It’s time to get ready for the Tucson gem and mineral shows. The Big Three gem shows—the American Gem Trade Association’s GemFair (Feb. 5-10 at the Tucson Convention Center), the G.L.D.A. show (Feb. 5-10 at the Marriott), and the GJX tent show (Feb. 6-11)—draw an enormous crowd of gem buyers. So if you’re thinking of going but don’t have a hotel room, AGTA’s travel desk ([800] 843-1110) might be able to help.

Tucson plays host to more than two dozen gem shows in all, some starting as early as Jan. 25. The last show—the actual Tucson Gem & Mineral Show—ends Feb. 16.

GemFair will offer more than 40 seminars on topics including practical bench techniques, effective sales and marketing strategies, and industry trends. Admission is free to anyone in the gemstone or jewelry industry who purchases wholesale for the purpose of resale only. The public is not invited. For more information or to register, call (800) 879-6259, contact AGTA’s Dallas headquarters at (800) 972-1162, or visit www.agta.org.

For a list of shows and exhibitors, visit www.TucsonShowGuide.com.