Tucson Countdown #9 – Making “The List.”

With gem shows at over 40 different venues again this year, it is literally impossible to see everything - even if you plan to be there for two or more weeks. (Been there, done that, completely wore me out by day 11.) It’s just too big to cover it all. All the more reason to make a list before you get there of: 1.) people to see, 2.) events to attend, 3.) seminars to attend, 4.) breakfasts, 5.) lunches, and 6.) dinners to plan, and, of course, 7.) gems to buy. With a list, you will be organized, efficient with your time, and generally less stressed than trying to wing it while you are there. (Been there, done that too.)

It’s a gem show. A really BIG gem show. So first, list the shows you would like to attend and the main reason for attending each show. Then, look up specific vendors at each venue. Mark down their booth numbers, locations, and what gems you are looking for. Then go back and map your route from vendor to vendor, trying not to double back through the show, or completely miss anyone on your list. You can always browse while you are going from one vendor on your list to the next.

Then, look at a map of Tucson and see how you are going to go from one venue to another. Whether by rental car, or by shuttle, travel as little as possible each day. Best and easiest shows to go back and forth from are the AGTA GemFair, the GJX tent across the street, and the Worldwide G & J at the Hotel Arizona (former Radisson City Center, former Holiday Inn, former Marriott) a block away. And if you’re up for a nice walk (roughly two blocks in the opposite direction), and the weather is not too hot, too cold, too wet, or too breezy, you can make it to the Pueblo Gem & Mineral Show at the Riverpark Inn (former Pueblo Inn, of course) which is on the other side of Interstate 10. (You can walk under the overpass.) Everything else is pretty much one stop/one show, so plan your days and events accordingly.

Then let’s complicate things a bit. Check the seminars and events schedules. Pencil in all of these you’d like to attend, where they are, what times, and what days they are given. Then see where they are in relation to the shows you want to attend on those days. If the seminars at the convention center are happening on the same day you have scheduled to be at the Holidome, you might just want to rethink your schedule. Remember, you can’t do everything, so if the show is less important than the seminar, or vice versa, well you’ll just have to miss one of those this year.

Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are the same. You may have more dinners scheduled than you have nights in Tucson to eat! Don’t forget the association receptions, dinners, dinner/dances, and the GIA Alumni Silent Auction (I had to give them a plug. After all, I was the director of alumni from ‘87 to ‘92.) Double them up, go to two events and only eat once, or scratch a few off your list. It’s hard to do, but you need to prioritize, and be mindful of your stamina! Don’t wear yourself out before the end of the shows. And don’t wake up with a hangover. After all, you are in Tucson for the gems. (Remember, gems first, then people, food, and tequila shooters.)

Make your list, check it twice, mark it on your pocket calendar, plug it all into your Blackberry.

Next up… Tucson Countdown #8 – Who’s on my list at the AGTA GemFair?