Leading jewelry designers, manufacturers, retailers and gemological educators will gather in Atlanta for the American Gem Society’s 2004 International Conclave March 31 through April 3 at the Hyatt Regency on Peachtree Street.
This year’s theme, “Celebrating 70 Years of Leadership – From the Shipley Dream to the AGS Vision,” will feature a look back through the years, from the 1930s to the present, and into the future, says the society.
A comprehensive program will offer sessions on gemology, business/profitability, marketing, appraisals, bench, family business, supplier issues, and AGS core values. Industry leaders who will teach sessions include Gabi S. Tolkowsky, Bill Boyajian, Martin Rapaport, Douglas Hucker, Shane Decker, Richard Drucker, Cos Altobelli, Peter Yantzer, Ruth Mellergaard, John Koivula, Diane Warga-Arias, and Cecilia Gardner.
Speakers include Michael Gerber, a leader of the small-business revolution; Howard Putnam, former CEO of Southwest Airlines; Ron Rosenberg, an expert on quality and customer service; Maurice Tempelsman, chairman of the board of directors of Lazare Kaplan International Inc. and senior partner in the firm of Leon Tempelsman & Son; and Michael Fortino, who is recognized as a leading strategist on dealing with change.
AGS will present the Suppliers Fashion Show Luncheon and Suppliers Showcase Reception. The events will offer attendees an opportunity to meet and view the lines of prominent AGS designers and manufacturers during a runway fashion show.
The Brightest Facet Game Show Luncheon will return featuring The Dating Game. This major networking opportunity is created to test participants’ historical knowledge of AGS, and the winner will be declared “The Brightest Facet.”
Attendees will also enjoy a Welcome Reception, President’s Gala, Robert M. Shipley Award Luncheon, and Titleholders Recognition Breakfast.
The American Gem Society, founded in 1934 by Robert M. Shipley, is a trade association dedicated to proven ethics, knowledge, and consumer protection within the jewelry industry. Members are held to the highest ethical standards in the industry and must pass annual recertifications to maintain their AGS titles.
For information about AGS, call (702) 255-6500 or visit www.ags.org