Featuring World-Class Speakers, Early Registration Discounts, and the Prestigious AGA Antonio C. Bonanno Award Presentation
The Accredited Gemologists Association(AGA) is excited to announce its annual Tucson Gemological Conference and Gala, scheduled forWednesday, February 4, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona. This highly anticipatedfull-day event will culminate in an elegant evening gala featuring dinner, dancing, and exceptional networking opportunities. Gemology professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts from around the world are warmly invited to attend.
Registration is now open, with options available forthe full conference and gala, or for the gala alone. Early bird pricing is in effect—please visit the AGA registration page for full details and ticketing options.
The 2026 AGA Conference will present six dynamic sessions led by distinguished voices in gemological science and education. Attendees will gain insights into groundbreaking research, hands-on techniques, and future trends in the field. Featured speakers include:
● Sarah Caldwell Steele, FGA, DGA; Director, The Ebor Jetworks Ltd; Doctoral Researcher,Durham University
Topic:The Death of ‘Organic’: Why Gemology Needsa Scientific Revolution
● Kerry Gregory, FGA, DGA, GIA GG, EG; Founder, Gemmology Rocks
Topic: Play Along Polariscope – A hands-on interactive demonstration
● Damien Cody
President, International Colored Gemstone Association(ICA); Managing Director, Cody Opal Australia Pty Ltd
Topic: From Rough Edges to Radiant Brilliance: Defining the Future of Gemstones
● Clemens Schwarzinger, Ph.D.; Associate Professor, Johannes Kepler University Linz; Owner, Clemens Schwarzinger Gemstones e.U.; 2024 AGA Grant Recipient
Topic:Green Grossular Garnets from Kenya and Tanzania – New Research Findings
● Aaron Palke, Ph.D., GIA GG; Research Scientist, GIA
Topic:Behind the Scenes of the Gemological Laboratory:Practical (and Impractical) Gemology in the Modern World
● 2025 AGA Bonanno Award Recipient – TBA
Topic:To be determined
Following the conference, the AGA Gala offers a memorablecelebration featuring a cocktail reception, a silent auction, dinner, and dancing. The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the 2025 AGA Antonio C. Bonanno Award for excellence in gemology. This year’s recipient will be announced in early December.
Incoming AGA President and Education Committee chair, Çigdem Lüle, Ph.D. describes the event as “an exceptional experience, promising unparalleled opportunities to learn from some of the world’s leading gemologists, engage with the global gemology community, and enjoy a memorable evening of celebration.”
Tickets for the 2026 AGA Tucson Conference and Gala are now available online
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