Events & Awards

AGS Nabs Tennis Legend Andre Agassi for Conclave Keynote

Events & AwardsSep 02, 2022

AGS Nabs Tennis Legend Andre Agassi for Conclave Keynote

Liz Forkin Bohannon, the founder of fashion brand Sseko, and comedy act The Passing Zone will also present.

20220902_Andre Agassi.jpg
Tennis superstar Andre Agassi will be the keynote speaker at the American Gem Society’s Conclave 2023.
Las Vegas—The American Gem Society has announced its keynote speaker for its 2023 Conclave, scheduled for May 1-3 at the Omni Louisville Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.
 
Andre Agassi, the former No.1 ranked tennis player in the world, will take the stage as its star speaker.
 
Agassi began his professional career at 16, going on to earn 60 men’s singles titles, including eight Grand Slam singles championships, over his 20-year career.
 
At age 24, he founded the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education with the aim of improving public education. Since its inception, it has raised $185 million.
 
His autobiography, “Open” climbed to No.1 on the New York Times bestseller list.
 
"Andre Agassi exudes qualities from his tennis career that aligns with our businesses and the American Gem Society,” said Denise Richards, Chair of the Conclave Subcommittee. 
 
“Being the best, hard work, dedication, and training are all themes we can identify with, and his philanthropic endeavors are something to be admired.” 
 
Conclave will also feature two other keynote speakers.
 
 Liz Forkin Bohannon, the founder of fashion brand Sseko, will present on May 2.
 
The brand focuses on womens’ education and empowerment, providing employment and education opportunities. 
 
She is also the author of “Beginner’s Pluck: Build Your Life of Purpose” and “Impact Now.”
 
Comedy act The Passing Zone, featuring Owen Morse and Jon Wee, will present on May 3.
 
The duo have been inducted into the National Speaker’s Association’s Speaker Hall of Fame and have appeared with all-star comedians like Jay Leno and George Carlin and magicians Penn & Teller.
 
They have also published articles on topics like teamwork and work-life balance and were named a “Best Bet” for entertainment by the Wall Street Journal, while Special Events Magazine added them to its “Hottest 26 Speakers” list.
 
To register for Conclave 2023, visit the AGS website.
 
AGS is urging those interested to book early as the Kentucky Derby is immediately after Conclave.

 Related stories will be right here …

The Latest

Dawn dish soap, Dove soap, M&M candy, Tylenol
SurveysJan 30, 2026
These Are the Top Brands of 2026, Says YouGov

From tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.

Etiq Khol Ring
CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ Ring

The “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.

Arch Crown Tag & Label 2026 Catalog
MajorsJan 30, 2026
Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is Here

The catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.

MJSA Apprenticeship Guide
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

Launched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.

Ghirardelli Chocolocket
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s Day

The chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”

Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Step-cut Colombian emerald ring London Jewels Bonhams
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025

The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.

Red Rubies AGTA
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced Gemstones

Any gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.

JamAlert 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell Jammers

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

Audemars Piguet Atlanta Store Artwork
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in Atlanta

The Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”

Anza Gems gemstones
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in Tucson

The new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.

National Jeweler columnist and jewelry sales expert Peter Smith
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for Success

In his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in January

The index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.

Foundrae Aspen Store
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store Opening

The new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.

Bulgari Gioco di Forme e Colori watch and brooch
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales Slip

The brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.

GemFair x DBL Toi et Moi Ring
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal Diamonds

The collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.

Montana sapphire
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana Sapphires

The initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.

Clientbook
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking Tool

The new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.

Columbia Gem House celestial shapes
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes

Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.

Diamond center in Saurimo, Angola
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit

Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.

Francesca’s boutique
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All Stores

The retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.

Thomas Davis, Monalisa DePina, Jamie Batiste, Namwezi Nicole Batumike, Lavina Hunt-Lewis
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board Members

The new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.

Tiffany & Co. Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837 Campaign
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love Stories

The jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.

DCA colored gemstone course
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone Course

The new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.

Deutsch & Deutsch jewelers team
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in Texas

Family-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.

Baume & Mercier Riviera 10812 pink watch
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & Mercier

The Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.

Martin Katz snowflake earrings
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather

Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.

Ella Blum
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand Strategy

Ella Blum was appointed to the newly created role.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy