GemFair sees slight attendance dip

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GemFair sees slight attendance dip

February 27, 2007

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Dallas—The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) reported attendance was down 3 percent at this year's AGTA GemFair, a six-day event in Tucson, Ariz., that concluded Feb. 5, but added that those who attended actively sought out the stronger profit margins that colored gemstones and pearls offer.

Similar to the trends observed at the AGTA Spectrum Awards last fall, the best-selling colored gemstones at this year's GemFair continued to be of the blue, green and pink variety, the AGTA said in a press release issued on Monday. The AGTA also said that prices remained strong for the "big three" precious gemstones: sapphire, ruby and emerald.

"Once again, for anyone who's passionate about gemstones, the GemFair Tucson experience is unlike any other," AGTA Chief Executive Officer Douglas Hucker said in a statement. "While we saw a decline of 3 percent in our attendance, we still had 9,900 buyers representing 6,675 companies. Our new Colored Diamond Pavilion was very well received, and the buyers in attendance were here with a purpose. Overall, people felt they did well at the show, and we hope this kind of performance reflects positively on the business climate for the coming year."

The seminar program, which offered more than 40 classes, drew 1,074 people attending the free sessions. Among the offerings were practical bench techniques, effective sales and marketing strategies, financial management and important trends affecting the industry.

At the AGTA Dinner Dance and Awards Gala, sponsored by Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co. and held on Saturday, Feb. 3, the 2007 Spectrum Awards winners were honored with a presentation and video featuring the winning designs. Some 400 guests enjoyed food, cocktails and live entertainment (sponsored by the Diamond Council of America) from RCA recording artist Andy Childs.

Next year's AGTA GemFair will be held once again at the Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, Ariz., from Feb. 6-11. Information about the show will soon be available on the AGTA Web site, AGTA.org.

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