, and workforce development. I am especially passionate about Second Spark, our initiative bringing veterans and returning... Read More →
avatar for Jenny Luker

Jenny Luker

President, Platinum Guild International USA
avatar for Monica Stephenson

Monica Stephenson

President, ANZA Gems
After 25+ years in jewelry, I am (still) endlessly curious about the people involved in our beautiful jewelry industry, and constantly working on how to support artisans throughout our supply chain. I’m mostly happy to talk about gemstones and the people and places they are from... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Congressional A
 
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