Conclave 2026: Full Schedule

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.

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

Track, Business Management

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 →

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

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

10:30am EDT

2:30pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

10:15am EDT

11:45am EDT

3:00pm EDT

4:30pm EDT

11:00am EDT

3:00pm EDT

4:30pm EDT

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