Opening keynote, Dr. Beau Lotto, and closing keynote, Sekou Andrews, share more about what they’ll bring to the stage—and how their insights can help shift your mindset in both your business and your daily life.
And if you haven’t explored the sessions from the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute, take a moment. They offer practical guidance you can apply right away, grounded in the realities of today’s industry.
Visit ConvergeEvent.com to view the full listing of breakout sessions and events, September 7–10, 2025, in Carlsbad, CA!
Keynotes That Will Move You
Opening Keynote: Dr. Beau Lotto, Founder of Lab of Misfits
- Monday, September 8, 8:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. PT
Join internationally renowned neuroscientist, Dr. Beau Lotto, for a groundbreaking keynote, “The Perception of Risk and the Beauty of Uncertainty,” that blends science, storytelling, and immersive performance. Beau’s work reveals how perception shapes every decision we make—especially in times of change—and how embracing uncertainty can unlock creativity, connection, and innovation.
This session is more than a talk—it’s a live, artistic exploration of perception, supported by a collective of elite performers. Here are just two of the live performances you’ll see during Dr. Lotto’s presentation:
Vira Syvorotkina – Sand Painting Artist
Cirque du Soleil (Zarkana, Séptimo Día, ‘Auana)
A celebrated visual artist known for her poetic sand animation, Vira brings stories to life with every sweep of her hand. Her performances with Cirque du Soleil have captivated audiences worldwide. At Converge, she’ll create real-time visuals that evolve with the themes of perception and transformation—showing how meaning can shift in an instant.
Ryan Duncan – Actor & Storyteller
Broadway: “Gettin’ the Band Back Together,” “Shrek the Musical,” “Man of La Mancha”
Ryan brings powerful storytelling to the stage, weaving narrative, science, and emotion into one voice. With deep experience in both theatre and screen, his presence connects the intellectual and the personal, anchoring the keynote in human experience.
Dr. Beau Lotto’s keynote is sponsored by Converge’s Presenting Sponsor, Jewelers Mutual® Group.
Closing Keynote: Sekou Andrews, Founder/CEO of SekouWorld, Inc.
- Wednesday, September 10, 8:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. PT
Sekou Andrews is one of the most successful spoken word poets in the world. A former schoolteacher-turned-innovator, Andrews has created a revolutionary speaking style—“Poetic Voice”—that fuses inspirational speaking with spoken word poetry, blending elements of theater, comedy, strategic storytelling, and thought leadership. His signature style has been described as “Hamilton meets TED,” delivering a powerful, unforgettable experience for audiences across the globe.
As a performer who has shared the stage with legends like Stevie Wonder, John Legend, and Kendrick Lamar, Sekou Andrews brings world-class talent and a message of innovation—a theme that runs throughout Converge.
Click the video below for a preview of his closing keynote performance. Prepare to be ignited!
Essential Watch Industry Insights and Practical Training
How to Train Your Front-of-Store Staff to Take in Watch Repairs
Speakers: Jason Champion and Jason Ziegenbein, American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute; Justin Shiver, RJ, Underwood Jewelers
- Monday, September 8, 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. PT
Successful watch repair begins at the front counter. Join AWCI for an in-depth discussion on best practices for watch take-in at the retail counter. Learn how to effectively communicate with customers, gather critical information, and serve as a knowledgeable liaison between the client and the watchmaker. In this workshop, we’ll share the practical strategies we’ve developed for communicating clearly with watch customers, asking the right questions, and translating customer concerns into meaningful details for the watchmaker or technician.
We’ll also talk about how to build rapport with even the most particular clients and how to avoid common misunderstandings that can lead to frustration or delays. This workshop will help set you up for success with even the most selective watch customer.
A Needle in a Haystack: How to Find a Watchmaker
Speakers: Jason Champion and Jason Ziegenbein, American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute; Justin Shiver, RJ, Underwood Jewelers
- Wednesday, September 10, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. PT
Finding a qualified watchmaker in today’s market can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack—but it doesn’t have to be. In this session, we’ll share successful strategies for locating and attracting skilled watchmakers to support your store’s repair department. From recruitment tactics to workplace culture, we’ll talk about what draws talent in—and what drives it away.
Whether you’re running a single location or managing a multi-store operation, we’ll explore how to position your business as a place where top-level watchmakers want to work. If you’re looking to build or grow your watch repair team, this workshop is a must.
The Status of the Global and U.S. Watch Industry: A Discussion
Speakers: Jason Champion and Jason Ziegenbein, American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute; Justin Shiver, RJ, Underwood Jewelers
- Wednesday, September 10, 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. PT
The watch industry is always shifting — from changing consumer habits to evolving dynamics in both the new and pre-owned markets. In this panel, we’ll take a step back and look at where the watch industry stands today, both in the U.S. and globally. We’ll talk trends, challenges, and opportunities that are shaping the future of watch retail, service, and collecting.
This conversation will help you better understand the forces at play—and how to navigate them in your own business. Bring your questions—this one’s meant to be interactive.
Hands-on Learning: The Mobile Watchmaking Classroom
American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute (AWCI) is taking learning to the next level. They are bringing their state-of-the-art mobile classroom to the Omni, and features the highest quality tools and ergonomic watchmaking benches!
These sessions will be hands-on opportunities for attendees to learn more about watches. Stay tuned for the mobile classroom session dates and times.
