GIA Has Lots to Offer at Tucson

The Tucson Gem and Mineral shows are just around the corner and that means thousands of gem enthusiasts will soon gather for the biggest colored stone event of the year. As always, various areas of GIA will be represented.

Want to brush up on your gemological education? The Institute will offer several Extension classes and seminars. You will also find GIA booths at the AGTA and GJX shows in Tucson, and at the JCK Show in Phoenix. GIA students are welcome at the AGTA Show with proof of course completion.

The GIA Alumni Association’s Dance Party and Industry Awards Presentation will be in full swing again for the Silent and Live auctions Feb. 6. More than 25 items, ranging from jewelry to gift baskets, have been donated so far for the auction. The Association is challenging all Alumni chapters to donate items that will help raise money. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Alumni Endowment Fund.

And if the Dance Party isn’t enough networking for you, the Association is also hosting an Alumni Breakfast Feb. 8. It is open to all alumni and members of the industry who want to hear the latest news from the Alumni Committees.

Whether you’re there to further your education, buy, or just to have a good time, here’s a guide to Tucson and Phoenix 2004.

GIA Extension Classes
  AGTA GemFair
  Tucson Convention Center
     
      Diamond Grading
      Feb. 2–6, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. – Coconino Room

      Advanced Gemology: Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald
      Feb. 7, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. – Coconino Room 
      To enroll, call (800) 421-7250 ext. 4001 

Free GIA Seminars
  AGTA GemFair
  Tucson Convention Center 
  
      GIA Research Update
      Feb. 7, 9 a.m.–10 a.m. – Mohave Room

      Then and Now: Jewelry circa 1900 and 2000
      Feb. 7, 9 a.m.–10 a.m. – Mohave Room

      Gems & Gemology 2003 RE-CAP
      Alice Keller, G&G editor-in-chief
      Andy Lucas, GIA product manager
      Feb. 8, 9 a.m.–11 a.m. – Coconino Room

      Business for Jewelers 
      Ed Balian, Ph.D, consultant, GIA School of Business
      Feb. 8, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. – Coconino Room

  Catalog in Motion
  Tucson Hilton East
  
      Counter Sketching — Free   
      Feb. 9, 2–3:30 p.m. 

  JCK Phoenix
  Phoenix Civic Plaza
  
      Got Cash? An 18-month Cash Flow Strategy
      Ed Balian, Ph.D, consultant, GIA School of Business
      Feb. 6, 10:30 a.m.–Noon

      CEO Forum: Perspectives on the Industry
      Russ Shor, GIA senior industry analyst
      Ken Gassman, Tiffany Shlain and others
      Feb. 6, 12:30–4 p.m., extended session

GIA Exhibits
  Tucson
     AGTA GemFair
       Main Booth
       Feb. 4–9, Convention Center, Galleria Level
       Collection Booth
       Gem Hall #1701

     GJX Show
       Feb. 5–10, 198 S. Granada Ave.
       Booth 218/318

     Rio Grande Catalog in Motion
       Feb. 6–9, Tucson Hilton East

 JCK Phoenix
      Feb. 7–9, Phoenix Civic Plaza, Booth 201 

GIA Events
Tucson Dance Party – GIA Goes Hollywood!
 Marriott University Park, 880 E. 2nd Street
   
   Feb. 6
   7 p.m., Silent Auction
   7:30 p.m., Industry Awards Presentation
   8:15 p.m., Buffet Dinner
   8:50 p.m., Live Auction, announcement of the first two Richard T. Liddicoat Scholarship Award
                    winners. Sponsored by K.R. Gems & Diamonds and Platinum Guild International
   
   Early registration: $25. After Jan. 27: $30
   To make a reservation, call (760) 603-4204 or e-mail: events@gia.edu
   To donate items for the auction, call (760) 603-4145 Or e-mail: rmckenna@gia.edu


GIA Alumni Breakfast
Tucson Convention Center, Crystal Ballroom
   Feb. 8, 7:30–9 a.m.
   To reserve a seat, call (760) 603-4255 or e-mail: events@gia.edu
   Cost is free with a suggested donation of $10 per person for the GIA Alumni Endowment Fund
   Please make your reservation by Jan. 30.