DrRoy,
DW & I have been attending the various Tucson Gem & Mineral shows since the early 90s (we live there duh
). I can offer a few comments in addition to the ones above.
1. Presuming you don't have a tax ID tied to a Gem/Lapidary business, plan on skipping the wholesale only shows. The shows open to the public will have wholesale discounts (Keystone to dealers) but that's no biggy. DW used to be in the trade but now we skip the wholesale racket.
2. One show per day, give yourselves some time. I would pack a lunch & water. Many of the shows have a "Food Court" which consists of a bunch of gut trucks. If you watch the food prep you'll take my advice. If you want more than one venue per day there is a free shuttle (get the show books at the airport or at the 1st show you attend, or at your hotel).
3. Remember this is High Season in AZ and this will be one big zona tourista experience. It's also snowbird season. So be patient. It's also pickpocket heaven, so pin your valuables in your front pocket. If you pause for a while and observe the crowds you can watch them work. Dress like a local (VERY informal) and you'll blend right in. Also, people pack heat here so don't let that bother you.
4. Depending on your interests, if you've ever wondered where all the flea market /craft show venders get their bling its here. Nothing wrong with that but soon one venue will look like another. You will meet people from all over the world.
5. Our faves; well we've narrowed it down since DW finds it much easier to purchase on-line for her lapidary needs. We skip the "Big Show" at the convention center, once was enough. The KINO/TEP venue is worth attending. It's bloated out over the years and quite frankly the only things we've bought there the past few years are the tie dye stuff from the hippies from Oregon. We still browse all day and there is a lot to see. The Venues along the interstate frontage road from Congress St to 22nd St are great. You can see them all in one day if you park midway in a paid lot, there's only 1/2 mile walk in either direction. I'd also recommend the American Indian Fine Arts Show if you want to meet the artists from the various nations. Also, Kents Tools is nearby if you need lapidary tools/supplies.
6. Wear a big hat & drink plenty of bottled water, it's super dry and the weather may vary. Park early or you may be out of luck. Ignore the panhandlers and be amazed at all the homeless ( I think they migrate here in the winter).
Sorry for the long wind but I'd thought I'd make a few comments.
HTH
_B