When it comes to tennis legends, Andre Agassi ranks at the top not only for his on-court prowess but also for serving up a powerful message of how to play your best, master public appearances, and give back.
Agassi will be the opening keynote speaker for the 2023 American Gem Society Conclave, scheduled for May 1–3 at the Omni Louisville Hotel. Agassi is joined by two other keynote speakers, including fashion designer Liz Forkin Bohannon and comics Owen Morse and Jon Wee, who are known professionally as The Passing Zone.
Conclave is both a networking and educational event for the jewelry industry, whose members are keenly interested in leveling up their own games like Agassi always did, says Denise Richards, Conclave subcommittee chair.
Agassi turned pro at age 16 and quickly became a tennis superstar. He won 60 men’s single’s titles and eight Grand Slam single championships over two decades. At age 24, he launched the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education, which seeks to raise funds to improve public education; the foundation has raised $185 million to boost its mission. Agassi also is author of Open, an autobiography of his life in tennis and as a celebrity.
Bohannon’s May 2 keynote also offers insights on how education can create leadership opportunities, Richards says. Bohannon is founder of Sseko Designs, an ethical fashion brand that seeks to empower women through employment and educational opportunities. Bohannon also is author of Beginner’s Pluck: Build Your Life of Purpose and Impact Now.
“Liz’s beautiful products from Sseko Designs support the local East African communities by employing women with a living wage and creating scholarship opportunities,” Richards says in an email interview. “She is truly an inspiration and understands that giving back makes a great leader. I look forward to hearing her speak in Louisville.”
The Passing Zone will serve to entertain and enlighten in their May 3 keynote. The duo has been on television shows including CNN’s Road Warriors and NBC’s Today. They have also served as speakers at a variety of events nationwide and contributed articles about work, meetings, and networking to top publications.
Top: Andre Agassi, who has served up some of the best professional tennis of all time, will be the opening keynote speaker for the American Gem Society’s Conclave, May 1–3, 2023, in Louisville, Ky. (photos courtesy of the American Gem Society).
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