This year’s impressive lineup of industry experts will deliver insightful sessions designed to elevate your knowledge and skills. Learn the latest in sales strategies, marketing techniques, and GIA’s groundbreaking research on colored stones. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your competitive edge or gain fresh insights, these speakers will provide valuable takeaways to help you succeed.
Cathy Calhoun, CGA, is a renowned gemologist, entrepreneur, and leader in the jewelry industry. She owns Calhoun Jewelers (PA) and Calhoun Estate Jewelers (CA), along with ventures in real estate and hospitality. A GIA Graduate Gemologist® and AGS Certified Gemologist® Appraiser, she has served as President of the American Gem Society and received numerous awards, including the Robert M. Shipley Award®. She actively contributes to industry and community organizations nationwide.
Cathy has also made numerous television appearances, showcasing her expertise in jewelry, antiques, and unique home restorations. She has been featured on PBS’s “Antiques Roadshow,” Good Morning America, Netflix’s “Amazing Interiors,” HGTV’s “If Walls Could Talk,” CNN Money’s “I Live in a Bank!”, and more, offering insights into luxury, history, and design.
Jonathan Gold is vice president of supply chain and customs policy at the National Retail Federation. In this role, Gold is a primary spokesperson and is responsible for representing the retail industry before Congress and the administration on supply chain, international trade, product safety and customs-related issues impacting the retail industry. While with NRF, he has been a leading advocate of the value of trade and global value chains to the U.S. economy.
Alex joined the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) in the summer of 2022 as a research intern with the Colored Stones Research Group. Later that year, he became a Research Associate. He earned his M.S. in Geology from the University of Arkansas in 2022 and holds a Graduate Gemologist® (GG) diploma.
Elle is a renowned entrepreneur and lauded expert in the diamond, gemstone and jewelry industry. Her 30 years of achievements include helping businesses large and small to succeed and achieve intense growth—from launching her own award-winning international designer jewelry retailer, which she brought public with a $10 million IPO in less than four years, to helping single-store retailers achieve 40%+ increases in year-over-year sales, to helping some of the largest brands, retailers and manufacturers in the world, Blue Nile and Rapaport among them.
As Founder & CEO of Hill & Co., a leading management consultancy firm and growth specialists in the diamond, gemstone and jewelry industry, Elle and her team have amassed an unparalleled array of hurdle-jumping expertise, marketing savvy, and a stable of A-list clients who they help harness technology to streamline operations, drive traffic, and revenue.
Elle is known for her ability to help businesses grow revenue swiftly—and to increase profit for businesses up and down the supply chain. Working with Elle and her team gives you access to a wealth of insight and experience from someone who’s made all the mistakes, knows how to avoid them, and can guide you on the fast track to growth.
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