Do you have some questions or comments? Most questions can be answered by looking through the web pages on this site (use the menu buttons on the left).

You can also look through our list of frequently asked questions below. The questions and answers are separated into several different sections. If you don't find an answer to your question, or if you have a comment you would like to share with us, please send us an e-mail. There is contact information in each of the sections and a general Denver Show e-mail address at the end of this page.

General Admissions Accessability Safety/Security School Children Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts Member Clubs and Societies Dealers (Vendors/Sellers)

Exhibitors (Showcases) Fluorescent Room Competitions Publicity Show Merchandise Grants Website

Q: Who puts on the Denver Gem & Mineral Show?
A: Members from eight different clubs and societies in the greater Denver area volunteer to bring you the Denver Show each year. This association of clubs is called the Greater Denver Area Gem & Mineral Council.

Q: How long has the Show been in existence?
A: Each Denver-area club put on their own show back in the 1950's, but soon thereafter (in the early 1960's), the clubs joined forces and created what is now known as the Denver Gem & Mineral Show, the second largest such show in the United States.

Q: The Denver Show is at the "Denver Merchandise Mart". Where is that?
A: The Merchandise Mart is on 58th Avenue in Denver, just east of I-25. A map showing the location of the Merchandise Mart can be found on their website.

Q: What is the name of the Show Hotel and what is the address?
A: Quality Inn North, 401 E. 58th Ave., Denver, CO 80216 USA   Click here for details. There are also other hotels in the area.

Q: I heard there is another show that occurs at the same time as the main Denver Show. Where is the other show and how can I get to it from your show?
A: Yes, there are several other shows in the Denver metro area at the same time as our show. The largest of the other shows is the one that is put on by Martin Zinn Expositions, L.L.C. Please see their website for show information. You can travel between the two shows by FREE shuttle. The shuttles usually depart from the main show's North entrance every 20 minutes or so.

You can see a list of all the other shows on the Jewelry Show Guide's Denver Fall Show Guide website. Our show is listed as the Denver Gem & Mineral Show.

Q: I am a student and am doing some research. I would like to know about some of the financial statistics of the Denver Gem & Mineral Show. Who can I ask about this?
A: Unfortunately, the Show's finances cannot be discussed outside the Show's board members.

Q: Do the dealers/vendors at your show accept credit cards for purchases?
A: This decision is up to each of the dealers themselves. Some of the dealers do accept credit cards, but in past shows, most of the dealers did not. Cash is usually best and some will also accept personal checks. Check with the particular dealer before making your purchase.

Q: Is there an ATM machine at the Denver Merchandise Mart?
A: Yes, there is an ATM machine inside the Mart (immediately to the left after you pass through the main admissions gate). But, if you need to use an ATM machine to purchase your admissions tickets, you will need to use the next nearest ATM machine. One that is nearby is at the liquor store on the south side of 58th Avenue, across the street from the Merchandise Mart. There is another ATM machine at the Diamond Shamrock gas station at 58th Avenue and Broadway (just west of I-25).

Q: Do you have a day-care center for my children while I shop or look at all of the exhibits?
A: No, we don't have a day-care center. All children should stay with their parents or guardian at all times. This is for their safety. (see the "Safety/Security" section below)

Q: How long will it take me to get to the airport?
A: With traffic and airport security considerations, it's difficult to say how long it will take to get to Denver International Airport (DIA). DIA is approximately 20-25 miles east of the Denver Merchandise Mart, so it will take approximately 45 minutes under normal circumstances. Most people will want to plan on at least 2.5 hours total time (vehicle travel and airline check-in) for domestic flights. International flights will take longer, so plan accordingly. When in doubt, contact your airline to get their recommendation.

Q: What transportation is available from the airport to the show?
A: Rental cars, shuttle vans, public transit (buses), and taxicabs are available from the airport. See the DIA Ground Transportation page for details. Neither the Denver Show nor the Denver Merchandise Mart have special transportation to/from the airport.

Q: My mother is curious about what some of the past (and future) themes of your show were (and will be).
A: We now have this information online. Please go to our new Themes page. In addition to past and future themes, future show dates are also given.

