The American Gem Society (AGS) recently announced the keynote lineup for Conclave 2027, featuring speakers who bring fresh perspectives on optimism, reinvention, and resilience. Conclave 2027 will take place May 2–5, 2027, at the Loews Kansas City Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri.
This year’s keynote speakers were selected to provide actionable strategies that address the evolving needs of the jewelry industry.
The opening keynote on Monday, May 3, presented by Jewelers Mutual® Group, is Bert Jacobs, co-founder and Chief Executive Optimist of Life is Good. Jacobs and his brother, John, started the company with $78, selling T-shirts on the streets of Boston, and built it into a $100 million brand with a mission to spread the power of optimism. Co-author of Life is Good: The Book, Jacobs speaks on optimism as a driver of company culture, innovation, and resilience.
Tuesday’s breakfast keynote, sponsored by Wells Fargo, will feature Sarah Robb O’Hagan, a leader known for reenergizing some of the most recognized brands in sports and fitness. She has served as President of Gatorade and Equinox, and as CEO of Flywheel Sports and EXOS. In 2026, O’Hagan was named Chief Content and Member Development Officer at Peloton. She is the author of ExtremeYOU, a book about embracing failure and finding the best version of yourself.
Wednesday’s Membership Breakfast keynote speaker is James Lawrence, the endurance athlete known as the “Iron Cowboy.” In 2015, Lawrence completed 50 full-distance triathlons in 50 consecutive days, one in each of the 50 states. In 2021, he completed 100 in 100 consecutive days. A two-time Guinness World Record holder and author of Iron Hope: Lessons Learned from Conquering the Impossible, Lawrence shares a message on mindset, grit, and redefining what is possible.
The keynote lineup concludes at the Titleholder Luncheon, also on Wednesday, sponsored by Treasures Rediscovered, with The Second City, the famed comedy theater that gave us Dan Aykroyd, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Steve Carell, and more. Drawing on both onstage performance and behind-the-scenes expertise, the session gives attendees at every level practical tools to adapt, collaborate, and innovate, turning everyday challenges into opportunities for growth. The experience is designed to be as entertaining as it is useful, with plenty of laughs along the way.
“Conclave delivers the education, inspiration, and community that AGS members rely on to grow, and we’re excited to bring that experience to Kansas City,” said Denise Richards, CGA, Secretary of the AGS International Board of Directors and Chair of the Conclave Subcommittee. “Kansas City is known for its warmth and hospitality, and this year’s lineup carries that same spirit. Each of these speakers built something meaningful by staying optimistic, pushing past their limits, and leading with purpose. Attendees will leave with practical ideas they can bring straight back to their stores and their teams.”
“I’m looking forward to welcoming everyone to Kansas City for Conclave 2027,” said Bryan Moeller, CGA, President of the AGS International Board of Directors. “Conclave is where our community recharges, reconnects, and remembers why we hold ourselves to a higher standard. This lineup gives every attendee something to take home and put to work.”
Additional details, including featured speakers and education programming, will be announced in the coming months. Registration is now open. Visit ags.org/conclave to register and take advantage of early-bird savings through February 8, 2027, as well as discounted rates for Diamond and Gold Level members.
