Preparing to Attend a Large Gem and Mineral Show
Are you planning to attend a major gem show and are wondering how to prepare for it? You must plan if you want to come home with most of what you went there to get. Search on the net to find out what venders are going to be there and when. Purchase a couple of bead or rock and mineral magazines. Often times big shows, such as Tucson Gem Show, will have different associations of venders who will be in designated places on certain dates. They are commonly showing their goods in that particular place year after year. So once you get this part down, the next time you go will be much simpler. Some shows may be inside huge buildings while others are in hotels or in huge parking lots with very little shelter. Because of this you need to watch the weather and plan the outdoor venders on the nice days and shop the inside venders when it’s raining or just very hot.
The Tucson Gem and Mineral show is huge and if you plan to get most of what is on your list, plus a few gifts of course, it is best to plan for 3-4 days at the show. If you are driving to the shows each day from your hotel, arrive early to park as close to the show that you are interested in as you can. Plan to take a sweater and no coat. Coats get cumbersome and sweaters can be tied around the waist as the sun gets warmer. Needless to say you will be putting miles on your feet each day so comfortable shoes only. This is no place for a large or heavy purse. All you need with you is your drivers license, credit card, cash, bank debit card to access cash from the machines, business cards, your list of venders with their locations, and the list of things you want to buy. Fanny packs work great, and back packs are a must. Water and food are readily available throughout the shows, bathrooms are a little harder to come by.
Buy things when you see them. This is not a good place to be shopping for the lowest price. You may never find the vender again as the crowds of people show up and you become tired. If you are flying home, keep in mind the weight requirements for checked baggage. If you think you may be over the limit, commonly 50 pounds, mail some of your things back. There are usually a couple of shipping options at the shows.
Going to a large gem show is a lot of fun if you are prepared.