Q: I heard that your show is affiliated with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Is that true?
A: Yes, we are an Associate Group of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Q: What is your show's mailing address?
A: Starting in January 2007, our new mailing address is:

    Denver Museum of Nature & Science
    c/o Denver Gem and Mineral Show
    Box 4
    2001 Colorado Blvd.
    Denver, CO 80205

Q: What are the age ranges for your admissions ticket pricing?
A: There are four age ranges:

    Children: 0 - 12 years... FREE! That's right! FREE!
    Teens: 13 - 18 years... $4.00
    Adults: 19 - 64 years... $6.00
    Seniors: 65 - 120+... $4.00

Q: In the past, you have sold a 3-day pass. Do you still sell those and how much are they?
A: Yes, we still sell 3-day passes. The 3-day passes are sold only on Friday and they sell for $15 for adults (a savings of $3) and $10 for seniors/teens (a savings of $2).

Q: There are many shows occurring during the Denver Gem and Mineral Show. What is your admissions ticket good for?
A: The admissions ticket is good for one day at our Show and also the Fossil Show that is located in the Plaza building (the northwest building in the Merchandise Mart complex). If you would like to come again the next day, you will need to purchase another ticket that day.

Q: If I purchase a ticket but need to leave the Show for some reason, can I get back in to the Show later that day?
A: Yes, you can get your hand stamped at either of the main entrances to our Show. When you return to our Show, show the stamp to the people at the gate and they will let you in.

Q: I have a relative who is confined to a wheelchair. Is there enough room in the aisles for her?
A: Yes, we have plenty of room down every aisle.

Q: Does the Merchandise Mart have restrooms that can accomodate handicap people?
A: Yes, the Mart (including the building where our show is located) has restrooms that are handicap accessible.

Q: I can't stand up for long periods of time, but last year I arrived at your show and had to stand in line at the main entrance for a long time. Do you have another entrance?
A: Yes, the north entrance (which is close to the Fossil Show) usually has a much shorter line, so you might want to try that entrance.

Q: Does the Merchandise Mart have handicap parking spaces?
A: Yes, the Mart has numerous handicap parking spaces near the entrances, especially at the south (main) entrance to the Expo building.

Q: Do you or the Mart have wheelchairs that can be used by patrons?
A: We do not have any, but the Mart has a few. But they are often already being used by others and they cannot be reserved, so it's best if you bring your own.

Q: What kind of security does your show have?
A: Not only do we pride ourselves on having a fun and educational Show every year, but we also go to great lengths to make sure it is safe for you, your family and everyone else involved. Therefore, we have a full complement of volunteer security staff (who wear orange vests with the word "Security"), as well as uniformed, professional security personnel. And starting this year, a few uniformed Adams County Deputy Sheriff will be on duty all three days during showtimes. Security is on-site the entire show from set-up to take-down, including guards during the night.

Q: What if my child becomes lost?
A: All children should stay with their parents or guardian at all times. This is for their safety. But, in the event that your child does become lost, contact one of the Security staff members IMMEDIATELY. Additionally, volunteer workers at the show can also help you.

Q: I have a class of students and I would like to take them on a field trip to the Denver Gem & Mineral Show. Who should I contact to make arrangements?
A: Every year we have approximately 1500 students visit our Show on Friday morning. Please contact our Schools Coordinator to make arrangements. Reservation forms are mailed to schools in March. Because only 1500 students may attend the show during this special "school field trip" time slot, please contact us as soon as possible. No other reservations will be accepted after the 1500 student limit has been reached. The Schools Coordinator can be contacted via e-mail: Judy Knoshaug

Q: I have a group of girl scouts (or boy scouts) and we are wondering if you are still allowing us to attend your show. Who should I contact to make arrangements?
A: Of course! For many years we have welcomed girl scouts and boy scouts at our show, and this year we will continue this tradition. Please contact our Scouts Coordinator via e-mail to make arrangements: Judy Knoshaug
Please download one of the following flyers as it will have much of the information you are looking for: Girl Scouts Flyer or Boy Scouts Flyer (both are Adobe PDF files)

Q: How can I become a member of one of the clubs or societies that sponsor your Show each year?
A: You can become a member of one or more of the clubs or societies by going to their website and contacting them directly. We have a list of the clubs on Our Clubs page. If the one you want to join does not have a website, or if you don't know which one is closest to you, please contact us via e-mail and we will try to help you as best as we can: General Show E-mail

Q: What are some of the major events that your member clubs and societies will be holding this year?
A: Please see our Club Events page for information and links.

