Greg,
I depends on what you are going for. The Main Show runs Feb 9-12, 2017. The other shows run from the last weekend in January to Feb 12.
The Main Show (poster at the Official 2017 Tucson Thread) is the best place to see some of the finest minerals in the world. It's mostly high end minerals and jewelery. It's like being able to see all of the top mineral museums in one place. And a lot of them (Smithsonian, Denver, Munich, LA) have displays here. But if you're looking for slabs or other lapidary supplies, you won't find them here. But 1 day here would be well spent just because it is one of the finest mineral, gem and jewelery shows in the world.
For lapidary materials I would suggest your first stop be the show at Hotel Tucson - City Center (formerly Inn Suites). Lots of lapidary materials but you have visit a lot of display rooms. This show needs at least 1 full day! Last year there were over 200 vendors at the show. Other shows to consider are "The Miners Co-op" off of I10 in Marana (west of Tucson), "The 22nd Street Show" and the show at the Keno Sports Complex (but spend your time outside not in the main tent - that has become mostly beads and lower end stuff). If you're looking for equipment, this is the show to visit. Diamond Pacific, Barranca, Graves, Johnson Brothers and Highland Park are among the vendors that had booths in 2016 and probably will have them in 2017.
If you're interested in beads, I'm afraid I can't help. Also some shows are "trade only". If you have a retail/resale license you can get into these shows. Again I have no direct knowledge of these shows.
Jerry
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Topic: The Official 2016 Tucson Thread (Read 4859 times)