I wanted to add a tip - Take a rolling bag!  Either a suitcase (if you're buying that much) or a bookbag - your arms won't get nearly as tired.  It's great for carrying/organizing your tax id, business cards, notebook, and water bottle too = )

I usually do a quick walkthrough and use my phone to take pictures of items I'm especially interested in, so I can come back to them later.  I'll try to re-visit them in order of 'how much I want these', and just keep going down the list till I run out of money!

Great post  and elenmir, you are very organized.  That's a great idea to take pics and taking time to think if you really need them.  Some times I buy beads from Bead shows and forget that I have them.  Dita from www.alankarshilpa.etsy.com

My comment to what your favorite bead show purchase is EVERYTHING!  After the first time being overwhelmed, I target vendors that I purchased from in the past and know that's a definite stop the next Bead Fest.  I have to say that I stop at Grace's Beads for sure because her lampwork is phenomenal!  

I live four miles from Bead fest and this year I'm working in the Michael's booth all three days!  This is my sixth Bead Fest.  Bring it on!

Thanks, all for the great advice. I'm gearing up to attend the Philly Bead Fest for the second time, this time taking three classes. Last year, my first time was sensory overload and I did make the biggest rookie mistake - blowing the budget at the first several stands before having a chance to take the whole show in. This year I plan to do the walk around and jot down the shops and items that I'm most interested in first and make most of my purchases without the aid of the credit card - Lord, give me strength!

Great post!  I too go to the show in Syracuse, NY.  I passed it up this year as I literally needed nothing!!!!

Bead Fest Philadelphia is my favorite show of the year! I stay for all three days. I actually wish the show was open for four days so I could really take my time at each vendor as taking classes eats into shopping time! About a month or so before the show, I start making a list of what I need or would like. I add to the list as ideas come to mind. I print out the vendor list on the Bead Fest website and highlight the vendors I want to visit first. This list is my priority, once it is complete (if there is money left over) I buy beads and findings that inspire me! I always carry a light cotton handle bag over my shoulder with a slim wallet, bottle of water, Cliff bar, calculator, pen and small ruler. I also bring clear zip close bags with me in a variety of sizes so that I can separate my beads and findings as most vendors put everything in one bag. Prevents them from scratching one another.

I have an envelope of cash that I put $ into all year long. $20 here, $40 there. it's painless. When it comes time for the Santa Fe Bead Show, I easily have $1,000 to $1500 to spend with no guilt. When the envelope is empty it's time to go home. This year's show I walked by all the booths, made notes and returned to buy what I couldn't get out of my head. This year, unlike previous years where I bought cheap stuff or blew it all at the beginning, I have no regrets for any of the purchases. Love the tips people are giving to ensure getting the "prizes" and to ensure longevity & comfort! Thanks to all.

My addition would  be, bring a backpack. Unless you have a patient husband who will schlepp your stuff all over for the  whole day!

I always take "cash only" and vow to spend only that amount...then limit a charge purchase to only one item, when that money runs out! I also make sure that the beads that I'm buying line up properly on the string, so that they look good in my creations - lots of Chinese beads do not have good centered holes, and many of them have ragged edges around the holes. You have to watch for the excessive gleam created by all those bright lights - they can cause crystals to look better than they actually are.

Holly, I really like the idea of having an envelope and adding money to that during the year. I take a credit card and I think I'm still paying off what I bought at the last bead show. I also still have some of the beads. They're so pretty I hate to part with them. I don't wear jewelry, but I sell my "creations" and also give it as gifts. I prefer to see my jewelry on other people.

Since I am disabled and walking and standing are a problem, this becomes an even bigger problem at bead shows. I could use my wheelchair, but it's not the best way to get through the crowds or to see the tables of beads. Since I can walk for a bit, my husband bought me one of those canes with a seat attached. I can walk around with some support, then sit when I get tired or when the pain gets a bit much. I think this would be a good thing to have for anyone who has pain or simply gets tired of braving the crowds and needs a little break.

I live in a large midwestern city and, believe it or not, we have only one semi-large bead show each year. Since my bead budget is very small, I concentrate on unusual and pretty pendants. Then, through the year, I design pieces around those items.  I would love to go to Tuscon or Philadelphia, but just can't fit it into the budget. I would love to have a couple of other shows here in KC, Then I could put these great pieces of advice to work! Love your website, and attention bead show sponsors, we love beading here in KC, too!

Elenmir wrote to take a rolling bag and some other really smart advice.

I actually found  a small carry-on that opens at the top. This makes it easy to just flip open and put beads and receipts in. There are small wheeled shopping bags out there, but they just aren't strong enough to stand up to heavy beads. I think I got my little carry-on bag for about $20-25. This is so much easier than carrying a backpack, you have to keep taking it off to fill, and it gets heavy.

Also. Pack water and protein bars in your bag. Saves money and who wants to spend valuable time eating lunch? Although an occasional break to sit and rest feet is a good idea.

We have frequent shows here in Northern VA, so it takes a little of the stress off, I know I can get more soon. But imagine going to a show 4-5 times a year...that adds up. I tend to go 2 out of the 3 days. The first day I get the stuff on my list and some other things that jumped out. The last day I go and fill in and pick up the specialty items I saw on day one and haven't been able to get out of my head. That way if it's something unusual and spendy I have a little extra time to consider the purchase.