Convention Services is the City of Tucson's liaison to gem-show owners and promoters, and directly supports promotion of all shows through the Downtown Welcome Program, website listings, and technical assistance and collaboration with ParkWise on the GemRide free shuttle. This team is also responsible for collecting information on available accommodations just prior to and during the Showcase.
Public Relations/Communications pitches local, regional, national and international media outlets for coverage of the event throughout the year. During the showcase, the PR Director provides timely statistics to local media, responds to media inquiries, creates editorial content, arranges interviews, and maintains event calendars.
Creative Services designs and produces collateral, signage, banners, maps, and the TGMFS Program Guide.
The Webmaster develops and maintains TGMFS website pages at www.visitTucson.org.
Visitor Information responds to show-related phone, website, and walk-in inquiries from visitors.

Basic Pearls of Wisdom

How many shows make up the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase?
There are more than 45 different shows throughout the Tucson area.

How many people attend the Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase?
Nearly 55,000 people visit shows over the two weeks.

When is the Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase?
January 31 - February 15, 2009. However, dates for individual shows vary. Search in the right-hand column of the Gem Show main page for specific information on a show.

Is the Tucson Gem & Mineral ShowTM the same event as the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase?
No. The Tucson Gem & Mineral ShowTM is the original feature show and combined with the smaller satellite shows, helps make up the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase.

When and where is the Tucson Gem & Mineral ShowTM?
It will be held at the Tucson Convention Center, February 12 - 15, 2009.

How much does it cost to get in?
Most of the shows are free. The Tucson Gem & Mineral ShowTM charges a small admission fee. You can find more information on their website.

Are dates set for future Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcases?
Yes. Dates for the next couple of years are:
January 30 - February 14, 2010
January 29 - February 13, 2011

The Treasure Hunt

Will the construction on I-10 affect any of the shows?
No. All of the shows will be open and easy to go to. For construction updates call 877-961-1010 or visit www.i10tucson.com. We also provide updated Shuttle and Parking information.

What about parking and transportation?
Shuttle services are available for transportation to select showcase shows, mostly those located along the I-10 frontage roads. Parking is also available. Click to find complete information on shuttle times, stops, routes and parking locations.

How do I get a booth at the Gem Show?
Each show sells their own booth space. You must contact those running each show for space availability and costs.

Where do I register for a wholesale show?
You can register at the show itself. However, some of the larger wholesale only shows, like the AGTA GemFair and G&LW Holidome, offer online registration through their websites.

Where do I get a tax ID number?
Contact the City of Tucson.

Can I get into all of the shows?
Most of the shows are open to the public. For wholesale only shows, you must present your business license, taxpayer ID number and business card to register.

What can I buy?
You can find everything from rare diamonds to boxes made of petrified wood. Dealers specialize in loose stones, jewelry, African art, beads, polished stones, minerals, fossils and gifts. Check the listings at the Gem Show main page for more information.

Can I get rocks, gems and/or minerals identified?
Some shows provide appraisers. As with any purchase, it is best to do some homework before buying.

What times do the shows run?
Shows open between 8 am and 10 am and close between 6 pm and 8 pm. Refer to the show listings for exact times.

Can I get something to eat at the show?
Yes. Most shows have a variety of food vendors on property or are located close to restaurants.

What else can I do at the shows?
The Tucson Gem & Mineral ShowTM has unique museum-quality exhibits that change each year. Most of the shows feature a unique item on display, such as the world's largest meteorite or a five-foot tall geode. The shows also provide a great way to meet and network with people from around the world.

Golden Opportunities

How can I get temp work at one of the shows?
Many shows hire their own staff, so you may wish to contact the shows individually through our listings page or call Adecco Employment Services at 520-748-9041.

How can I be hired to drive a Gem Ride shuttle?
Gem Ride is operated by an independent contractor. However, many shows set up their own shuttle service, so you may wish to contact the individual shows directly.

How do I advertise in Gem Guide?
The Official 2008 Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase Program Guide and Map are published by the MTCVB in early January of each year, just in time for distribution at Gem Ride stops and hubs as well as at the shows themselves. Our advertising opportunities are extremely limited, with priority going to prior advertisers as well as the shows themselves.

There are other guides to the Showcase that may still have advertising opportunities available, including Colored Stone at: stobin@interweave.com and Metaphysical Guide Magazine at: metaguide@earthlink.net.

How do I receive a Gem Guide by mail?
The guides are produced so close to the time of the Showcase opening that they are not available via U.S. Mail. However, a PDF version of the MTCVB guide is posted at our main show page as soon as it is finalized, usually in early January.

How do I find a hotel room during the Showcase?
If you are seeking accommodations for fewer than 10 room nights, please call the MTCVB Visitor Information Services at 1-800-638-8350. Our team stays on top of where the available hotel rooms are-for your convenience!