Sales weren’t the only reason Centurion Jewelry showgoers
were buzzing with excitement this week. Participants in the 10-year-old fair,
located near the American Gem Trade Association GemFair Tucson, were discussing
the show’s decision to relocate closer to Phoenix—a decision that met with
mixed reviews. While many Centurion attendees look forward to staying in a more
luxurious resort with more direct flight possibilities into the Phoenix Sky
Harbor International Airport (there are far fewer nonstop flights into Tucson’s smaller airport), jewelers who enjoy attending the GemFair expressed disappointment in
the venue’s departure from Tucson.

Show organizer Howard Hauben, president of H2 Events, tells JCK that Centurion “is very pleased to announce
its move beginning in 2012 to a top Scottsdale resort.”

According to Hauben, the new location “is supported by the
vast majority of exhibitors and attendees, and will afford nonstop air access
for most participants, a single-level collection floor, a new ballroom for
indoor group dinner events, and space for all designers and retailers to stay
under one roof,” among other benefits. Hauben also pledges to “continue
to assist Centurion attendees to visit the Tucson gem shows on the same
trip.”

Next year’s dates are Jan. 28 for arrivals, and Jan. 29–Jan.
31 for the show. Feb. 1 will feature an optional Tucson day trip as well as
departures.  

JCK