American Gem Society Conclave Celebrates Industry Resilience and Innovation in Orlando Before Historic Return to Spring Schedule in 2027

The American Gem Society (AGS) officially wrapped up its annual Conclave in Orlando, Florida, marking the final iteration of the premier jewelry industry event to be held during the autumn month of September. Following this year’s gathering, which ran from September 14 to 18, the association is preparing to transition the event back to its traditional spring timeframe. The 2027 AGS Conclave is officially scheduled to take place in Kansas City, Missouri, from May 2 to 5. Despite the scheduling shift and the unique format of the previous year, the core mission of the Conclave—fostering high-level education, peer-to-peer networking, and professional excellence—remained firmly intact throughout the week.

Turnout for the Florida seminar series was notably robust, according to AGS CEO Katherine Bodoh. Drawing a strong mix of pre-registered attendees and on-site sign-ups, the multi-day event served as a comprehensive platform for professional development, prestigious member recognitions, and collaborative problem-solving within the fine jewelry sector.

Reflecting on the evolution of the event’s recent calendar, Bodoh noted the distinct nature of this year’s gathering compared to the immediate past. "Last year was very different because we had Converge," she said, referencing the joint conference held in 2025 in Carlsbad, California, which paired the AGS with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). "This year, we went back to our normal Conclave roots."

A Curriculum Tailored to Modern Retail Realities

The educational agenda for the Orlando Conclave was carefully curated to address the pressing opportunities and challenges facing contemporary jewelers. Sessions covered a broad spectrum of critical topics, including artificial intelligence integration, the enduring narrative of natural diamonds, advanced retail security protocols, precise valuation appraisals, and strategies for successfully marketing to Generation Z.

Among the standout additions to this year’s educational lineup was a hands-on mobile watch class, providing participants with practical, technical training. These new sessions complemented returning favorites such as the comprehensive supplier showcase and the popular evening trivia night. The event concluded with a final day of intensive coursework followed by the annual president’s party. Looking ahead, the AGS announced that the request-for-proposals process for speakers at the upcoming 2027 conference will open shortly, ensuring a seamless transition into the next planning cycle.

Emphasizing the foundational philosophy of the organization, Bodoh underscored the necessity of continuous professional development. "Being excellent requires work," she stated. "Conclave is that time for our members to invest in themselves. We work together to try to tackle the problems of the industry instead of trying to do it on their own; that’s what being part of AGS is really about."

Adapting to the Next Generation of Luxury Consumers

A major focus of the 2026 Conclave was understanding and capturing the purchasing habits of younger demographics. On Tuesday morning, Sean Dunn, president and co-owner of Florida-based retail institution J.R. Dunn Jewelers, attended the highly anticipated session titled "Future Proofing Your Jewelry Business: Lessons from the 20 Under 40 in Jewelry Retail."

According to Dunn, the session offered invaluable perspectives on modern consumer behavior, particularly regarding Gen Z clients. "This session was filled with great insight into what the Gen Z client is looking for, from consistent follow-up at every stage to using technology like Claude and Podium together to help automate some of those touches," Dunn remarked.

He highlighted several actionable concepts presented during the seminar, including the implementation of targeted bridal wish-list events designed to remove friction from the engagement ring purchasing process. "I also loved the idea of a bridal wish-list party. Have her come in with her significant other or girlfriends, try on rings, save what she loves, and get her ring size. Then, when the time comes, the guesswork is gone, and he knows she’s going to love it," Dunn explained.

Macroeconomic Shifts and Industry Performance

Complementing the retail-focused seminars, Harold Dupuy, vice president of strategic analysis at Stuller, delivered a data-driven keynote presentation titled "Our Changing Jewelry Industry" on Tuesday afternoon. Dupuy provided attendees with a granular look at current macroeconomic indicators and their direct impact on the fine jewelry market.

Dupuy noted that overall consumer spending has experienced a noticeable normalization and deceleration compared to the heightened retail activity seen during the peak COVID-19 pandemic years, which were fueled by federal stimulus programs. Despite this broader economic cooling, the jewelry sector continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and market dominance.

Key statistical takeaways from Dupuy’s analysis include:

• Store Footprint vs. Revenue: Traditional jewelry-only specialty stores account for approximately 26% of national retail doors across the United States.
• Market Share Control: Despite representing slightly more than a quarter of physical retail locations, these independent specialty stores control nearly 48% of total industry revenue dollars.
• Cross-Sector Performance: Fine jewelry continues to outperform several broader luxury retail categories, actively capturing consumer market share from big-box retailers and department stores.

This data underscores the enduring value proposition of specialized independent jewelers, who continue to leverage personalized customer service, deep product expertise, and trusted community relationships to maintain their competitive edge.

Evolving Security Strategies in an Era of Organized Retail Crime

Security remained a paramount concern for attendees, given the rising sophistication of organized retail crime (ORC) targeting high-end luxury retailers. During a Wednesday afternoon session titled "Organized Retail Crime in 2026: Evolving Threats and Practical Strategies for Luxury Retail," security experts Scott Guginsky of the Jewelers’ Security Alliance (JSA) and Howard Stone of Jewelers Mutual presented cutting-edge defense tactics.

A focal point of their presentation was the integration of consumer-grade location technology into comprehensive store security plans. Specifically, the speakers recommended placing compact tracking devices, such as Apple AirTags, discreetly inside jewelry safes, display trays, and high-value merchandise storage areas. These devices can provide law enforcement with real-time tracking data in the event of a robbery or burglary.

"When you get a good GPS tracker, [criminals] can be apprehended, the property can be recovered, and [thieves] can get arrested," Guginsky explained to the packed room. Industry experts note that as criminal enterprises become more coordinated, adopting proactive technological deterrents and maintaining close communication with agencies like the JSA and local law enforcement are vital components of modern loss prevention.

Celebrating Excellence: The Robert M. Shipley Award

A central highlight of every AGS Conclave is the recognition of industry leaders who have made profound contributions to gemology and the jewelry profession. This year’s Robert M. Shipley Award luncheon provided a moving tribute to dedication, education, and community leadership.

John Carter, president of the AGS International Board of Directors and the recipient of the 2024 Shipley Award, took the stage to present the prestigious 2026 honor to Michael Richards, president of Underwood’s Jewelers, which operates locations in Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

Upon accepting the award, Richards reflected on his decades-long career and the mentors who shaped his professional journey. "I’ve been very fortunate to have both learned and worked alongside many of the Robert M. Shipley recipients," Richards said during his acceptance speech. "This award is a reflection of their guidance and encouragement throughout my career."

The Shipley Award is named in honor of Robert M. Shipley, who founded both the American Gem Society and the Gemological Institute of America in the 1930s. It represents the highest honor bestowed by the AGS, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the high ethical standards, consumer protection, and educational rigor championed by the society’s founder.

Looking Forward: The Road to Kansas City 2027

As the Orlando Conclave draws to a close, industry stakeholders are already casting their gaze toward the future. The decision to return the Conclave to its traditional spring window—beginning with the May 2–5, 2027, event in Kansas City—has been widely interpreted by association leadership as a strategic move to better align with the operational calendars of independent jewelers, who often face peak operational demands during the late summer and autumn months.

The 2026 Orlando gathering ultimately served as a vital bridge between past collaborative efforts and future independent growth. By equipping members with actionable artificial intelligence tools, generational marketing insights, robust security protocols, and macroeconomic clarity, the American Gem Society continues to reinforce its foundational mission: elevating the standards of the jewelry industry through collective knowledge, unwavering ethics, and mutual support.