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 of AGS, from the 1930s to the present and into the future, announced the Society.

A comprehensive program to serve the needs of AGS members will offer sessions on gemology, business/profitability, marketing, appraisals, bench, family-business, supplier issues, and AGS core values. Industry leaders including Gabi S. Tolkowsky, RS; Bill Boyajian, CG; Martin Rapaport; Douglas Hucker, CGA; Shane Decker; Richard Drucker, CG; Cos Altobelli, CGA; Peter Yantzer, CG; Ruth Mellergaard; John Koivula, CG; Diane Warga-Arias, and Cecilia Gardner will teach sessions.

A prestigious line-up of speakers includes: Michael Gerber, the impassioned leader of the small business revolution; former CEO of Southwest Airlines Howard Putnam; Award-winning expert on quality and customer service, Ron Rosenberg; 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 a renowned strategist on dealing with change in the 21st Century.

The 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 an exciting psychedelic-inspired runway fashion show. The popular Brightest Facet Game Show Luncheon will return featuring The Dating Game. This major networking opportunity is created to test the historical knowledge of the AGS in a fun-filled event and the winner will be declared “The Brightest Facet”. Annual events will include a Welcome Reception, Presidents Gala, Robert M. Shipley Award Luncheon and Titleholders Recognition Breakfast.

For more information regarding the American Gem Society please call 702.255.6500, or visit the AGS Web site at www.ags.org.

JCK