Stay ahead of the curve and be part of the conversations shaping the future of our industry. We’re spotlighting seven Conclave sessions focused on essential topics that will help you navigate trends, tap into game-changing innovations, and empower your success.
Monday, April 15
Business Breakthrough: Digital Strategy You Can Depend On
Ben Smithee and Alexandra Brown, The Smithee Group
10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Does your business have a plan in place that prepares you for success? The adage “failing to plan is planning to fail” is extremely true when it comes to business and digital strategy. Does your business have a strategic plan in place to serve as a roadmap for success across the organization? From there, does your marketing and advertising strategy support the key organizational goals and objectives? When was the last time you did a full website, brand, content, and media audit?
The experts from The Smithee Group (TSG) will share the keys to planning for success across the topics of business strategy, web, brand, content, and advertising. In addition, TSG will conduct live audits for attendees across these topics, providing strategic analysis, consultation, and optimization tips. Are you ready to plan for success and grow your business?
The World of Lab-Grown Diamonds
Robert Basnett, Plasmabilty
2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Plasmability, an Austin-based technology company, invites you to our presentation on the world of lab-grown diamonds. Demystify lab-grown diamond production and equip retailers with concise customer education. Explore the history and methods of lab-grown diamond growth, from diamond seeds to HPHT and CVD processes and treatment techniques.
We will look at where lab-grown diamonds are manufactured and typical distribution models. We’ll delve into cutting, polishing, and detection methods, from physical to optical testers. Uncover certification avenues such as GIA and others. Dive into material performance beyond the 4Cs, including tinge, light return, growth lines, and defects.
Join us for an informative journey through the LGD landscape, empowering retailers to navigate this exciting market confidently.
Tuesday, April 16
AI Unveiled: An AI Lesson and Strategic Guide for Non-Technical Leaders
Gilad Berenstein, Brook Bay Capital
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Navigating the world of artificial intelligence (AI) can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! Join Gilad Berenstein, an AI entrepreneur, investor, and speaker, for a 60-minute eye-opening session designed to empower leaders and managers with the essential knowledge to make well-informed decisions and to ask better questions in today’s AI-driven landscape.
Kick-off with a brief history of AI to provide context for its rapid evolution. Dive into a simplified AI lesson that explains how this game-changing technology works and is trained. Finally, explore practical examples demonstrating how AI can be adopted into your business strategies.
This talk focuses on understanding AI at a strategic level. Learn to ask the right questions, evaluate opportunities wisely, and face the future of AI with confidence and strength. Don’t miss this invaluable opportunity to get ahead in the AI world!
Women in Leadership – Expectations, Opportunities, and Career Advancement in 2024
Jenn Cullen Williams, Jen Cullen Williams Communications
3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Back by popular demand, in this panel, learn from female leaders in the jewelry industry who will share their career journeys and advice on taking your career to the next level.
The discussion will cover strategies for career advancement for women, the unconscious expectations often placed on women, and invaluable lessons garnered through their personal experiences. Learn the ways businesses can be more aware of how they can build a culture that supports and advances men and women equally.
Supply Chain Transparency: What It Means and How to Improve Yours
Tiffany Stevens, Esq., Jewelers Vigilance Committee, and Stanley Zale, Hill & Co.
4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
“Supply Chain transparency” is a term that’s thrown around a lot these days.
But many in our industry don’t understand what it really means; all the aspects and intricacies. As more government agencies, especially in the U.S., mandate increasingly complex compliance and operational guidelines, it’s essential to better understand the entire picture, to be in compliance and future-proof against the next changes. More and more jewelry companies are building this into their vendor and sourcing guidelines, adding yet another layer of details and requirements.
The challenge for all of us is not just following these laws and guidelines, but also staying relevant to ever-evolving consumer demands. This presentation will review:
- What “Supply Chain Transparency” means
- Current platforms and technologies
- How Product Origin differs from Provenance
- Current disclosure requirements and guidelines
- Why it matters, regardless of who you are
- Resources and organization
Wednesday, April 17
State of the Industry
Ivette Stephanopoulos, De Beers Group
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
The AGS Business Succession Series: Plan. Protect. Preserve. Prosper
Patrick Carroll and Todd Feldman, Obsidian Planning Solutions
3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
When you run a successful business, there’s a lot at stake—personally and financially whether it’s a family business or not. Your family, employees, customers, and community are all counting on you to position your business to thrive long into the future. The more time you give yourself to plan the transition of your business, the better the odds of success.
We will describe this AGS-sponsored educational series to give you the insight, tools, and access to advisors you’ll need to plan for your successful business transition.
