Talent and security are on the agenda for Jewelers Mutual Group at Conclave 2026. Their two sessions cover recruiting through their collaboration with SCAD’s jewelry program and the state of organized retail crime heading into the coming year.
Recruit Top Jeweler Talent: Connecting AGS Members With Top Talent from SCAD’s Jewelry Program
Moderator: Mark Smelzer, Jewelers Mutual Group
Panelists: Jennifer Markas, Jewelers Mutual Group; Kevin Mays, CGA, JEA, John Mays Jewelers; Eleanor Twiford, SCAD; Jaimie Vela, SCAD
- Tuesday, September 15, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. ET
As part of AGS’s support of the Bench Education Endowment initiative by Jewelers Mutual (JM) and its collaboration with Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), members have access to exciting new opportunities to connect with exceptional emerging talent.
This session will explore how AGS members can engage with SCAD’s career services ecosystem to recruit interns, apprentices, bench talent, and commercially prepared graduates. Learn how to make the most of this relationship and how JM and AGS can support your recruitment needs.
Organized Retail Crime in 2026: Evolving Threats and Practical Strategies for Luxury Retail
Scott Guginsky, Jewelers’ Security Alliance; Howard Stone, Jewelers Mutual Group
- Tuesday, September 15, 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. ET
- Wednesday, September 16, 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. ET
Join Howard Stone, VP of Asset Protection & Claims at Jewelers Mutual, and Scott Guginsky, EVP of the Jewelers’ Security Alliance, for a timely discussion on how organized retail crime continues to evolve—and what luxury retailers must do in 2026 to stay ahead.
As criminal networks become more coordinated, mobile, and tech-enabled, understanding current trends is critical to protecting your business. This session will explore emerging organized crime tactics impacting luxury and jewelry retailers, practical prevention strategies, and proven approaches to safeguarding your people, inventory, and customers.
These are just two of the 80+ educational sessions on this year’s schedule. See Conclave’s Schedule of Events for the full line-up. Not registered? Go to ags.org/conclave and register today.