#TucsonGemShow - Top 5 FAQs and General Information

# 1Misnomer - How do I register for the Tucson Gem Show?

You don't - the Tucson Gem Show is actually just under 40 individual shows at different venues throughout the City of Tucson during the same two week period at the end of January through the beginning of February. 

To pre-register you must go to the website of each show - some allow pre-registration and some don't.  The easiest way to accomplish this is to go to the Tucson EZ-Guide page and on the left click through to each show - read the show description - have a look at the vendors that will be exhibiting - and click through to the websites of the shows that work best for you and your business to check for registration information!
http://xpopress.com/AZ-show-schedule.html


How do I know which shows I need to go to?

You are going to get this answer over and over - the Tucson EZ-Guide page is always the most current information about all of the Tucson Gem Shows: The easiest way to accomplish this is to go to the Tucson EZ-Guide page and on the left click through to each show - read the show description - have a look at the vendors that will be exhibiting - and click through to the websites of the shows that work best for you and your business write down the dates and registration information! 
http://xpopress.com/AZ-show-schedule.html

You can also look up the resources you are already using - this gives you the opportunity to talk to the vendor face-to-face and let them know the quality and type of components you need...you will be surprised how many will purchase goods to meet your needs once you've established a personal connection.

Also - ask your peers - odds are that they are going and may have some suggestions!  ...there are conversation threads everywhere from the various Artisan Forums to Etsy!

General suggestions: Goldsmiths love the AGTA, GJX and JCK Tucson Shows. Beaders tend to hit the Holidome, Best Bead and Freeway Shows. For Silvermiths and Metal Clay Artisans - the Freeway Shows are a must, the Kino Sports Complex shows and To Bead True Blue.

I can't stay for two weeks - what dates are my best plan?

The easiest way to accomplish this is to go to the Tucson EZ-Guide page and on the left click through to each show - read the show description - have a look at the vendors that will be exhibiting - and click through to the websites of the shows that work best for you and your business write down the dates and registration information! 
http://xpopress.com/AZ-show-schedule.html

Once you have a list of shows and dates you can choose the best dates that overlap as many of the shows as possible...don't expect to make it to everything - I have been attending for a decade and still haven't figured out how to do that!

I have supplies I need to pick up but what else can I do in Tucson?

I think that anyone who says I can't afford to go to Tucson is nuts!  The best part of Tucson is the education...from the FREE Seminars at the AGTA to the fabulous MJSA "At The Bench" demonstrations in the Tools Hall you will never get the opportunity to talk to the experts gathered for this auspicious event.  Antoinette Matlins charges a premium to teach people to use Gemological Instruments - her two seminar "Gem ID" is FREE!

There are also paid courses from GIA and hundreds of workshops on every type of Jewelry Making there is!  

The Tucson Bead Show and Too Bead True Blue both offer free demos and paid workshops:
http://www.thetucsonbeadshow.com/workshop_list.php
http://www.tobeadtrueblue.com/workshop_list.php

The JOGS Show offers a huge selection of worshops from JewelryTools.com:
http://www.jewelrytools.com/classes/

Classes at the Whole Bead Show: http://www.wholebead.com/class_AZ14.html

The Best Bead Show has a really fun assortment this year:  http://www.bestbeadshow.com/BestBeadShowClasses/BestBeadShowClasses.aspx

This is the assortment of learning opportunities that I was able to find - I am sure there are more...

OK - I know which shows I want to attend but how often will I find myself in the presence of hundreds of Gem & Jewelry companies - how can I expand my horizons?

Don't hibernate in your niche - take an afternoon and head up to the Fine Mineral Show for the most incredible mineral specimens on display...or check out the museum grade Dinosaurs and Fossils at the Arizona Mineral & Fossil Show.


Is there a shuttle or mass transit that can be used to get around town or do I need a car?

Not only are there shuttles but 2014 marks the introduction of "Gem Ride"...from the City of Tucson and Parkwise it is a shuttle around the Downtown shows.
For their latest shuttle info follow:  https://www.facebook.com/ParkWiseTucson
...on Twitter @ParkDTTucson

Shuttle information can be found in the free show guides available at the various venues.

More on Gem Ride below...

Bottom Line - check out as much as you can!  Enjoy!

AGTA Announces GemFair Tucson Seminar Schedule

AGTA GemFair™ Tucson – A Learning Experience

The American Gem Trade Association’s annual GemFair in Tucson, AZ, each February is an opportunity for anyone involved in colored gemstones and pearls to learn more about this margin-friendly product category. Whether it is formal educational sessions or the valuable networking opportunities, the AGTA GemFair™ Tucson offers a wealth of information for those who want to build and expand this part of their business.

