Denver, the Mile-High City, has always had a rich history of attracting explorers, adventurers, and dreamers. In the world of gems and minerals, that spirit of discovery is alive and well, especially at HardRock Summit. Launched in 2021, the show emerged during a time of uncertainty, shortly after the world began recovering from the pandemic. Despite the challenges, the Summit established itself as a cornerstone event for the Denver Gem & Mineral Showcase community.
Now in its fourth year, HardRock Summit has grown significantly in size and scope. Originally held at the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver, the event has since moved to the more upscale Westin Hotel in Westminster, a northwest suburb of Denver. With over eighty thousand square feet of exhibit space, this new venue offers expanded displays, including an outdoor section dedicated to wholesale minerals, fossils, and jewelry. The hotel’s convenient location, featuring plenty of free parking, makes attending hassle-free. This year, the Summit spans nine days for wholesale shopping (September 7-15) and four days for retail (September 12-15), giving visitors ample time to explore the stunning world of gems and minerals.
The Guys Behind HardRock Summit
The visionaries behind HardRock Summit are two industry veterans: Christoph Keilmann and Wolter Mehring. Christoph’s background is steeped in family tradition, with his father founding the Munich Show, Europe’s largest gem and mineral exhibition. Christoph has continued to grow that legacy for over sixty years. Wolter, on the other hand, brings his expertise from managing the Pueblo Gem & Mineral Show in Tucson, one of the most well-known shows in the world. Their combined knowledge and passion, fueled by their long-standing friendship, sparked the creation of HardRock Summit. Now, their vision has come to life, offering an unparalleled experience that continues to evolve each year.
A Top-Notch Gem and Mineral Experience for All Ages
HardRock Summit stands out by bringing together high-end mineral specimens, gems, and jewelry in one event, appealing to everyone from serious collectors to casual enthusiasts and families. Collaboration with the Denver Gem & Mineral Society Show infuses a wealth of knowledge, tradition, and passion into the event, creating a vibrant atmosphere for seasoned experts and those new to the world of gems and minerals.
The Summit is more than just a marketplace. Supported by the Denver Gem & Mineral Society Show, it offers interactive experiences such as gem identification workshops, jewelry-making demonstrations, fossil talks, and expert lectures. There are also educational activities designed to inspire children, encouraging future gem and mineral enthusiasts.
An Impressive Array of Vendors and Exhibits
HardRock Summit is known for its diverse range of vendors from around the world. International dealers showcase top-quality mineral specimens, stunning gemstones, and handcrafted jewelry. The event isn't just about buying—there's a strong focus on education and exploration. Special exhibits, also in collaboration with the Denver Gem & Mineral Society Show, provide rare opportunities to see unique minerals and gemstones from private collections and museums worldwide.
One of the highlights this year is the exhibit focusing on “Mineral Oddities.” This special display showcases some of the strangest and most fascinating finds in the mineral world. Exhibits like these make HardRock Summit a truly unique event, sparking curiosity about the natural world and its hidden treasures.
A Celebration of Gems and Minerals
In just four years, HardRock Summit has grown into a premier event for gem and mineral enthusiasts. Whether you’re hunting for a rare gem, learning about the wonders of the earth, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, HardRock Summit is more than just a show; it’s a journey through the natural world’s most stunning creations.
For more information about HardRock Summit (venue address, contact info, dates, hours, admission, etc.), a list of vendors, photos, and Google-map directions to the show, visit Hard Rock Summit profile page on the Xpo Press website.
