PotomacBeads
Tucson Experience

February 4-8, 2026

"LIVE AT HUB CITY VINYL"
Hagerstown, Maryland

Overview

Join the Tucson Experience

Every February, Tucson, Arizona transforms into a dazzling hub for gem enthusiasts, hosting over 30 incredible gem shows that can be overwhelming to navigate...

... Luckily, PotomacBeads is dedicated to guiding our PotomacBeaders through this sparkling maze, ensuring you experience the very best shows, uncover amazing deals, forge new friendships, and create unforgettable memories. Join us for an unparalleled gem-hunting adventure!

Location: 

Tucson, Arizona

Bead Retreat 2024 Attendees

Make Friends

In the PotomacBeads Community

Jablonec

Shop

Dozens of different bead shows with the PotomacBeads community.

Liberec

Get Inspired

Make beautiful jewelry & discover new finds

What is Included

Experience Ticket:
  • Opening Night Party (February 4th).  Includes drinks & hor d'ouevres
  • WhatsApp/Facebook group for attendees
  • Guidance to 12+ shows over the course of 4 days

    Class Ticket - provides all above and:
  • Class with Allie Buchman on February 6th.  The class includes all materials in a kit.  Limited to first 50 guest signups.  

    House Ticket - provides all of the above and:
  • 1 of the 5 guest rooms in the AirBNB house rented by the PotomacBeads team.  The house is quite large and has gorgeous views.  The house ticket also includes breakfast food, drinks, & snacks provided at the house.  The house holds only 6 guests.  A list of nearby recommended hotels will be provided to attendees.   

What is not included

  • Transportation
  • Hotel accomodations
  • Food
Women with beads

Explore

Options for your experience

Prague

Experience Ticket

Opening party & access to the shopping group.  

Jablonec

Class Ticket

Includes experience ticket PLUS class & kit with Allie Buchman

Liberec

House Ticket

Includes experience ticket + class + stay at the AirBNB with Allie & team.  

Customer Testimonials

  • Blog
    Stars

    "I have to say that the events are fantastic. Everyone was so friendly, helpful and more than willing to help. The staff were very courteous, willing to answer any questions and offered so much enthusiasm. I come from the corporate world and most of the time felt intimidated and uneasy with the higher up staff. Allie, Nathan and Anna were so down to earth to speak to even though they were the owners of the company. I would definitely recommend the retreat to any of my friends who wanted to attend.’

    - Patricia Jaccoud
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

  • Stars

    "I loved the opportunity to tour the facilities. That was a huge draw for me! And again, I loved the opportunity to try different techniques that I never would have tried. I met some absolutely fabulous fellow beader’s and learned as much from hearing, watching, and conversing with them as from the planned presentations. My best educational moment and laugh was when one amazing woman showed me “how Beader’s greet each other!” . … a close examination of all the other Beader’s jewelry/accessories before even looking at their face to say hello!’’

    - Linda Masoero
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

    Stars

    "I’ve been beading for a long time and consider myself an intermediate level beader. I was surprised and pleased to be challenged by the projects, to learn new techniques, and to try something new. You also shared lots of helpful suggestions for improving our skills. Thank you! I will also say that your warehouse operation is quite impressive, thanks for allowing us to tour it, and to shop!.’’

    - Maureen Gaudet
    2024 Bead Retreat Guest

  • Stars

    "I have high praise for the Potomac Bead Co. staff and instructors who went above and beyond to enhance our beading retreat experience . There were many nice surprises and lots of beading goodness throughout the retreat. I made new friends and will attend the retreat next year.’’

    - Janet Faust
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

    Stars

    "Encore! Encore! The details (behind the curtain) were well thought out and the pieces flowed seamlessly. There was a great stage crew to help while the 'conductor' was directing. Bravo!!’’

    - Chris Lewis-King
    2024 Bead Retreat Guest

  • Blog
    Stars

    "The retreat was so much fun. Potomac Beads did a great job putting it together and providing the supplies needed. It was the perfect way to meet other beaders and make new friends. Allie and Anna are such great teachers. It was great to be able to get help with the projects, not only by the staff but by other beaders as well. Loved being able to shop the warehouse and meet the staff. You see or hear their names so often, it's great to put faces to names. And the number of product is tremendous. It was a great experience and I'm sorry I won't be able to attend this year. But look out 2025, l'll be there!’’

    - Dee Peterson
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

  • DragonThread Review
    Stars

    "I loved being with people of different skill levels at our table. We learned from each other. Allie and Anna walk around the room and gave individual help with a project. Different kits using a different technique. The supplies were phenomenal and you didn’t have to bring anything. And best thing was a visit to the warehouse and shopping. Like being in a candy store!"

    - Vicki Howell
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

  • Stars

    "The Potomac Bead team was FABULOUS!!!! The supplies and tools we received were very generous. The "golden tickets" were fun!’’

    - Kris Huett
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

    Stars

    "I enjoy the retreat and meeting other beaders from all over the country. When I was having problems the other ladies at my table jumped right in to help me so that I could learn what we were being shown. All I can say is that beaders are the greatest!!!!’’