Q: How many dealers will there be at your next Show?
A: Each year is different, so it's hard to say, but you can get a good idea of the number that will be at our next Show by looking at the dealer list on our Dealers page. We usually have around 120 at our Show each year.

Q: What kind of dealers do you have at your show?
A: We have a multitude of dealers every year. There are retail-only, wholesale-only, both retail and wholesale, and International dealers. The various types of items they sell include: minerals, fossils, jewelry, beads, carvings, geodes, magazines and books, rockhounding and lapidary supplies, etc. There are too many categories to list here!

Q: What is required to register for the wholesale area?
A: The show committee no longer requires registration for wholesale buyers. However, you should have business cards and copies of your resale (sales tax) license with you for individual dealers. Many dealers will offer wholesale pricing for quantity purchases, but please don't expect a wholesale price when you purchase just a few items.

Q: I would like to be a dealer at your show. Who should I contact?
A: Please contact our Dealer Chairperson via e-mail: Katherine Brannan

Q: What kinds of exhibits can I see at the show?
A: You will see all kinds of rock, mineral, gem and fossil exhibits at the show. Some are created by individuals; others are created by clubs, businesses and many are created by museums!

Q: I would like to be an exhibitor (either as a private individual or a museum). Who should I talk to?
A: There may be a waiting list for exhibitors, so please contact our Special Exhibits Chairperson as soon as you can. The Special Exhibits Chairperson can be contacted via e-mail: Martin Hannu  Please also take a look at our Exhibitors page.

Q: I am an exhibitor and I need to ship my specimens and equipment to and from the Show. Do you have a secure mailing address?
A: Yes, we do. Please contact our Special Exhibits Chairperson via e-mail: Martin Hannu

Q: I would like to be a competition exhibitor. Who should I talk to?
A: Please see the Competition section below.

Q: What is the "Glow Down" and when is it?
A: The "Glow Down" is a kind of informal competition where fluorescent specimens are chosen to be included in the Show's Fluorescent Room displays. It occurs in the main fluorescent room on Wednesday before the Show, usually starting at noon. Those attending will need to stop at the volunteer check-in area, as per normal procedure for the show.

Q: I have other questions about the fluorescent room. Who should I contact?
A: Please contact Richard Kerr or Bruce Geller with any questions or comments that you may have. They are the Fluorescent Room chairpersons.

Q: How many competition categories are there at the Denver Gem & Mineral Show?
A: There are several main categories and many sub-categories for competition at the Show.

Q: I would like to compete in one of the competition categories at the Show this year. Where can I get an entry form?
A: Please contact our Judging Chairperson via e-mail: Larry Havens

Q: What are the rules and judging criteria for each of the competitions?
A: Please take a look at our Competitions page. It has all of the rules and judging criteria for all of the competitions. The entry forms mentioned above will also have all of the rules and judging criteria.

Q: I would like to help publicize this year's Denver Gem & Mineral Show. Who should I contact?
A: We would be happy to have some help with publicity. Please contact our Publicity Chairperson via e-mail: Guy DiTorrice

Q: Who creates the Denver Gem & Mineral Show's show program?
A: Starting in 2010, Exclaim Media Group is creating our show program. EMG is the sole company responsible for selling advertising in the program. Their contact info is: Brent Beemer, Director of Sales & Marketing, bbeemer@exclaimmediagroup.com, (913) 486-1442

Q: I am a collector of show pins and/or posters. Do you have either of these for sale?
A: Yes, we have Show pins and posters going as far back as 1987. Take a look at our Merchandise page. Please notice that merchandise can only be purchased at the show. Online sales are NOT currently available.

Q: Can you tell me about the grants that your Show gives out each year?
A: Please take a look at our Grants Application page. All relevant information is contained within the application.

Q: Which technologies does this website use?
A: Our website uses HTML, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and a little bit of JavaScript. We try to keep it as simple as possible so it will be compatible with as many web browsers as possible.

Q: I am having problems with your website. Which web browsers does it work with?
A: Most of the newer versions of the major web browsers (e.g. Internet Explorer 4.0 and newer; Firefox 2.0 and newer; Netscape 4.0 and newer) should be compatible with our website. Other web browsers (e.g. Mosaic and Opera) should also be compatible with our website, although we were not able to test it with all web browsers and their versions.

If you still have questions or comments that were not answered in any of the sections above, or on our other web pages, please contact us via e-mail and we will get back to you as soon as possible: info@denvermineralshow.com

 

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