I have been in Tucson mode already for a while. I will be making it part of a longer trip (lucky me) from San Francisco to LA, to Tucson. Then onto New Orleans and New York. All by train, and most of it somewhat bead related at least. Might also spend one or two days in San Diego.

It will be interesting to see what the new owner has been up to with the Grant/Rodeway show.

Some other interesting changes going on:
The tram that they were building is up and running now. For those using the shuttles, it will make it a lot easier to also get to see some other parts of town. Also for those driving. The university area and 4th avenue are great places, but often after a long day at the shows, it can be a bit of a hassle to get there or to park there. The tram has one or more stops at the I10 shows, the convention center and goes along 4th avenue to University.

The Holidome will move into the Gem Mall area. Not quite sure how they are going to set up, but it will be different than last year. They do still have seperate dates yet, with the Holidome starting later. For those who, like me, like the Gem Mall, but not really the hectic atmosphere of the Holidome, it maye be wise to go to the Gem Mall on the days before the Holidome opens.

There will be a new show, geared towards glass and lampworking. Some big names in the lampworking world seem to be involved, and it is shaping up to be very interesting. It is called the Tucson Glass art and bead festival. It will run form Feb 3 to 7, at a venue not too far from the Gem Mall.

Also, Rosanna suggested we have a bead study session or so in Tucson. Perhaps at the Grant Inn, outdoor with lots of light, where people can bring their mystery beads, ask questions, etc. I wouldn't be suprised if the lawn right on from of Danny's room would be a good place for it......

Floor,
Suzi and I have been busy with things regarding this years Tucson since shortly after last years show was over. The new owners of the hotel seem to be doing their best to up grade the hotel they even renamed it ” The Grand Lux Hotel and Resort”, I think the resort part is a bit much but perhaps this is because they painted the bottom of the swimming pool. I have attached an image from their website for the hotel.

I have talked with Suzi regarding having a gathering one night and even threatened bringing my “smoker” down for slow cooked beef pork and chicken, don’t think this will happen as there is not much room in my trailer. I would like to do something one evening with at the minimum of various “finger foods”.

The promoter of our show has worked out an agreement with the people that run the “Gem Mall” and he will have a shuttle the runs back and forth between the two venues every half hour. I am in hope this brings more people to our show.

I know that Thomas “Tasart” has been very busy promoting his venue at the show and has put together a very nice website with information an all of the vendors in their ballroom. Here is a link to the site.
http://www.ethnographicgroup.com/

Looking forward to seeing all those that can make it to the show this year.

All my best ......... Danny

Danny, I will bring my pellet smoker and there is a Costco nearby for great meat and veggies we can smoke in 3 hours or less.
Alan

Alan,
That is great to hear, I planned on buying the goodies at Costco because they have the best of the best.

Your smoker must be high tech, I have an old school one (image below) that I converted to use propane for slow cooking, I wrap all of the meat in foil slow cook it for around 8 hrs at 250-275, I then pop open the foil place some wood on the edge of the open flame then slow smoke for about 2 hrs.

I think I will take a look at the pellet smokers.

Look forward to all of us getting together.

All my best ........ Danny

Danny, I will bring my pellet smoker and there is a Costco nearby for great meat and veggies we can smoke in 3 hours or less.
Alan

I have to stop collecting in order to save enough money to get there next year! But, its always so nice to hear all of your stories & see all those great pictures.
Do let me know if there is anything happening in the NY area... I'm always so surprised that for such a city with the huge amount of creative people that there are no similar shows anymore. Oh well....WIll have to live through all of you! Lynne

It gets dark early in February but maybe we can find a suitable outdoor venue for an after-show gathering.

And Floor had a good idea about meeting on the lawn near Danny's room at the Grant Inn for a show & tell. Either there or outside the Ballroom where the Ethnography bead people are set up. I will volunteer to find out about borrowing a few tables & chairs. May I suggest Monday Feb. 2 at 1 PM to do this - that will avoid the weekend feeding frenzy where all of us will be rushing around to the main venues (for the first pass at least!).

They may have a new pool, but I can't tell whether they have a new couch in the lobby! Overall, it looks as if things have improved.

http://www.grandluxehotelresort.com/

Just wondering if Thomas and Danny could inform us. The show promotor's site asks for buyer registration with tax ID and resale license. It also asks for 'professional attire'......whatever that may be at a gem show...... ;-)

I know that when the Grant was part of the G&LW shows, it was wholesale only. Are they returning to that?

I read that this show was open to the public, on the bottom of the Show page of www.ethnographygroup.com.

Floor,
I made it a point in my communications with the new promoter to keep this venue open to the public. I think the registration is for the metal building in the back. You always have had to register for this part of the venue.

Regarding our gathering, I think the patio area by Thomas would be best, I am sure the hotel or promoter will gladly provide tables. Rosanna said something about having the gathering in the afternoon. This won't work for us vendors, if we do it right after the show is over for the day (6:00) the weather permitting it should be fine. I assume they have pretty good lighting in the patio area.

Joyce, they have done a pretty good job on the exterior of the building but when you look at the room image it seems they have done nothing there yet. I am expecting the toilet paper holder to still be hanging by one screw in our room.

All my best .......... Danny

Hi Danny,

Hoping the drains are all good so you aren't standing in stagnant water in the shower!

Much as we jab at it, partly it's in fun, because many a fine show has been at that location...it still is a mighty pleasant place for a show, we hope it keeps on coming back!