The Colorado Mineral & Fossil Fall Show, a well-established haven for mineral and fossil collectors, stands out with its exceptional blend of high-quality vendors, educational exhibits, and family-friendly activities. Under Sandra Gonzales' ownership and management, the show has become a pillar of the Denver Gem & Mineral Showcase. The Colorado Mineral & Fossil Fall Show has moved from the Crowne Plaza Hotel near Denver International Airport to a new venue this year. You can now experience the show September 5-9, 2024, at the Denver Marriott Tech Center on South Syracuse Street in South Denver. The new location offers a modern, comfortable, and spacious setting perfect for showcasing the diverse array of minerals, fossils, and gems for which the event is well known.
Passing the Torch: The Changing Faces of The Colorado Mineral & Fossil Shows
The Colorado Mineral & Fossil Fall Show has been running for over thirty years and is deeply rooted in the Denver community. Before Gonzales took the reins, the legendary Martin Zinn expertly ran the annual fall and spring shows for over twenty years. Zinn decided to retire, and Gonzales saw an opportunity to continue the tradition by purchasing the Colorado Mineral & Fossil Fall and Spring Shows in 2015. Gonzales' experience, dedication, and passion have been critical to the continued success of the Colorado Mineral & Fossil Shows.
Gonzales earned an undergraduate degree in Recreational Therapy and worked with both adult and adolescent patients dealing with spinal cord injuries, head trauma, stroke, neurological disorders, and substance abuse. Her passion for organizational excellence and compassion led to a master's degree in Organizational Management, which enabled her to manage hospital departments. This experience has proven incredibly useful in show promotion.
Years later, Gonzales shifted her career focus to her lifelong passion for rocks and minerals. She was once a vendor when she purchased a prominent mineral collection. Gonzales sold off this collection before realizing her passion was promoting mineral and fossil shows. She says she shares her love for minerals, people, and learning through show promotion while indulging in rock-hounding adventures that have yielded incredible finds. Gonzales fully engages in all facets of the gem and mineral show business.
A Diverse Global Market
What sets the Colorado Mineral & Fossil Fall Show apart is its global mix of exhibitors. As Gonzales puts it, "I have dealers from all over the world who have some of the most beautiful minerals, gemstones, and fossils available for purchase." This diverse market includes exhibitors offering everything from rough gemstones to finished jewelry to minerals and fossils, educational exhibits, and talks. The Colorado Mineral & Fossil Fall Show is not just a show but a hub of learning and inspiration. This year, the show will feature two guest speakers: Craig Hazelton, who will discuss "Wyoming Jade: New Information About Our Regional Treasure," and Walt Gaylord, who will speak on "The Geology of the Elmwood Mining Complex." The show is known for its educational demonstrations and exhibits, making it a favorite among families and children.
Education, Community, and Inspiration
Education is a cornerstone of all five successful shows organized by RMGM (Rocky Mountain Gem and Mineral) Promotions*, the event promotion company headed by Gonzales. A highlight of her recent Texas shows was the display of a moon rock on loan from NASA, captivating attendees with this rare and extraordinary piece of space history. The shows often offer jewelry-making classes where participants can create, providing a creative outlet that deepens attendees' appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship of working with gemstones and minerals. Gonzales' shows are more than just mineral and fossil exhibitions. They are a foundation that unites people worldwide, fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment where friendships form and passions are shared.
* With five dynamic shows under her expert guidance—two in Denver (Fall and Spring), two in Texas (Plano and Conroe), and one in Tucson—Gonzales' influence on the mineral and fossil community continues to grow. A dedication to providing quality events, fostering education, and creating memorable experiences for attendees of diverse backgrounds is evident in every aspect of any RMGM Promotions event.
For show information (venue address, contact info, dates, hours, admission, etc.), a list of vendors, photos, and Google-map directions to the show, visit these show profile pages on the Xpo Press website.
Colorado Mineral & Fossil Fall Show
Colorado Mineral & Fossil Spring Show
RMGM Tucson Mineral & Fossil Show