There are 40 venues so unless you stay there for 3 weeks you can't possible visit them all. Even then I wonder if you could!
The main ones for Venetian Trade Beads are:
GIGM Grant Inn, runs 30 Jan - 11 Feb
African Art Village, runs 31 Jan - 15 Feb
G&LW Gem Mall, runs 31 Jan - 13 Feb
Note that Gem Mall is a wholesale show so you have to register as a wholesale buyer with a re-sale license, and I strongly urge you to do this ahead of time since the registration lines are long. If you don't have any way to get in under your own license, maybe some forum member can get you in on a guest pass.
Other shows that have a few Venetian beads to be seen here & there, and otherwise are interesting shows I'd recommend:
Howard Johnson
Pueblo
Rapa River
To Bead True Blue
And, for the first time the Holidome is starting on Jan. 31, just adjacent to Gem Mall, so I'm planning to check it out also.
Check out GemShowCentral.com for more details such as links to the show web pages, shuttle schedules, etc. Plan to be walking 2-4 miles per day, bring a hat & sun protection for days and a warm jacket/sweater for the cool nights, and join the fun!
This show is now called "The Gem and Jewelry Show on Grant" The hotel is not the Grant Inn any more. I have attached our ad for the show and am putting the link for the show website.
http://srgjshows.com/upcoming-events/
All my best ......... Danny
I have visited all shows, but there are many that are of no interest to bead collectors.
Completely agree with Rosanna on the recommendations. If you are also looking for other stuff, like stone beads, beading supplies, lampwork, some other shows might also interest you.
Let me know if you are looking for something specific, let me know and I will try to point you in the the right direction.
Why did I visit all shows? Because I was writing a book about the show. In it you can find interviews with lots of interesting bead people, rock people, etc. Also, you will find some advice on do's and don'ts, transport, etc.
You can download it for free on my website.
Thank you Rosanna. I Appreciate the info. I hope to get down and take a look. I'll try to hit the 3 shows you recommended. Julie j
There's nothing like it...
