AGTA GemFair buyer traffic up 3 percent

A total of 8,882 unique buyers attended the event, according to the AGTA, which was up from the 8,601 that attended the prior year.

The number of unique companies attending GemFair was also up, increasing 4 percent from 2013 for a total of 5,303 this year.

Held Feb.  4 to 9 at the Tucson Convention Center, this year’s GemFair included several new events that helped contribute to its success, according to AGTA. 

The CAD Design Studio on the GemHall floor offered designers the chance to bring their designs to life with a CAD drawing and a wax model for casting. The AGTA also partnered with the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) to hold the first Coyote Classic 5K charity run.

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Additionally, AGTA brought back the Tools, Technology and Supplies pavilion, covering all aspects of jewelry manufacturing and repair. The pavilion also held the MJSA “At the Bench Live” sessions two times per day, which ranged in topics from working with currently fashionable gemstones and metals to new setting techniques.

The return of the daily drawing was also a hit, AGTA said, where every day one buyer won $1,000 to $2,000 to spend on the show floor.

“The AGTA GemFair was remarkable this year,” said AGTA CEO Doug Hucker. “Attendance was up and sales were better than ever. Exhibitors and buyers were thrilled with the show and the positive energy was felt by all.”

The 2015 AGTA GemFair Tucson will be held Feb. 3 to 8. More information can be found on the AGTA website.