Tucson News Now2012 Tucson Gem Show kick-off event

2012 Tucson Gem Show kick-off event

Tucson, AZ (KOLD) - City of Tucson officials today held a kick-off event for the 2012 Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase.

Mayor Jonathan Rothschild and several other city leaders spoke about the financial impact the show will have on the Tucson economy.

Rothschild estimated the sales tab will near $80 million which will generate $6 million in state a city sales taxes.

The press conference was an opportunity to highlight some of the new features this year, like a 24 hour hotline for anyone needing information.

A vendor who arrives in town at 3 a.m., will have a number to call for help. Visitors who have questions can call 520-622-GEMS for immediate help.

For the next two weeks, nearly 60,000 visitors and of course the thousands of retail vendors and dealers will be here in Tucson.

Another 70,000 Tucson residents are expected to visit the show as well. 

The show officially begins on Saturday and runs thorough February 13.

Those visitors will be busy trying to get to the more than 40 locations all over the city as part of the show.

At today's news conference the city will unveil some of its efforts to work with visitors, vendors and show operators to make this year's show the most successful yet.

As part of those efforts, there is a new website designed for visitors to get to on their mobile devices. It's supposed to help with various parts of the show like parking, locations of shows, dining around town and places to stay. All you have to do is go to tucsonaz.gov/gemshow.

Parking has alwa;ys been an issue.

There's always been adequate parking but finding it has been a problem. A new mobile app and twitter site will help match people with parking spaces.

Security will also be on display.

Assistant Police Chief John Leavitt says there will be more uniformed officers this year which should reassure people that "safety is a main concern."

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