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.

Speakers

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

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 →

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 →

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!

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

Track, Business Management

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

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 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 →

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

Jewelry Design Center

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

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

Emily Phillippy

Emily Chelsea

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

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 and the Manager of the bridal business and conducts the estate jewelry buys for the company. She is also an accredited appraiser of jewelry and a member of the International Society... Read More →

Maria Brown

Vice President-Owner, Exclusively Diamonds

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 to optimize their digital experience. He currently works as the Head of Customer Success for Joshua J, a... 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 →

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 →

Becka Johnson Kibby

CEO, Edge Retail Academy

Becka Johnson Kibby brings more than 30 years of experience in fine jewelry retail management, training, and sales. Her career began while earning her Bachelor of Science in Retail Merchandising and Management and has since spanned leadership roles with Robbins Brothers The Engagement... Read More →

Denise Richards

Vice President, Underwood Jewelers

Denise Richards is the Vice President of Underwood Jewelers, which has three locations in Jacksonville, Florida. Denise currently serves as Secretary of the American Gem Society (AGS) and Chair of the AGS Conclave Subcommittee. She is the past President of the AGS Young Titleholders... Read More →

Elyssa Jenkins-Perez

Head of North American Development, Responsible Jewellery Council

Elyssa Jenkins Pérez is dedicated to advancing responsible business practices, industry collaboration, and greater inclusion across the global jewelry and watch industry. She serves as Head of North American Development at the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), the world's leading... 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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