Navigating the Showcase: The Tucson Gem Show Apps
Because the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase consists of over 50 independent venues spread across the city, utilizing a digital guide is highly recommended. Currently, there are two primary applications available to assist attendees.
One is the Official Tucson Gem Show Guide (best for general navigation), and the other is the Tucson Gem Show – Xpo Press (best for finding specific vendors). Both applications are free to download.
*Buyer Tip: While these apps provide valuable directories, user reviews indicate occasional technical glitches. We strongly advise using them in conjunction with their official website counterparts or printed guides for the most reliable experience.
1. Official Tucson Gem Show Guide App
The Official Tucson Gem Show Guide is designed to provide broad logistical information. It includes a comprehensive list of show dates, shuttle routes (GemRide), maps, dining options, and transportation contacts.
If you are visiting Tucson for the first time, this app is a helpful starting point for understanding the layout of the city and the overall schedule. However, please note that it does not offer a detailed, searchable database of individual vendors or specific products.
Source: App Store Preview
User Feedback & Reviews
While the concept is excellent, some users have reported stability issues. Here is a snapshot of historical feedback from the App Store to set realistic expectations:
- “Multiple issues with correct address locations … the map took us to 2 totally wrong areas…” – lightsout931
- “I click on the Shows tab and see all of the shows listed for maybe 2 seconds before they all disappear.” – BlueSilver
- “Crashes as soon as I open it. Useless. Please fix ASAP.” – Bird lover forever
Source: App Store Preview
Download Information
Note: This specific app is currently available only on the Apple App Store for iOS devices.
If you experience crashes, we highly recommend using their mobile-friendly website version instead.
2. Tucson Gem Show – Xpo Press App
Produced by Xpo Press, this application is tailored more toward the professional buyer. Its primary strength lies in its search functionality, allowing users to look up specific shows, individual vendors, and detailed floor plans.
If you are looking for a specific type of merchandise (e.g., Ethiopian Opals or Moroccan Fossils), this app attempts to let you search by product category to locate the exact booth numbers.
Source: Google Play
User Feedback & Reviews
Similar to the official guide, the Xpo Press app has faced criticism regarding its search accuracy and usability. Some historical reviews include:
- “This App is not very useful for searching Tucson gem show info.” – Jessica Elkins / Stephen Hwang
- “Pretty lame, stick with the printed guide” – Jake C
- “Search for product didn’t work… whole reason why i downloaded it. Hope that gets fixed…” – anand sahaja
Source: Google Play
Download Information
The Xpo Press application is available for both iOS and Android users.
Recommended Resources for Planning Your Trip
Since the apps can sometimes be unreliable, we recommend thoroughly preparing your logistics before arriving in Tucson. Check out our comprehensive guides below: