Conclave is filled with memorable events, including our dynamic general sessions. These events are a great opportunity to mingle and build relationships with other members of the AGS community! Scroll down to see an overview of what is planned for each day. Full event details and exact locations will be available in the mobile app once launched.
New to the American Gem Society (AGS) community or first-time attending Conclave? Then make plans to arrive at Conclave in time for the New Member Reception. You’ll have the chance to meet newcomers like yourself, the AGS Board of Directors, and the AGS team.
After the reception, stay for the Mentor Mixer and the annual Guilds Party for more meet-and-greet opportunities!
Please note that this event is open for members that joined the community after April 2022 and Conclave first-time attendees.
Get your Conclave 2023 experience started at the annual Mentor Mixer. It’s a great time to mingle with your friends, meet other industry professionals, and make new connections!
The Young Titleholders are hosting a bourbon-tasting experience in support of the AGS Mentor Program. To participate, scan the QR code at the tasting station and submit your AGS Mentor Program interest form. Want to get a head start and enroll in the program ahead of time? Click here!
Come to the Mentor Mixer for appetizers, libations, and conversations!
After the Mentor Mixer, gather with the “Guildies” for the annual Guilds party. The Regional Guilds are groups of members organized for area meetings throughout the year. Guild meetings provide opportunities for educational programs and discussions on matters of mutual interest.
During this networking event, learn more about the positive impact that participating in your local Guild can have on your career. Plus, explore starting your own Guild if there isn’t one in your area. Meet with other like-minded professionals and see why the “Guildies” have so much fun together!
There will be appetizers and libations.
Rings of Strength has helped raise over $400,000 for JFC, and in 2023, they will be holding their premier event in two cities, including Louisville, KY at Conclave. Each event features a 5K route that you can walk, jog, or run—whatever you desire!
Start the first day of Conclave 2023 on the right foot (or the left) and help raise money for children in need. Click here to register.
Program is available to Retail Firm members only. Separate registration is required. Registration is first come, first served with a maximum registration of 200 attendees.
Spend the morning with your AGS Consumer Financing Team and get the inside track! This three-hour program features six micro sessions geared towards helping you get the most out of the AGS Financing Program. This lively, engaging program is filled with practical advice and easy-to-implement tactics. Plus, firms who attend the full program will receive $1,000 per firm in travel reimbursement.* Click here for the full program details.
To attend this program, you must also be registered for Conclave.
*The travel reimbursement will be awarded to firms who check in and attend the full Fast Track program on May 1, 2023, as reported by Wells Fargo. For program merchants, Wells Fargo will direct deposit the reimbursement. For non-program merchants, the American Gem Society will reimburse via check payable to the primary firm member of record. Checks required to be reissued due to incorrect information associated with the primary firm member of record shall be subject to a fee of $25 to be deducted from the reissued payment. All reimbursements will be issued approximately 45 days following Conclave 2023.
A picture says a thousand words, and a good headshot is no exception! It’s a visual reminder of who you are and an important asset contributing to your professional career.
The Young Titleholders (YTs) will offer a day of headshots in the Networking Area during Conclave—for free! So take advantage of this offer and get a professional photo of yourself.
The event you’ve been waiting for all year starts with an energetic and informative opening session. Joel Zeff is back as our emcee, so prepare to laugh! You’ll also hear from the AGS International Board of Directors President, Lisa Bridge, CG, and Katherine Bodoh, RJ, CEO of AGS, as well as our Opening Keynote speaker, tennis legend Andre Agassi! For more on Andre, see his bio on the Keynote Speakers page.
Take time for coffee, contemplation, and conversation! The afternoon Coffee and Dessert breaks are a great chance to grab a bite or a cup of coffee, and relax while you mingle! Located in the networking area, these breaks give you the opportunity to visit the networking booths and thank your vendors for their support of Conclave. Have a sweet time recharging before the next session!
This event is a Conclave “gem,” as it features great food, fabulous people, and beautiful jewelry! Join us for the AGS Suppliers’ Showcase and Reception for a close-up look at the gems and jewelry provided by AGS Suppliers—the best the industry offers!
Attention Suppliers: Showcasing at the event is a great way to share your products with a captivated audience of AGS members. Click here to learn more.
The AGS Young Titleholders Trivia Night will test your knowledge of anything and everything from gemology to history to one-hit wonders! This annual Conclave showdown is an exhilarating mixture of competition and full-throttle laughter as teams vie for this Trivia Night title. Everyone is welcome!
Start your Tuesday with an energizing breakfast and our empowering keynote speaker, Liz Forkin Bohannon. She’s the founder of the ethical fashion brand, Sseko Designs, author of Beginner’s Pluck: Build Your Life of Purpose and Impact Now, and was named a top speaker by Forbes. For more information, see her bio under Keynote Speakers.
Join us for the Shipley Luncheon, one of the Society’s most time-honored traditions. Robert M. Shipley, the founder of the American Gem Society and Gemological Institute of America, is the father of organized gemological research and education in the United States. His vision: professionalize the jewelry industry through ethics, education, and credentials.
Since the first award was given in 1968, The 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 2023 Robert M. Shipley Award. View past award winners.
Conclave is a fast-paced schedule jammed into three days, so a little break is needed! Located in the networking area, grab a bite of something sweet, have a cup of coffee, and enjoy chatting with other community members. Visit the networking booths and thank your vendors for their support of Conclave. Ask them to tell you how they can assist with your business needs!
Before you enjoy the evening exploring Louisville, join us for some beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. Meet up with old and new friends, recall your Conclave experiences so far, and share a few laughs.
Join us for the annual Membership Breakfast as we conduct the Society’s official business. You’ll hear from leadership within the AGS on information important to the AGS community.
Following the Society updates, Conclave’s Closing Keynote, The Passing Zone, will bring on a burst of thrills and laughter! This highly-entertaining duo are inductees in the National Speaker’s Association’s Speaker Hall of Fame. They have appeared with headliners like Jay Leno, George Carlin, and Penn & Teller. For more information, see their bio under Keynote Speakers.
Join us in recognizing our new and milestone credentialed members of the Society at the annual Titleholders Luncheon!
AGS titleholders stand out among other industry jewelers as credentialed professionals. Credentials set members apart by demonstrating their commitment to continuing education and superior business ethics.
We will also present awards for the Young Titleholder of the Year, our annual Guild of the Year Award, the Sallie Morton Award, and the John J. Kennedy Award.
Java time! Head to the Networking Area, where you can enjoy dessert, meet friends (old and new), and visit the networking booths. It’s a short but sweet opportunity to relax before your next session begins!
As the sun sets on another amazing Conclave, don’t race off just yet. End Conclave on a high note at the President’s Party!
In the spirit of the Kentucky Derby, we’ll be celebrating this iconic event with delicious eats, spirits and libations, live music, dancing, and lasting memories.
Of course, no President’s Party is complete without dressing for the occasion, whether it’s casual or your finest derby-day attire. Picture it now: Wide-brimmed hats and fascinators with seersucker suits and sundresses. Need a few ideas? Click here.
Don’t forget, you can create your own hat during Conclave at the Derby Hat Activation Station, Tuesday, May 2, 2:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m., and Wednesday, May 3, 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
We can’t wait to see you there!
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