Those American Gem Society retailers attending the 2009 Conclave’s Supplier Showcase will be given an incentive of free stay in Chicago during the event. The Showcase is scheduled from April 1-2, during the first two days of the American Gem Society’s Conclave®, which spans through April 1-4, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago hotel.

The thought process behind the incentive is such that AGS member retailers who are staying at the Hyatt Regency Chicago will receive passport-style booklets to be signed by six vendors during the Supplier Showcase event. These booklets will be submitted along with the individual retailer’s hotel bill to the Society, which will select 100 AGS members based on the order in which they registered for Conclave. Recipients will receive reimbursement for a four-night hotel room fee, not including incidentals. Each retail member firm qualifies for one four-night reimbursement.

“This opportunity is exclusive to American Gem Society members, but it’s only one of many special perks and ‘firsts’ we’re offering to celebrate our 75th anniversary at the 2009 Conclave,” said Ruth Batson, executive director and CEO of the Society. The Supplier Showcase, which is already sold out, will conclude with the American Gem Society’s annual fashion show, featuring jewellery from participating suppliers. The Conclave is also going to for the first time be opened to non-member friends, along with graduate-level, business school workshops for retailers to tackle the tough economy, besides educational programmes, inspirational keynote speakers, and networking events.

Exhibiting American Gem Society Suppliers include: American Jewelry Design; Armadani; ASBA & Dangler Designs; Carelle; Chatham Created Gems; Christopher Designs; Eighternity/K.R. Gems; Fantasy Diamonds; Gabrielle Diamonds; Gems One Corporation; Guertin Brothers; Gumuchian; Hasenfeld Stein; Hearts on Fire; Honora; I DO Diamonds; I.G.C. New York; Idaho Opal; and Incon Gems. Along with them would be: James Alger; JB Star/Jewels by Star; JR Gold Designs; Julius Klein; Lazare Kaplan, Intl.; Martin Flyer; McTigue Since 1895; Memoire; Mercury Ring Corp.; Omi Gems; Paramount Gems; Philip Zahm Designs; Roberto Coin; S&I; SA Gems; Stuller, Inc.; The Precious Collection; True Knots; Varsha Diamonds; Venus Jewel; and Vibhor Inc.