The American Gem Society’s 2003 International Conclave will be held April 2-5, at the Renaissance Austin Hotel, Austin, Texas. Leading jewelry designers, manufacturers, retailers and gemological educators are expected to attend.

Speakers for the event will include legendary diamond cutter Gabi S. Tolkowsky; Bill Boyajian, GIA president; opening session speaker Nido Qubein, who transformed himself from a penniless immigrant into a multimillionaire business entrepreneur and philanthropist; and Tony Alessandra, known as one of “America’s 10 most electrifying speakers.”

AGS will premiere several new events this year, including the Suppliers Fashion Show Luncheon and Suppliers Pre-Gala Reception. The events, which replace the discontinued Expo, will offer attendees an opportunity to meet and view the lines of prominent AGS designers and manufacturers. The Fashion Show Luncheon will take place on April 3 from 12-2 pm at the Renaissance Austin Hotel. Bill Sites, CGA of Sites Jewelers in Clarksville, Tenn., will be the announcer for the runway fashion show previewing the jewelry lines.

JCK