(PRESS RELEASE) DENVER, CO — The third edition of the Hardrock Summit, held in Denver from September 15-18, 2023, concluded with over 1,000 trade visitors and nearly 6,000 total visitors attending the show. The event attracted a diverse audience, including industry professionals and consumers, who were treated to a spectacular showcase of exhibitions, activities and education highlighting fine jewelry, gemstones and mineral specimens. This included participation from members of the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA GemFair™ Denver) and the Denver Gem & Mineral Show (DGMS).
“As a smaller and more regional show, we were pleased with the quality retailers and collectors we met with for both the minerals and gem sectors of our businesses. It was a nice environment to build upon our relationships and make new connections within the industry,” says Carl Larson of Pala International.
“Hardrock Summit is a well-timed show for purchasing colored stones, particularly benefiting retailers ahead of the holiday season. The rising demand in the colored gem market aligns perfectly with this show’s timing and it was good to be part of it,” notes John Bradshaw of John J. Bradshaw.
On display at Hardrock Summit were an array of special exhibits from renowned institutions and private collectors including the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals, New Mexico Bureau of Geology Mineral Museum, Mines Museum of Earth Science, The University of Arizona Alfie Norville Gem, Mineral Museum, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the Jim and Gail Spann Collection, and the Gene Meieran Tourmaline Slices.
In addition to the exhibits, the event offered a series of educational lectures featuring distinguished presenters. These sessions, held throughout the weekend, provided attendees with expert insights, valuable information, and updates on the latest trends in the mineral and gem industries.
The 55th Annual Denver Gem & Mineral Show (DGMS), in partnership with Hardrock Summit, provided a wide range of family-friendly attractions. Attendees had the opportunity to explore minerals from across the globe, view meteorites and ancient fossils, experience the fluorescent room with rocks that illuminated in the dark, gold panning and explore a diverse selection of jewelry and gems. Skilled lapidary artists conducted captivating live cutting and polishing demonstrations.
Announcing Hardrock Summit 2024
Continuing to build on the momentum Hardrock Summit has gained in its’ first 3 years, the event will be moved from the Colorado Convention Center to the upscale venue of The Westin Hotel in Westminster, conveniently located just a few minutes north of Denver. The fourth edition of the Hardrock Summit is scheduled to take place from September 12-15, 2024.
Christoph Keilmann, co-founder of Hardrock Summit, remarked, “We are dedicated to evolving and enhancing the show to meet the demands of our exhibitor partners and the broader jewelry, gem and mineral industries. The Westin Westminster serves as the ideal venue for our 2024 event, elevating this show to new heights and delivering an exceptional experience in a stunning location.”
For further details and updates about Hardrock Summit, please visit here.