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Converge 2025 Speaker Proposal

Thank you for your interest in speaking at the 2025 Converge Event! Converge is a groundbreaking event that unites Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) innovative gemological research and industry-leading education with American Gem Society’s (AGS) professional development opportunities. The event is designed to foster community and collaboration, inspire new ideas, and enhance professional network—all setting the stage for success.

We are seeking proposals from speaker candidates on a range of topics. After receiving and reviewing proposals, AGS and GIA (collectively referred to as “Host”) will select candidates who best align with the objectives of the Converge event, taking place September 7 – 10, 2025, in Carlsbad, CA.

All proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • The overall quality of the proposal, including completeness of the form
  • Timeliness and relevance of the topic to Converge attendees
  • Experience and/or presentation skill(s) of proposed speaker(s)/panelist(s)
  • Attendee feedback on topic and/or speaker based on previous event surveys

When writing the description of your proposed session, please consider who should attend the Converge event, why they should attend, and what they will learn. Please note, all sessions are 60 minutes long.

Data Privacy and Security: By completing and submitting this 2025 Converge Speaker Proposal, you agree that GIA may collect your personal information in connection with your proposal application and participation in the Converge event as set forth in the GIA Privacy Notice at the following link: GIA Privacy Notice. You further agree that by completing and submitting this 2025 Converge Speaker Proposal, you agree that AGS may collect your personal information in connection with your proposal application and participation in the Converge event as set forth in the AGS Privacy Notice at the following link: AGS Privacy Notice.

The deadline to submit has passed. If you have additional questions about speaking at Converge, please contact AGS Education at [email protected].

Co-Presenter Information

If you do not have a co-presenter, please skip this section.

PLEASE NOTE: Sessions are limited to two presenters or are otherwise defined as a panel.

Panelist Information (if applicable)

Panels are limited to a maximum of one moderator and three panelists.

The speaker information entered above should be for the panel moderator. Please list the information below for up to three panelists. If you do not have panelists or are still confirming your panelists, please skip this section.

PLEASE NOTE: The individual submitting the proposal is responsible for finding, confirming, and coordinating their panelists for the session. Additionally, they are responsible for managing all aspects of the session, including logistics, communications, and content creation.

Panelist #1 Information

Panelist #2 Information

Panelist #3 Information

Session Information

Key Takeaways
Specify three key takeaways attendees will garner from your session.

Speaker Concessions

If your proposal is selected for further review, Host will review and formally offer you concessions in exchange for your participation in the 2025 Converge Event.

Speaker Expectations

By submitting this proposal and in exchange for good and valuable consideration, I agree to meet all requirements and deadlines stated herein as well as any additional requirements and deadlines communicated to me should my proposal be selected. I understand that if any deadline is missed, Host reserves the right to make adjustments or cancel my session(s). My session speaker(s)/panelists, title, and description must be detailed, accurate, complete, and finalized. By submitting my proposal to speak at the 2025 Converge event, I agree to the following terms and conditions:

  1. I understand that if I would like my presentation materials (presentation deck, handouts, etc.) to be available in the Converge event mobile app, I must submit them using the approved template and guidelines no later than August 15, 2025. If selected to speak, I will submit an article recap of my session for inclusion in the American Gem Society’s annual recertification exam no later than October 1, 2025.
  2. If my session is selected:
    1. I understand my session will be scheduled during normal conference hours, and that the scheduled time is final and cannot be changed.
    2. I understand that the session length will be 60 minutes and will adhere to the time limit.
    3. I understand that I will be required to agree to and execute a 2025 Converge event Speaker Agreement no later than July 28, 2025, or my session will automatically be canceled.
    4. I understand that this is a proposal and any use or non-use is within the sole discretion of Host.
    5. The 2025 Converge event Speaker Agreement will include editorial, recording, reproduction of materials, and distribution authorization, among other provisions, that will govern the arrangement between me and the Host.

Make your mark at the 2025 Converge event! Submit your speaker proposal to help shape our industry’s future while motivating and empowering fellow professionals.

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Thank you for your submission!

We have received your Proposal.