Conclave 2026

Ben Nemtin kicks off Conclave 2026.

Ben is an acclaimed keynote speaker who has energized Fortune 100 leadership teams and major conferences worldwide—including AIG, Amazon, FedEx, Harvard, Microsoft, and Verizon—and was ranked the 3rd Best Motivational Speaker in the World by Global Gurus in 2022. In his keynotes, Ben shares powerful, practical strategies for building resilient, high-performing cultures through purpose, courage, and meaningful connection—showing how small actions can create momentum, unlock potential, and inspire teams to take on what feels impossible. Drawing from his own journey after facing depression in college, Ben and three friends created a bucket list and crisscrossed North America in a rickety RV, achieving their dreams while helping strangers do the same—an inspiring story that continues to motivate millions to thrive personally and professionally.

Guess who is back as emcee? That’s right: Joel Zeff! You’ll also hear from Alexis Padis, CGA, JEA, Past President of the AGS International Board of Directors, as well as newly elected President, Bryan Moeller, CGA; AGS CEO Katherine Bodoh, RJ; and Scott Murphy, CEO of Jewelers Mutual® Group, the opening keynote sponsor.

Conclave’s best kind of sparkle is happening here. The AGS Suppliers’ Showcase and Reception is your chance to mix, mingle, and get a first look at breathtaking jewelry from the industry’s most trusted suppliers—your fellow AGS members. Every supplier in the room has been vetted by AGS and brings the same mindset you do: quality without compromise, service that delivers, and pieces that sell. Come for the bites and cocktails. Stay for the connections, the inspiration, and the jewelry you’ll still be thinking about long after the night ends. Attention Suppliers: Showcasing at the event is a great way to share your products with a captive audience of AGS members. 

The AGS Suppliers’ Showcase and Reception is sponsored by:

Enjoy a buffet breakfast and be energized by our keynote speaker, Will Guidara. Will is the author of the New York Times bestselling Unreasonable Hospitality, which shares the lessons in service and leadership he’s learned throughout his career in restaurants, including as former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park—an acclaimed destination that earned four stars from the New York Times, three Michelin stars, and was named #1 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2017. He also hosts the Welcome Conference, an annual hospitality symposium that brings together like-minded people to connect, share ideas, and build community. Will is a Cornell hospitality graduate, coauthor of four cookbooks, a Crain’s New York Business 40 Under 40 honoree, and a recipient of a WSJ. Innovator Award from WSJ. Magazine.

Before he takes the stage, Amanda Coleman-Phelps, CGA, Chair of the International Guild Council, will present the Sallie Morton and Guild of the Year Awards. Following that, you’ll hear from the Chair of the International Conclave Subcommittee, Denise Richards, CGA, who will discuss Conclave 2027.

Join us for the Robert M. Shipley Luncheon, one of the Society’s most time-honored traditions. Robert M. Shipley, the founder of the American Gem Society (AGS) and GIA (Gemological Institute of America), is the father of organized gemological research and education in the United States. His vision was to professionalize the jewelry industry through ethics, education, and credentials. AGS and GIA stand as testaments to his success 90 years later. This awards lunch is our way of honoring his legacy. Since the first award was given in 1968, the Robert M. Shipley Award® has grown to become the most revered recognition in the American Gem Society and our industry. Be a part of this historic and significant event as the American Gem Society unveils the recipient of the 2026 Robert M. Shipley Award^®.

The Robert M. Shipley Luncheon is sponsored by:

The last day of Conclave starts off strong with a buffet breakfast and time to mingle with friends before the program kicks off promptly at 8:30 a.m. First, you will hear from Bryan Moeller, CGA, President of the AGS International Board of Directors, as well as get a “State of the AGS” update from AGS CEO Katherine Bodoh, RJ, who will also present the John J. Kennedy Award. Then it’s time for the keynote, and this is where the magic happens.

Deanna Marsigliese is an Italian-Canadian art director, character designer, and 2D animator based in San Francisco who has worked at Pixar Animation Studios since 2012, contributing to films such as Luca, Soul, Onward, Toy Story 4, Incredibles 2, Bao, Inside Out, and The Good Dinosaur, with her creative process also featured in the Disney+ documentary series Inside Pixar. Most recently, she designed the characters Anxiety and Ennui for Pixar’s record-breaking Inside Out 2 (2024) and has contributed new characters to the Toy Story franchise ahead of its next installment in 2026, while currently conceptualizing additional projects in development.

A two-time Annie Award nominee and Academy member, Marsigliese is also a dedicated educator who has written and directed Pixar’s art internship programs, piloted courses at Pixar University and The Walt Disney Family Museum, and previously served as Professor of Classical Animation at Seneca College in Toronto, in addition to delivering keynotes and workshops worldwide and headlining major events such as SXSW, D23, and LightBox Expo. A vintage fashion enthusiast with a love of bold costume jewelry, she often finds inspiration while traveling the world with a surprisingly small backpack.

Join us in recognizing our new and milestone credentialed members of the Society at the annual Titleholders Luncheon! AGS credentials set members apart by demonstrating their commitment to continuing education and superior business ethics. We will also present the Young Titleholder of the Year award, a prestigious honor for one of the Society’s emerging leaders.

As a special treat, enjoy a quick, 45-minute keynote presentation by David Kwong. Magician and New York Times Crossword constructor David Kwong has delighted audiences worldwide with his signature blend of illusion and puzzles, and as a TED Talk favorite, he regularly speaks to companies on the science of why our brains are fooled and how perception shapes decision-making. He served as head magic consultant for the global hit "Now You See Me," and his acclaimed one-man show, "The Enigmatist," has sold out in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. Drawing from his book Spellbound: Seven Principles of Illusion to Captivate Audiences and Unlock the Secrets of Success, David delivers entertaining, insight-packed keynotes on illusion, influence, persuasion, and getting a step ahead—and also designs custom team-building puzzle experiences for organizations.

This is how Conclave ends—great food, an open bar, and live entertainment that’ll have you begging for just one more song. Dress as your favorite Disney or Universal character and make it your moment to get creative, snap plenty of photos, and celebrate the magic of your AGS community. Whether you’re dancing, chatting, or just soaking in the fun, the President’s Party is the perfect way to wrap up a Conclave that will surely go down in AGS history. “After days of immersive education and left-brain work, AGS Conclave’s President Party is the perfect right-brain release. It’s always a uniquely themed soirée filled with experiential moments, genuine laughter, and spirited networking that captures all the joy and camaraderie of a conference you never want to end.” -Jen Cullen Williams, Jen Cullen Williams Consulting, LLC