Neuroscientist and perception expert Dr. Beau Lotto will be the opening keynote speaker at Converge, the global gem and jewelry event that merges innovative gemological research and industry-leading education from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) with member-driven professional development and networking opportunities from the American Gem Society (AGS). Converge takes place September 7–10, 2025, in Carlsbad, California.
Lotto’s presentations merge cutting-edge science and extensive research with immersive experiences that blend entertainment, real-world neuroscience experiments, and art to illuminate the fundamental barriers to thriving in uncertainty and ways to overcome them. He has appeared at major global events such as Davos, Cannes, and Burning Man, as well as at the G8 and on the TED main stage three times. He has collaborated with a diverse array of clients, including Microsoft, L’Oréal, the Crown Prince’s Court of the United Arab Emirates, and Cirque du Soleil.
“This keynote will be a standout—Beau Lotto redefines how we think about change. He will captivate and inspire by showing how we—as individuals, businesses, and an industry—can flourish in times of change. His approach to creativity, leadership, and innovation promises to be a truly illuminating experience,” said Katherine Bodoh, CEO of the American Gem Society.
“Success depends on adaptability more than anything else,” said Susan Jacques, president and CEO of GIA. “I can think of no better way to begin Converge than with an engaging exploration of how embracing uncertainty can improve our ability to adapt, innovate, and succeed.”
The second keynote session, on Tuesday, Sept. 9, will feature a panel of business thought leaders discussing the most pressing challenges and greatest opportunities facing the global gem and jewelry sector. On Wednesday, Sept. 10, the closing keynote will bring together the week’s insights in an engagingly unexpected way. Details on both sessions will be announced soon.
Lotto earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of California, Berkeley in 1991 and his PhD in Neuroscience from University Medical School, Edinburgh in 1994. He remained in Edinburgh for his first postdoctoral fellowship and then moved to Duke University for his second fellowship.
He was a professor at University College London for 20 years, and is now a professor at University of London, as well as a visiting scholar at New York University. In 2001, Lotto founded the Lab of Misfits Studio, the world’s only neuroperception creative studio. He is also the CEO and founder of Ripple Inc, which holds five highly influential patents in Augmented Reality (AR) with two further patents pending.
Jewelers Mutual Group, the presenting sponsor of Converge, is sponsoring Dr. Lotto’s keynote.
Along with three keynote events, Converge offers industry-focused education, research presentations, excursions to GIA’s headquarters and local attractions, and a Harvard Business School Executive Education seminar created exclusively for Converge. Some programs, including the Harvard seminar, are nearly full.
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