    - Mona Hellard
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

  • Stars

    "I have high praise for the Potomac Bead Co. staff and instructors who went above and beyond to enhance our beading retreat experience . There were many nice surprises and lots of beading goodness throughout the retreat. I made new friends and will attend the retreat next year.’’

    - Janet Faust
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

    Stars

    "This was my first beading event and I was truly impressed with all that we accomplished, even though I finished most projects at a later date, I feel we were taught the basics of each. Prior to this I mainly created bracelets, now I am making rings, Christmas ornaments and have developed an interest in wire wrapping. I would definitely return for another retreat!’’

    - Laurie Cammett
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

  • Blog
    Stars

    "You were generous with providing us with tools, plenty of material for each project and giving us two free beading boards. Lunches were healthy and there was plenty of drinks and fruits every day. What I value most was your heartfelt care showed throughout the retreat, providing help to the beaders where it was needed with many useful tips. The atmosphere was warm and friendly with lots of laughter. Each beader brought home a beautiful feeling of making friends and learning new techniques and improving the old ones. Thank you Potomac Beads Team, especially Nathan, Allie and Anna forlasting memories and hope to see you next year again."

    - Marta Cizmarik
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

  • Stars

    "The Sunday warehouse tour & dinner were great. The lunches at the theater were also very good. The temperature, lighting & space were excellent & everyone helping at the Retreat was fantastic!’’

    - Susan Bontly
    2024 Bead Retreat Guest

    Stars

    "The entire staff was so great, and the venue was fantastic. I’ll hope to return next year."

    - Pat Marvin
    2024 Bead Retreat Guest

  • Stars

    "The best part was joining a new community of wonderful people.’’

    - Deb Dorshimer
    2024 Bead Retreat Guest

    Stars

    "It was my first PB retreat and I loved it. It was very well organized, and the presentations were very professional. The bead on it board is beautiful- thank you for including it in our swag bag. Also, loved all the other goodies."

    - Jean Weems
    2024 Bead Retreat Guest

Itinerary

Wednesday Feb 4

    • Arrival Day
    • 1pm - 4pm: Visit Shows
    • 6:30pm - 9pm: Opening Party -- drinks & hors d'oeuvres

Thursday Feb 5

    • 7-9am - Breakfast (on your own or with friends)
    • 10am-4pm: Visit Shows 
    • Evening - Suggested Dinner Locations provided - group-up with new friends!

Friday Feb 6

    • 7-9am - Breakfast (on your own or with friends)
    • 10am-12pm: Visit Shows
    • 1pm-5pm: Class with Allie Buchman (optional)
    • Evening - Suggested Dinner Locations provided - group-up with new friends!

Saturday Feb 7

    • 7-9am - Breakfast (on your own or with friends)
    • 10am-4pm: Visit Shows
    • Evening - Suggested Dinner Locations provided - group-up with new friends!

    Sunday Feb 8

      • 7-9am - Breakfast (on your own or with friends)
      • 10am-4pm: Visit Shows (optional)
      • Departure Day

    FAQ

    Answers to Questions About the 2026 Bead Retreat

    • Is Everything Handicap Accessible?

      Most of the venues are handicap accessible.  We do not anticipate any issues, but cannot be 100% certain at each of the 30+ different shows.

    • Where Should I Stay?

      Hotels are always at a premium during the Tucson bead shows.  These are some of the hotels near where the PotomacBeads team & house guests are staying:

      • La Posada Lodge & Casitas, Ascend Hotel Collection  (4-star)
      • Candlewood Suites Tucson (2-star)
      • Towne Place Suites Tucson (3-star)
      • Best Western InnSuites Tucson (3-star)
      • Hampton Inn & Suites Tucson Mall (3-star)

        We recommend booking a hotel as soon as possible.  In the Facebook & WhatsApp groups, you will also have an opportunity to share rooms/transporation with other people.  
    • I'm Flying, What Airport?

      Tucson International Airport (TUS) is only 20 minutes from the center of Tucson, and offers many flights from around the USA and internationally.

    • What kind of transportation do I need?

      Transportation is not provided, so you will likely want a car to get around Tucson.  Some shows are right next to each other, while others can be a 20 minute drive.  There are busses that travel between shows, but we have never used them and can't speak to the effectiveness.  It may also be easier for you to simply take Uber/Lyft, and sharing rides with others can save money.  

    • When will projects be announced?

      Projects for the Tucson Experience Class will be announced by Allie by the end of June 2025

    • What is the refund policy for the PotomacBeads Tucson Retreat?

      If you need to cancel your registration, you can do so for a full refund (minus credit card fees) before June 30, 2025. After this date, cancellations made up to 2 months prior to the retreat (December 4, 2025) will be eligible for a 50% refund (minus credit card fees). Unfortunately, no refunds will be offered for cancellations made after December 4, 2025. However, in lieu of a refund, participants will still receive the retreat kits and gift selection via mail, along with access to the video tutorials.

    $899 per guest SOLD OUT

    Classes, Kits, Tour, Gift Bag, Lunches & Party all Included