[Jewelry making - Article 00604] - Re: [Orchid] Tucson 2008 gem show guidance

[judymw]

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Hello Connie,

    My condolences - only 1 or 2 days!! My first time at the Tucson
    shows left me in such confusion and awe that I didn't spend a penny
    until half-way through the second day. 

    You asked: "What should I know about this overwhelming event? I
    *sort of* know what I want- things I can't find in the Rio Grande
    catalog. Cabs and beads of the same materials that make good
    groupings, settable stones of all kinds, and things I have never seen
    before." 

    My advice would be to go to the website and get an idea of just how
    many shows will be open during the days you will in in Tucson. Then
    look at the map of the show locations. Time will be most important
    for you, so the less you spend traveling from one arena to another,
    the better. 

    Based on what you say you want, work one of the clusters of shows
    like the Palo Verde, Downtown, Frontage Road & Congress, or Electric
    Park areas. You can park for the day and wear your tootsies off
    walking around the shows in that area. The shuttles are great, but
    will take precious minutes from your day. 

    Definitely do the Catalog in Motion. I suggest driving to the Hilton
    and be there early! It opens at 9:00, an hour earlier than almost
    everything else. After you've enjoyed playing with the tools and
    asking your questions and hearing some excellent speakers, leave and
    plan to spend the rest of the day at one of the other areas. 

    Tucson traffic is a consideration, so have a detailed city map - AAA
    sells an excellent one. You can plan your attack with the idea of
    spending as little time on the road as possible. 

    Also pre-register NOW with G&LW, GLDA, and the Big Mama AGTA. Again,
    a great time-saver to have the paperwork done ahead of time. The
    websites will have buyer registration forms and information. Take
    many, many copies of your sales tax certificate/business license.
    The vendors will ask for that or a business card when you purchase
    for the first time. 

    You may think this is silly, but I take a SMALL wheeled backpack so
    that I can tote snacks and water bottles. I don't stop for meals or
    drinks, which waste time while the shows are open. The backpack is
    great for holding purchases - stones in quantity do get heavy. Also
    carries my loupe and caliper, etc. 

    I think I've rambled on too long, so will simply wish you the best
    of luck and, again, my condolences on your limited time in Tucson! 

    Judy in Kansas - Oh yes, take an umbrella, jacket, and your most
    comfortable shoes. 

Judy M. Willingham, R.S.
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