RitzyToo! December-January | Page 9

For most, Tucson is where it all begins. After all, for many enthusiasts, it is a warmer climate with more sunshine than many parts of the country, and when you combine that natural fact with the allure of new beads, findings, and many other treasures, together with reseller opportunities to make truly sensational buys, Tuscon becomes an irresistible ‘save the date’! Best Bead Show is a high energy event that, for many, signals the beginning of a series of extravaganzas held in every corner of the country, throughout the year. Best Bead Show and its affiliated company, Bead and Mercantile Show, together, produce some 18 shows total. So, no matter which location is most convenient for you, with a little planning you too will be able to attend the Best Bead Show of your choice! to catch John Iannucci from Best Bead Show when he actually has a few moments to share. John was kind enough to afford RitzyToo enough time for a quick interview, right after ‘Black Friday’, that we are excited to share with you here! Q 1. I know that you chose your bead show name, Best Bead Show, carefully, John, and that you make every effort to live up to the reputation! Please explain what makes Best Bead Show stand out from the rest. How long have you been in the bead industry? How many bead shows have you directed over the years? for new clients and catching up with current customers. What makes us stand out from the rest is is all part of the tag line in our ads, “Integrity Continued” which is about the way we at BBS, interact with our customers-- meaning the exhibitors, instructors, buyers and students-never misleading or overpromising. We are very straight forward with our dealings and have a rare trust from those who do business with us because we are not “sales people,” we are “people people.” And our exhibitors are valued both by BBS and buyers because they are varied in product, from large selection hand-made artisan work to direct importers from overseas, but with each experience, you know with whom and what you are involved. I started in the Bead business selling listings for a tucson publication part-time, then working full time selling ads in magazines, then eventually doing everything involved with their Bead Shows related to selling booth space, coordinating booth location, selling and placing ads in the show The name was actually chosen directory-- all at the same time! by the previous owner, but when It all started in 2000 and in 2009 I was with another company I was running the Beast Bead selling ads in a magazine and Show. booths at their events, it actually was the show where I spent most As you can imagine, it is not easy of my time in Tucson canvasing RitzyToo.com | RitzyToo! | December-January | 9