Smoky Mountain Gift Show Attracts Premier Retailers: Drawn by its renewed reputation as a premier product and service destination in the Smokies, top Eastern region and national retail buyers from theme parks, museums, zoos, aquariums, premier tourist destinations, as well as national, state, and local parks flocked to the November 5-8 edition of the Smoky Mountain Gift Show held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center in Tennessee.
“As the third successful edition of the Smoky Mountain Gift Show under our management, we’re continuing to turn the heads of the souvenir and resort industry’s top decision-makers back to Gatlinburg’s original meeting spot,” says Doug Miller, President of Urban Expositions, headquartered in Atlanta. “We plan to build on this momentum as we look ahead to 2014 – continuing to fine-tune the show’s selection, services, networking opportunities, and offering the lowest possible hotel rates to further enhance Gatlinburg’s appeal as a great trade show travel destination.”
Bringing together 800+ booths, the Smoky Mountain Gift Show is Tennessee’s largest selection of resources under one roof. The 2013 edition highlighted the newest designs and introductions from top-name brands and innovative newcomers in destination, resort, coastal/nautical, lake, mountain/lodge, Made in the USA products, nature and wildlife products, giftware, home décor items, and more.
“We travel a great distance because the Smoky Mountain Gift Show is well worth to the trip – a great resource for new and exciting products,” says Tracy Lohst of Red Dog Saloon in Juneau, Alaska.
“The quality of the Smoky Mountain Gift Show is much better than a few years ago. We wrote many orders and most were new accounts. The customers we met were informed buyers and eager to learn,” says Frank Tuuri of Renaissance Glass in Alexander, N.C.
To foster the spirit of fun and hospitality that the Smoky Mountain Gift Show is known for, Urban Expositions hosted an official show party following the close of the show at Blaine’s on November 6 and also continued many of its buyer-friendly services, including daily cash prize giveaways, goody bag giveaways, and complimentary refreshments for buyers each morning and afternoon. In addition, Urban Expositions also worked with leading associations, including the National Association of Retail Buyers (NARB), Zoo & Aquarium Buyers Group (ZAG), and the Living Legends Association to host hospitality and networking events for their members and associates during the show.
The next edition will be held November 4-7, 2014 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. The Urban Expositions management team is already working on programs and promotions to ensure the show’s continued growth. Urban will continue to invest a significant part of the show’s marketing budget to buy down hotel rates at quality properties to once again offer rates in the $39.99 range.
