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American Gem Society Announces Conclave 2026

Four dynamic keynote speakers to inspire leadership, innovation, and client excellence at AGS Conclave 2026 in Orlando.

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The American Gem Society (AGS) today announced an exciting keynote lineup for Conclave 2026, featuring four standout voices who will bring fresh perspectives on leadership, service, creativity, and magic. Conclave 2026 will take place September 14–17, 2026, at the Omni Orlando Resort at Champions Gate in Orlando, Florida.

This year’s keynote speakers were selected to provide actionable strategies that address the evolving needs of the jewelry industry.

The opening keynote on Tuesday, September 15, is Ben Nemtin, co-founder of The Buried Life movement, and a #1 New York Times bestselling author of What Do You Want to Do Before You Die? A nationally recognized speaker, Nemtin has addressed Fortune 100 companies and global audiences, sharing messages centered on purpose, resilience, and personal growth.

Wednesday’s breakfast keynote will feature Will Guidara, New York Times bestselling author of Unreasonable Hospitality and former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park. Under his leadership, the restaurant earned four New York Times stars, three Michelin stars, and was named #1 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2017. Guidara focuses on leadership, service, and organizational culture.

Thursday’s breakfast keynote speaker is Deanna Marsigliese, an art director, character designer, and 2D animator at Pixar Animation Studios. Since 2012, she has contributed to films including Inside OutSoulToy Story 4, and Luca, and most recently designed characters for Pixar’s Inside Out 2 (2024).

“Conclave delivers the education, inspiration, and community that AGS members rely on to grow, and we’re excited to bring that experience to Orlando,” said Denise Richards, Chair of the Conclave Subcommittee. “There’s something inherently magical about gathering in a place known for imagination and possibility, and that spirit of whimsy is reflected in this year’s keynote lineup. The program is designed to deliver practical ideas attendees can bring straight back to their businesses—strengthening leadership, elevating the client experience, and sparking fresh thinking that helps teams perform at their best.”  

“I’m so excited to welcome everyone to Orlando for Conclave 2026,” said Alexis Padis, President of the AGS International Board of Directors. “Conclave is one of those rare events where you leave feeling recharged, prouder of the work we do, and even more excited about what’s next. Our keynote lineup, along with other plans we have in store, will make it a standout year.”

The keynote lineup concludes at the Titleholder Luncheon with David Kwong, a magician, New York Times crossword puzzle constructor, and TED Talk speaker. Kwong blends illusion and psychology to explore perception, influence, and problem-solving for professional audiences.

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International News

The HK International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show opens today; The HK International Jewellery Show starts Wednesday

The twin shows reinforce their position as the world’s largest one-stop jewellery marketplace

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Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)the 12th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show opens today and will run for five consecutive days at Asia World-Expo. The 42nd Hong Kong International Jewellery Show will be held from 4–8 March at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in Wan Chai.

Jenny Koo, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “As the world’s largest one-stop jewellery marketplace, the HKTDC’s twin jewellery shows return under ‘Two Shows, Two Venues’ format, presenting an extensive spectrum of product categories. These include diamonds, gemstones and pearls, as well as showcasing the finest finished jewellery pieces, designer brands, mounting components, product packaging and identification instruments and technologies. This year, the twin shows bring together some 4,000 exhibitors from over 40 countries and regions, with 70% coming from outside Hong Kong, reinforcing the highly international nature of the events.”

International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show showcases top-tier raw materials

The Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show features more than 20 pavilions representing various countries, regions and trade organisations, such as Germany, Italy, Colombia, the United States, India, Thailand, etc. Notably, the Zhushan Turquoise Pavilion is making its debut. Zhushan County in Hubei Province of Chinese Mainland, is known as the “Hometown of Chinese Turquoise” and is one of the world’s renowned production regions for high-quality turquoise. The pavilion brings together 11 exhibitors showcasing natural treasures formed in the Qinba Mountains.

The Tanzanite Foundation, a long-time favourite among buyers, once again participates in the show. The International Colored Gemstone Association presents 37 exhibitors with a wide array of rare coloured gemstones. Cody Opal (Australia) Pty Ltd (Booth: AWE 8–E01) features Lightning Ridge black opal.

