Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2005 12:22 pm Posts: 21602 Location: San Francisco
I just booked my room at Marriott Tucson University Park. Same place I stayed last year. Feb 7-11. They were booked on the 6th.
Now, I'm rethinking.....an Airbnb might be a better option.
So, what's going on?
AGA: On the 6th:
Latest Gem Research Highlights Gemstone Paternity Test - Daniel Nyfeler
The cutting-edge technology behind gemstone traceability will be explained by Daniel Nyfeler, Managing Director of Gübelin Laboratory, Switzerland. Nyfeler will share the lab's program to identify the history of gem materials combining DNA tagging and blockchain accountability. Initiated with emeralds in partnership with Gemfields, the "Provenance Proof Initiative" brings the discussion of industry transparency to the forefront. Our Newest Emerald Source - Jeffery Bergman
Jeffrey Bergman, founder and director of Primagem, Thailand will report on the state of the emerging Ethiopian emerald production. Mr. Bergman is a key participant in this market and will discuss deposits, qualities, identifying characteristics, treatments and projections for future production and their distribution channels. Pearls of the New World & Beyond - Gina Latendresse
Gina Latandresse, Tennessee, US, grew up in the American freshwater pearl business and is now one of the world's leading authorities on U.S. as well as exotic natural pearls. She will trace the origins of a market that captivated Europe hundreds of years ago and continues to be a vibrant industry niche as well as supply nucleus material to the Tahitian pearl market. Attributes of other natural pearls, including conch, Baja, Melo and Quahog will be examined as well as some telltale signs of when a pearl was cultured. An In-depth Look at Tourmaline - Dr. Claudio Milisenda
A complex group with stunning color variation and marketing possibilities will be explored by Dr. Claudio Milisenda, Managing Director of the German Foundation for Gemological Research (DSFF), Germany. Dr. Milisenda will cover the varieties and qualities of tourmaline at market, discuss origin factors and treatments now encountered in the laboratory.
Gem Treatments & Their Influence on the Market - Dr. Çiğdem Lüle Two workshops will be available as well as the main room presentation by Dr. Çiğdem Lüle on gem treatments and their influence on the market. Dr. Lüle, founder of Kybele, Inc., specializing in gemological research and training was the 2016 Bonanno Award recipient
And, looks like I am missing the AGA Gala that night. Auch well.
Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2005 12:22 pm Posts: 21602 Location: San Francisco
I'm cancelling the Marriott.
Booked an Airbnb so I can attend the days I want Feb. 5-9. You all should check out the Airbnbs while there are still some spots available.
The Marriott with the AGA discount was $199/night + $24/day parking.
My new spot is a smart looking abode, private entrance, close to the city center, full kitchen, scenic views, in a gated community for $65/ with garage included.
Joined: Thu Jan 24, 2008 4:01 pm Posts: 1902 Location: Pine City, NY and Dothan, AL
Last year I got an Airbnb for $30/night. Simple, one room, street parking. Not fancy, but I spent 12-14 hours a day at the shows or the Faceter's Frolic. All I needed was a comfortable place to sleep. I would definitely do it again.
I'll be there with the whole family. I have so much back stock now I'm going to have to aim for a lower budget but it should still be a great time.
We should probably shake out the dinner venue early so we can get the reservations. El Charro is an amazing restaurant but the past couple years we did have a few issues with it (super crowded, very noisy, many orders wrong and poor service). That could probably be its own thread too.
Comment about El Charro - Yes, last time (2 years ago) they put us in the basement, where it was extremely crowded (no room to get out to the bathroom as the table was too big for the room.) Additionally it was hard to talk with people across the table, and you were left only talking to the people on either side of you. Getting the orders wrong (and it taking SO long to get the food) didn't help any. No ambiance in the basement either - just a small room with a big table. The problem was probably that we had so many of us.
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