Conclave 2027 is May 2–5 at the Loews Kansas City Hotel, and momentum is building. Keynote speakers are confirmed, speaker proposals will be accepted through November 30, and registration is now open with early-bird savings available. Here’s what to know about each.
The keynote lineup for Conclave 2027 is set, and this year’s speakers bring fresh perspectives on optimism, reinvention, and resilience. Conclave 2027 will take place May 2–5 at the Loews Kansas City Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri.
Each speaker was 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. The Best of Second City show brings world-class Second City performers delivering a mix of on-the-spot improvisational comedy inspired by suggestions from the audience, and pre-written sketches featuring some of their best work from over 50 years of performances! Join us for an unforgettable keynote session of laughter and improvisation inspired by YOU!
“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.
Submit a Speaker Proposal
Deadline is November 30, 2026
One of the things that makes Conclave special is learning from members wishing to share their knowledge, experiences, and ideas. If you have insights that can help fellow AGS members grow their businesses, strengthen their teams, or better serve their clients, we’d love to hear from you. We’re accepting speaker proposals for Conclave 2027 through November 30, 2026.
Whether you’re presenting a proven strategy, a fresh perspective, or lessons learned from experience, speaking at Conclave is a chance to share your expertise with peers and contribute to the exchange of ideas that strengthens our community.
Submit Your Speaker ProposalRegister Early and Save
Registration is now open. Thanks to GIA’s sponsorship, Early Bird pricing is available through February 8, 2027. Register by then and Standard-level members pay $1,225, saving $100 off the regular $1,325 rate. Gold and Diamond Level members already receive reduced registration rates through their membership benefits.*
Why register now?
- You lock in the AGS room rate. Our special rate at Loews Kansas City Hotel runs through April 9, 2027. After that, rooms go to standard hotel pricing. Click here to book your room.
- You get your pick of Monday excursions. Space is limited, so registering early gives you the best chance at the one you want.
- Avoid the wait: By waiting till the last minute, you wait in line for your badge. Register now and your badge is waiting for you at the Conclave registration desk.
- It helps us plan for you. We provide the hotel with our catering count well in advance and order swag based on registrations. The sooner we know you’re coming, the better we can prepare to give you the best Conclave experience possible.
We hope to see you in Kansas City.
Register for Conclave 2027
*Member discounts and Early Bird savings cannot be combined.