Three major product zones at the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Showthe Hall of Fine DiamondsTreasures of Nature, and Treasures of Ocean—highlight materials including high-end diamonds, natural gemstones and pearls sourced from around the world. Hong Kong exhibitor Arihant Star (HK) Limited (Booth: AWE 5–C15) showcases a fancy intense pink VVS2 diamond. U.S. exhibitor Emco Gem Inc. (Booth: AWE 7–H01) presents an 11-carat cushion-cut Colombian emerald. French exhibitor Alain Boite S.A.S. (Booth: AWE 1–A20) exhibits a freshwater pearl strand measuring 14 to 15.8 mm.

This year, around 10 exhibitors are featured in the GIA Hong Kong Laboratory Limited (Booth: AWE 9, offering jewellery authentication services. GIA Hong Kong Laboratory Limited (Booth: AWE 9–M03) will launch a new coloured gemstone report that presents clearer information on a stone’s type, processing and origin, helping the industry and consumers understand the unique value of each gem.  Hong Kong Limited (Booth: AWE 7– laboratory and research institution, provides professional testing services and actively promotes H26), a leading-laboratory and research institution, provides professional testing services and actively promotes origin technologies to enhance accuracy and transparency in gemstone identification.

Exciting events to uncover market trends

Throughout the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, multiple industry seminars, jewellery parades, networking receptions and other activities will be held. Highlights include:

DateThemeSeminar
2 March
(Monday)
DiamondsForever Forward: Igniting Desire for Natural Diamonds Representatives from De Beers analyse trends and developments in the natural diamond market from multiple perspectives.
4 March
(Wednesday)
Jewellery origin-tracing certificationSustainable Gem Practices: Provenance & Ethical Traceability from  Gem LabGübelin Gem Lab Limited, will , a gemological laboratory, will introduce integration of scientific testing and blockchain records.
5 March
(Thursday)
Turquoise from ZhushanSpecial Promotion Conference for Zhushan Turquoise  The speaker will share the process of how Zhushan Turquoise is mined and transformed into jewellery, and will explain how to appreciate the beauty of turquoise.


International Jewellery Show to shine on Wednesday

In addition to the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Showthe Hong Kong International Jewellery Show will open this Wednesday and showcase a wide array of finished jewellery pieces. The fair will feature 20 group pavilions from around the world. Notably, the World Gold Council will debut the Hard Pure Gold Pavilion, bringing altogether 11 exhibitors to promote innovative gold craftsmanship from Chinese Mainland. Also making its debut is the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Pavilion, highlighting exquisite jewellery and timepiece craftsmanship.

The creative design zones, including Designer Galleria, will feature about 50 designer exhibitors. Meanwhile, the Hall of Fame has expanded by more than 40%, presenting an even broader selection of magnificent international jewellery brands.

To facilitate buyer visits to both shows, the HKTDC will arrange free shuttle bus services between Asia World-Expo and urban areas (including the HKCEC in Wan Chai). Special measures have also been continued this year to facilitate Muslim buyers visiting the shows. These include the provision of dedicated prayer rooms at both exhibition venues, providing shuttle buses to and from local mosques, as well as offering a list of Muslim-friendly hotels and restaurants.

Additionally, to enrich the sourcing experience for international buyers, the HKTDC has partnered with the Hong Kong Tourism Board and various enterprises to offer exclusive buyer privileges, including dining, air tickets, hotels and more, allowing visitors to enjoy Hong Kong’s unique charm while attending the twin jewellery shows.

Digital platform helps participants explore business opportunities around the clock

This year’s twin jewellery shows continue to adopt the Exhibition+ online and offline hybrid format. The AI-powered Click2Match will provide online business matching for exhibitors and buyers from 23 February to 13 March. Physical buyers can use Scan2Match to scan the QR codes of exhibitors, enabling them to continue discussions with exhibitors online during or after the show. Buyers can also enhance their efficiency by completing registration and buyer verification in advance through the HKTDC Marketplace App and the official websites of the two fairs.

The Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show and Hong Kong International Jewellery Show have attracted some 4,000 exhibitors from more than 40 countries and regions. The Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show features over 20 national, regional and industry pavilions, and three high-end product zones – the Hall of Fine DiamondsTreasures of Nature and Treasures of Ocean – to showcase top-quality diamonds, gemstones, pearls, and jewellery raw materials from around the world. Zhushan Turquoise Pavilion from Hubei Province makes its debut at the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, showcasing high-quality turquoise with rich, vibrant colour to global buyers. German exhibitor Caram e.K. (Booth: AWE 8–F05) is showcasing a 7 carat Mozambique ruby —a particular rare find. French exhibitor Alain Boite S.A.S. (Booth: AWE 1–A20) exhibits a freshwater pearl strand measuring 14 to 15.8 mm

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JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.

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