[Caitlin]

Hi E
Traffic is usually really bad here during the shows, but people from LA, for instance, don't think it is so bad.

There are free shuttles between most of the shows which are spread out all over town. They run hourly or so and can be inconvenient and also leave you out in the weather if it is not nice.

It is usually nice weather here in Feb, though. There is parking at the dowtown show for $4, first come first served. there is also parking at most of the other big shows, some paid, some not.

One of my favorites is to park at the huge free parking near the Holidome complex in the G&LW show. That show is mostly commercial pearls, findings and gemstone beads so not everyone loves it, but it where I do most of my buying. Then take the shuttle from there.

I like to get to the Community Center early in the AM on the day of Strack's lecture (Sat Feb. 9 at 9AM) and park there at least one day while I do the AGTA and the GJX.

Dinner is the biggest problem, especially if you want a sit down place. I don't have any advice for that, except many of the hotels have restuarants....

The Starr Pass Marriott has free parking down a ways, then a free shuttle up to the hotel. We had dinner there last year. It was OK.

I know this is just a beginning, so ask away-if I know I'll answer.