AGS Conclave 2026 to Feature Inspiring Lineup of Keynote Speakers

Diverse Voices to Address Evolving Jewelry Industry Needs

The American Gem Society (AGS) has announced an impressive roster of keynote speakers for its Conclave 2026, scheduled to take place from Sept. 14–17 at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate in Orlando, Florida. The selected speakers are set to deliver actionable strategies and insights on leadership, service, creativity, and even the principles of illusion, tailored to address the evolving landscape of the jewelry industry.

A Spectrum of Expertise for Professional Growth

The Conclave 2026 program is designed to provide AGS members with education, inspiration, and community, crucial elements for business growth. Denise Richards, chair of the Conclave subcommittee, highlighted the event’s focus on practical ideas that attendees can implement directly into their businesses. She noted the magical theme of the gathering, aligning with the spirit of imagination and possibility.

Alexis Padis, president of the AGS International Board of Directors, expressed her excitement about hosting Conclave in Orlando, emphasizing the event’s capacity to leave attendees feeling recharged and enthusiastic about the future of their work.

Keynote Speakers and Their Themes

• Opening Keynote (Tuesday, Sept. 15): Ben Nemtin – Co-founder of the acclaimed ‘The Buried Life’ movement and a #1 New York Times bestselling author, Nemtin will share his message of ‘radical possibility’. His work, featured on shows like ‘Today’ and ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’, focuses on purpose, resilience, and personal growth. Nemtin has spoken to numerous Fortune 100 companies and global audiences, earning recognition as a top organizational culture thought leader.
• Wednesday Breakfast Keynote: Will Guidara – Author of the New York Times bestseller ‘Unreasonable Hospitality’ and former co-owner of the celebrated Eleven Madison Park. Under his guidance, the restaurant achieved four stars from The New York Times, three Michelin stars, and was named the #1 restaurant in the world in 2017. Guidara’s presentation will delve into leadership, service, and organizational culture.
• Thursday Breakfast Keynote: Deanna Marsigliese – An art director, character designer, and 2D animator from Pixar Animation Studios. Marsigliese has contributed to beloved films such as ‘Luca’, ‘Soul’, ‘Toy Story 4’, and ‘Inside Out’. She recently designed the characters Anxiety and Ennui for Pixar’s ‘Inside Out 2’. Her talk is expected to touch upon creativity and design innovation. Marsigliese also has a personal interest in vintage fashion and bold costume jewelry.
• Titleholder Luncheon Keynote: David Kwong – A professional magician, New York Times crossword puzzle constructor, and popular TED Talk speaker. Kwong merges the art of illusion with psychology to discuss perception, influence, and problem-solving. His insights are drawn from his book, ‘Spellbound: Seven Principles of Illusion to Captivate Audiences and Unlock the Secrets of Success’, and he also designs custom team-building puzzle events.

About AGS Conclave

The American Gem Society’s International Conclave is a premier annual event for the jewelry industry, offering gemological education and professional networking opportunities. It brings together industry professionals to discuss and learn about various topics, including gemology, sales, leadership, and marketing. Jewelers Mutual Group is the Presenting Sponsor, and GIA is the Education Sponsor for the 2026 Conclave.

Registration for Conclave 2026 is now open. Further details regarding speakers and educational programming will be announced in the coming months.