The AGTA FREE Seminar Program is a comprehensive collection of one hour seminars taught by the leading experts in their fields. Popular presenters such as Richard Drucker, Kate Peterson, Bill Larson, Alan Hodgkinson, Gary Roskin, Cecilia Gardner, David Peters, Cindy Edelstein and Antoinette Maitlins return each year to share their latest information to GemFair attendees. Topics covered include gemology, trends, sales, marketing, events, travelogues, training, social media, fair trade, gemstone cutting and much more. The seminars start Wednesday, February 6th and end on Saturday, February 9th.

MJSA also returns in 2013 with their “At the Bench Live” program for bench jewelers. This daily demonstration provides fantastic tips on a variety of bench-related scenarios by respected jewelers Arthur Anton Skuratowicz, Lee Krombholz, Chris Ploof and Linus Drogs. From repair to design to working with gemstones, there is something for everyone.

Click Here for Detailed Seminar Schedule

Aside from the classroom, the AGTA GemFair™ Tucson offers an incredible amount of networking opportunities with your peers. The exhibitors are all AGTA Members and experts in their chosen field. They will share their knowledge about the key things to look for when purchasing colored gemstones and pearls. They are also the best resource for new finds and current trends. You will also have the opportunity to meet other buyers at the convention center or at one of the many nightly events. These events are a great place to combine business and fun in a laid-back environment.

Continuing education is a key component of most professional businesses and AGTA supports that notion in the jewelry industry by providing the platform for learning at the AGTA GemFair™ Tucson. So, make plans to join us in Tucson in 2013 – to register, go to http://www.agta.org/tradeshows/gemfair-tucson.html.

MJSA's At the Bench Live Returns to AGTA GemFair

MJSA will present its signature At the Bench Live demonstrations at the 2012 AGTA GemFair Tucson, Jan. 31 through Feb. 5 at the Tucson Convention Center. The interactive sessions will run daily and feature renowned artisans showing bench and design techniques that attendees can readily apply to their own operations. Related articles from MJSA Journal, the association's flagship monthly magazine, will be distributed at each session.

The sessions are sponsored by the American Gem Trade Association, and the Bench and Tool Sponsor is the Jewelry Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The schedule includes:

January 31

Step to It:

Tricks for Soldering Multiple Joints in Silver

Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz, Director of Education at the Jewelry Training Center

Silver has become the metal of choice for many jewelry makers and designers seeking affordable price points. However, the metal poses its own challenges, not the least of which is how to solder several joints in close proximity--without melting previous attachments. Attendees will learn how to ensure their silver soldering goes smoothly, enabling them to create clean, secure attachments.

February 1

History Detective:

How to Identify Previous Repairs in Jewelry

Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz, Director of Education at the Jewelry Training Center

It happens all the time: A jeweler goes to repair a piece of jewelry, only to discover that the piece had already undergone previous repairs--and the work was less than stellar. At best, this creates a few new headaches; at worst, it leads to the jewelry being severely damaged. Attendees will learn how to identify these "danger points" before it's too late.

February 2

Working with Gemstones: The Designer's Challenges

Presenter: Alishan Halebian, award-winning goldsmith/designer

When faced with designing a piece around a gemstone--especially one with an unusual cut or other uncommon characteristic--designers and goldsmiths have a double-edged challenge: Create a design that brings out the gem's unique aspects, but also ensures the stone is securely set and protected. Award-winning designer and master goldsmith AlishanHalebian will demonstrate how he accomplishes both tasks to best ensure the gem is exquisitely showcased.

February 3

Mythbusters: Challenging Tradition at the Bench

Presenter: Ann Cahoon, designer/goldsmith, Flying Marquis Studio

Venerable traditions have built up regarding how bench jewelers should go about their craft. And, like all traditions, some may be true--and some may be little more than tall tales. This session will separate fact from myth, and attendees will come away with new insights into accepted procedures for equipment maintenance, the selection of tools for specific tasks, or simple safety procedures.

February 4

Using Handmade Chain in Custom Designs

Presenter: Ann Cahoon, designer/goldsmith, Flying Marquis Studio

As consumer demand for custom jewelry grows, so too are the ways in which jewelers are creating unique, personalized pieces. One method to add personalization is through the use of handmade chain. Attendees will discover techniques for creating handcrafted chain to complement specific custom designs.

February 5

Compound Interest:

Creating the Optimum Polish on Metals

Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz, Director of Education at the Jewelry Training Center

When it comes to the finishing and polishing of jewelry, you need to match your methods and metals to achieve the maximum shine. Attendees will learn how to apply various buffing compounds and polishing techniques to achieve the look they want.

MJSA's At the Bench Live sessions are sponsored by the American Gem Trade Association and will run daily from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the Grand Ballroom in the Tucson Convention Center. For more information, go to MJSA Online at mjsa.org, e-mailinfo@mjsa.org, or call 1-800-444-MJSA (6572).