(PRESS RELEASE) LAS VEGAS, NV – The American Gem Society (AGS) announced to its members that Conclave, slated for April 27-29 in Denver, Colorado, has been canceled. The decision was made in light of a National State of Emergency that was declared on March 13 and amidst growing concerns of the virus outbreak.
As Conclave is one of the core educational events for AGS, the Society is exploring options for a virtual mini-conference for later this year. Additionally, the group will enhance its online learning center, the AGS PRO, to further increase the AGS community’s channels of professional development.
The 2021 Conclave will be held in Louisville, Kentucky, April 26-28 at the Omni Louisville Hotel. More information will be forthcoming as plans shift from 2020 to 2021.
“If there is a silver lining to any of this, it’s that we get to announce our 2021 plans sooner than later,” said Alexis Padis, chair of the Conclave Subcommittee. “We are thrilled to be heading to Louisville next year. What’s especially exciting is that Conclave will take place right before the Kentucky Derby, which will add to an already exceptional week.”
“Conclave is more than an event, it’s an experience,” said Katherine Bodoh, CEO of the American Gem Society and AGS Laboratories. “We are tremendously saddened by our decision, but we saw no other choice. The health of our members is a priority.”
For more information on Conclave 2021, stay tuned to ags.org/Conclave2021. The American Gem Society will be sending out additional information as details are finalized for AGS PRO, as well as additional infromation on the status of a virtual conference.