11 REASONS THE WORLD IS WATCHING TUCSON
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World’s Largest
No.
Largest, Oldest & Most Prestigious
THE TUCSON GEM, MINERAL & FOSSIL SHOWCASE FELIPE GARCIA
By Christy Krueger The Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase is not just another tourist attraction. It is THE tourist attraction of our region. The largest annual event in Pima County, it’s also the largest of its kind in the world and contributes millions of dollars to the local economy. The numbers say it all. The global show brings more than 65,000 visitors to the region and has an estimated economic impact of $131 million. Visiting buyers hail from 42 states and 17 countries and exhibitors travel from 45 states and 42 foreign countries. Not only just the largest, the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show® is also the oldest and most prestigious in the world. It has enjoyed international status since the 1970s and was the first gem and mineral show to bring together hobby enthusiasts, the general public and professionals, according to the Tucson Gem & Mineral Society. “There really is something for everybody at the shows – from the Etsy shoppers, to rockhounds, to buyers of fine 60 BizTucson
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Summer 2022
jewelry, gemologists and for those who just like to look,” said Jane Roxbury, director of gem show and convention services for Visit Tucson. “Kids interested in dinosaurs will have a ball at many of the warehouse shows, where full-size pterodactyls and T-rexes have been assembled.” The event’s special exhibits also provide a coveted peek into private and museum collections of rare pieces, which differ each year. Past exhibits have included the Fabergé Collection, the Logan Sapphire, the Star of Asia and the Hooker Emerald Brooch. Though the pandemic kept the 2021 show from its original form, the threeweek event returned in all its splendor this winter to a welcoming public with 48 distinct locations for shows across the city. “Tucson is very lucky to have so many gem show owners and operators owning their venues here, and some actually live here!” said Roxbury. “As operations have been normalizing in 2022, all eyes are on Tucwww.BizTucson.com
