Tucson Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Showcase FAQ

What does the Metro Tucson CVB do to support the Showcase?
  • 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.  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 40 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 30 - February 14, 2010. 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 Show™ the same event as the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase?
No. The Tucson Gem & Mineral Show™ 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 Show™?
It will be held at the Tucson Convention Center, February 11-14, 2010.

How much does it cost to get in?
Most of the shows are free. The Tucson Gem & Mineral Show™ 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 few years are:
January 29 - February 13, 2011
January 28 - February 12, 2012
February 2-17, 2013

The Treasure Hunt

What is happening with I-10?
Work is complete on widening I-10 from Prince Road to 29th Street!

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.

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.

I have a parking lot, warehouse, or storage facility that I'd like to rent out to a show. How do I go about doing that?
We do have one or two new shows and/or shows that relocate each year, so we keep contact information like yours on file for just this purpose. 

How do I advertise in Gem Guide?
The Official 2010 Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase Program Guide and Map are published by the MTCVB in 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 (stobin@interweave.com), Metaphysical Guide Magazine (metaguide@earthlink.net), and Tucson E-Z Guide (xsupport@xpopress.com).  

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 in 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!

How do I obtain proper permits or a tax ID number?   
Please refer to the following link to the City of Tucson's website, www.tucsonaz.gov. The link will navigate you to the proper department, or you may call the City of Tucson information line to be directed to the proper department. The number is 520-791-4911. 

How can I obtain a rental cash register?
The Cash Register Company, contact: Tony Mastrangelo 520-571-0571.

How can I obtain a debit card machine rental?
Vendors should consult with their current financial institutions, as they can provide them with a seamless process and proper equipment that connects with their banking network.  If a vendor chooses to use a local supplier, they can contact Bank of Tucson, ask for Cathy and she can put them in touch with their provider. Cathy's number is 520-321-4500.