Last week, staff from both BeadStyle and Bead&Button returned from the Tucson gem and mineral shows. Though I didn’t get to go, all the sharing of stories and purchases has gotten me excited for the Bead&Button Show, June 1–8, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

You may have read the “Bead&Button Show guide” in our March 2008 issue, which includes a show schedule and survival checklist. For even more information (and we’re talking lots and LOTS of information), check out the show Web site, www.beadandbuttonshow.com. In addition to registering for classes, the Web site allows you to do some pretty awesome things:

1)    Look up pictures and bios of your teachers, including our very own Naomi Fujimoto
2)    Preorder souvenirs (they go fast, so we really do recommend you preorder!)
3)    Plan which restaurants you want to eat at while you’re in town
4)    Make a beeline for your favorite vendor (if you know their booth number) by viewing the 2008 floor plan

Now, an admission: This year will be my first time at the Bead&Button Show, or any bead show for that matter. In light of that, I’d love to hear stories and advice from anyone who has attended! What should I (and other beaders) know before going to the show?