Conclave 2026: Full Schedule

10:30am EDT

Selling to Gen Z in 2026: What Actually Works Now

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

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 →

Panelists

Courtney Sivard

B.C. Clark, Inc.

Courtney is the Director of Marketing at BC Clark Jewelers, where she leads the company's brand strategy, advertising, digital marketing, eCommerce, and customer engagement initiatives. An AGS Certified Sales Associate and JA Certified Management Professional, she is passionate about... Read More →

Dalton Powell

Owner, Oz's Jewelers

Dalton Powell is an owner of Oz’s Jewelers in Hickory, North Carolina. He currently serves as President of the North Carolina Jewelers Association and is a member of the Advisory Board for the Southern Jewelry Travelers Association (SJTA). Dalton is a recipient of the RJO Foundation... Read More →

Sophie Broussard

Sales Specialist, Dianna Rae Jewelry

Sophie is a sales specialist at Dianna Rae Jewelry focusing on custom design, diamond education, and restyling. She is an advocate for relational selling that creates long-lasting relationships and establishes ongoing open communication between client and salesperson. She prioritizes... Read More →

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

Track, Sales and Marketing

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

2:30pm EDT

AGS Partner Members 101: Making Your Membership Work for You

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

Congressional B

In this panel, a team of accomplished Partner members (and a retailer) share how they've built strategic relationships with retail members and turned their benefits into real business results. You'll hear how they've maximized the marketing opportunities included in their dues, utilized the educational opportunities offered by AGS to better their own business, made the most of networking events, put member tools to work, and formed alliances with fellow Partner members that benefit everyone involved. You'll leave knowing what AGS brings to the table and how putting it to work makes you a stronger business as well as a stronger partner.
Suppliers, designers, service providers, emerging designers and retailers are welcomed to attend. Retailers: this is a great session to learn how to better utilize your AGS partner members.

Speakers

Brecken Farnsworth, CG

Vice President, Parlé Jewelry Designs

Panelists

Lika Behar

Owner/Designer, Lika Behar Collection

Mitchell Clark

President, BC Clark, Inc.

Mitchell Clark, CG, is the President of BC Clark Jewelers, a fourth-generation family business with three retail stores in Oklahoma City. Mitchell currently serves as President-Elect of the AGS International Board of Directors. In 2026, Mitchell and his brother Coleman were inducted... Read More →

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 →

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

Track, Committee Meeting

Session Format Panel Discussion

4:00pm EDT

Increasing Watch Repair Capacity & Profits

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

Congressional B

Whether you're managing an in-house watchmaker, working with outside service providers, or looking to expand an existing department, this session explores practical ways to increase repair capacity while improving efficiency and profitability. In this session, we'll explore proven strategies for increasing repair capacity, improving workflow, reducing turnaround times, and growing profitability without sacrificing quality or customer satisfaction. From staffing and equipment decisions to pricing, outsourcing, inventory, and process improvements, we'll examine the key factors that influence both productivity and profit. Whether your store performs simple battery replacements or employs a full-service watchmaker, you'll gain practical ideas for expanding your capabilities, serving more customers, and turning your watch department into a stronger contributor to your business.

Speakers

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

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 →

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 →

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

Track, Gems Jewelry and Watches

Level Beginner
Session Format Panel Discussion
Audience Retailers, Vendors

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

Sr. Director, Jewelry Services Development, GIA

Rebecca Boyajian, GIA GG, AGS CG, is an opportunity-focused brand ambassador, speaker, and relationship builder with 20 years’ experience in the luxury fashion and fine jewelry industries. Working for companies such as Roberto Coin, Bloomingdales, and Neiman Marcus, Boyajian lead... Read More →

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 third generation Diamantaire, following in his families heritage who established Julius Klein Diamonds in 1948. He has firsthand knowledge, experience, and expertise of the entire global diamond trade. From overseeing master diamond cutters and polishers in the company’s... Read More →

Wade Clar

Sales & Business Development Manager, Omi Prive

Wade Clar is the Sales & Business Development Manager for Omi Privé, bringing nearly two decades of experience in the fine jewelry industry. His career has focused on building relationships between luxury jewelry brands, independent retailers, sales teams, and their clients. At Omi... Read More →

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

Vice President, XL Diamonds

Panelists

Brian Toone

owner, Jewelry Design Center

Brian Toone is President and owner of Jewelry Design Center, a second-generation family business founded by his father, Doug Toone, in 1977. He joined his father in the family business full-time in 1997 and helped guide its growth, including the development of the nearly 17,000-square-foot... Read More →

Jessica Harminson-Olson

Owner, Maxon Fine Jewelry

Mitchell Clark

President, BC Clark, Inc.

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

Susan is 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.

She's the founder of the Responsible Jewelry Tra... Read More →

Panelists

Emily Phillippy

Emily Chelsea

Emily is the owner of Emily Chelsea Jewelry, an alternative jewelry design shop in Philadelphia, PA. ECJ focuses on custom designed rings and fine jewelry. Emily started Emily Chelsea Jewelry in 2015 and opened her retail store in 2021. She built the brand on her own personal values... Read More →

Monica Stephenson

President, ANZA Gems

After 25+ years in jewelry, Monica is still endlessly curious about the people involved in our beautiful jewelry industry, and constantly working on how to support artisans throughout our supply chain. She's most 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

Track, Business Management

Level Intermediate
Session Format Panel Discussion
Audience Retailers, Vendors

4:30pm EDT

From Zero to Watch Repair: Building a Successful Watch Repair Department

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

Congressional B

Thinking about adding watch repair to your store but not sure where to start? Whether you're considering offering basic battery changes and bracelet adjustments or envisioning a full-service watch department, this session will walk you through the process of building a successful watch repair program from the ground up. We'll compare the different business models available, from outsourcing all repairs to operating a full-service in-house watch department, and discuss the costs, staffing, equipment, challenges, and opportunities associated with each. You'll also learn how to create efficient workflows, develop a positive customer experience, and identify opportunities to grow watch service into a profitable part of your business. Whether you're just beginning to explore the idea or looking to expand your existing capabilities, you'll leave with practical strategies and a clear roadmap for bringing professional watch service to your store.

Speakers

Jason Champion

Education Director, AWCI

Jason Ziegenbein

Lead Watch Educator, AWCI

Justin Shiver, RJ

Watchmaker, Underwood Jewelers

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 →

Panelists

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 →

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 →

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

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 B

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

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 →

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 →

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

Track, Appraisals

Level Intermediate
Session Format Panel Discussion
Audience Retailers, Appraisers

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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