I'm a little late in getting out this post due to some computer issues I have had recently. The Tucson show this year was great. Except for about 2 days, the weather was nice. I got to see many of you from last year again, and that is always fun. I never cease to be amazed at the diversity of buyers in Tucson. It's fun meeting so many different kinds of people. There is certainly no "profile" for mineral lovers. Young and old, hippie and yuppie, geologists who know all the chemical bond structures in each crystal and those who just think the rocks are pretty, foreigners and Americans... the list goes on. It's part of what makes the Tucson show so fun for me.
This was my third year in Tucson and I have decided that I think the show is too long. My own experience and what other dealers say seems to indicate that during the opening weekend and the first week buyers find the items they most want. The second week slows down considerably as everyone waits for the bargains of the final weekend. I think a week with the weekend on both ends of that week would be plenty of time. From set up to take down for the dealers would spend 11-12 days instead of 18. It would still allow two weekends for buyers, in case the buyer had a conflict one weekend. Also, by reducing the length of the show dealers can lower overhead costs, which should translate to better costs for the buyers. Don't tell the Tucson Chamber of Commerce or Hotel association. I am sure they would just as soon add a week of show than take one off. I'd love to hear from buyers if reducing the show to 9 days instead of 14 would have a negative side for you. Please leave your comments. Obviously what is best for the buyer matters most.
I have posted several photos of the Tucson show. Just click on the link bellow.
