This is the second time I have attended a program in Tucson and found it very enjoyable. The Radisson is the quietest hotel I have ever stayed in and I was pleased to find that there were owls in the surrounding trees although we were within the City. There was a bus stop outside the hotel which went to the downtown core. Also an enormous bookstore was across the street. Meals were fine, both in hotel and at other restaurants. I usually arrive a day early for programs as I like to visit art galleries and Tucson has many fine ones. The group also visited the Tucson Art Museum. Visit to the White Stallion Ranch was great although would have liked to stay longer. I chose to fly into Phoenix and take the Arizona Shuttle to Tucson. The hotel shuttle picked me up at their terminal. Linda Rushton was a great coordinator! She is well organized and has a good sense of humour. The speakers were very interesting and covered a variety of topics, mostly pertaining to gems and minerals. Highlight of the trip for some of us was a visit to Nogales to hear the wonderful Apache Mariachi high school band.

Instructors:
Bonita Chamberlin: excellent on her experiences in Afghanistan and Gems and Minerals. Friday talk on Birthstones not so great -- time not well used.
Helen Serras-Herman: excellent on her work. Enjoyed a followup at the show.
Others not too great.

Radisson Suites: Location an issue -- too far from anything except for pricey cab. Suite and amenities fine and meals generally good. Shuttle not available for airport return, thus pricey cab ride.

Meals:
El Charro excellent except for outdoor heat not regulated. Inside would have been better.
Esplendor Resort food very poor.
Others acceptable but not exciting.

Gem Show: 2 sessions somewhat light. At first stop it would have been nice to know where the 'good stuff' was -- found some by accident. Most was more like a swap meet.
Convention Center was excellent -- many things to see and buy.

Tucson Museums: both appropriate to theme and interesting.

Field Trip to Nogales a waste. The mission was interesting -- most of time should have been spent at Tubac.

Hacienda Corona de Guevavi and Degrazia Gallery were interesting.

White Stallion Ranch not really within theme of trip -- maybe replace with free time if in better location to utilize. Felt like a sales pitch.

My basic suggestions would be to locate where a free afternoon could be enjoyed to visit show locations or Tucson galleries and shops.