May 21, 2013

Smoky Mountain Gift Show Brings Tennessee’s Largest Selection of Souvenir, Resort Resources Under One Roof – November 5-8, 2013

The Smoky Mountain Gift Show returns to the Gatlinburg Convention Center November 5-8, 2013 bringing Tennessee’s largest selection of top-name souvenir and resort gift lines together under one roof for optimum buying convenience. Further strengthening the growing selection, show management company Urban Expositions continues its efforts to rebuild and enhance the show offerings with a full roster of cost-effective travel savings programs and enhanced buyer services.

“This show’s roots are deep and strong here in the Smokies. For nearly 50 years, the Smoky Mountain Gift Show in Gatlinburg has been the original meeting spot for souvenir/resort retailers and manufacturers,” said Doug Miller, president, Urban Expositions. “What makes the Smoky Mountain Gift Show such an enjoyable experience is that everything is centrally located in this charming mountain town, making it the ideal business vacation setting for spending quality time with customers and industry friends.”

Show Highlights include:

New Date Pattern -To effectively meet the needs of both buyers and exhibitors, Urban Expositions has shifted the Smoky Mountain Gift Show’s date pattern for the 2013 edition to a Tuesday-Friday format.

One Badge, Two Shows: For added buying convenience, Smoky Mountain Gift Show and IGES badges will be honored at all show locations. In addition, complementary shuttle service will be available between the Smoky Mountain Gift Show and the IGES event in Pigeon Forge running Tuesday – Friday.

Deeply Discounted Hotel Rates for Buyers Starting as Low as $36: Urban Expositions is buying down the rates on the show’s already discounted hotels to offer buyers significant savings as low as $36.00 at hotels conveniently located near the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Retailers can take advantage of these low rates by contacting Urban Expositions official housing company, Connections, at 855.246.URBAN (8722) or by visiting the travel section of the show website, www.smokymtngiftshow.com

ONSITE BUYER SERVICES
The Smoky Mountain Gift Show offers a full roster of buyer services and amenities including:

Enter to Win Daily $100 Cash Prize Giveaways: Registered buyers can enter to win one of three (3) $100 cash prizes given away at the end of each day during the show.

Free Parking & Complimentary Shuttle Service for Pre-Registered Buyers: Pre-registered buyers can show their Smoky Mountain Gift Show or IGES 2013 Buyer Badge and park for free at the Bearskin parking garage. This is the only free lot available and there is limited space. Parking will be first-come, first-served.

Enjoy Southern Hospitality: During the show, attendees are invited to enjoy southern hospitality at its finest with the show’s free buyers services and amenities. Buyers can start their day by enjoying complimentary coffee and pastries each morning from 9-10 am located in the Mills Auditorium and Parkway Tower – Level 2. Then relax, unwind and “sit for a spell” while also enjoying complimentary beer, wine, and cheese, each afternoon from 4:00 – 5:00 pm.

Goody Bag Giveaways: The first 100 retail stores to arrive at the show on Tuesday, November 5 and Wednesday, November 6 will receive a special tote bag filled with free gifts from many of the show’s exhibitors.

National Association of Retail Buyers (NARB) to Host Free Seminar: NARB will host a free buyer seminar, “Creating In-Store Excitement,” on Wednesday, November 6 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. During the program, Angela Dalby, co-founder, NARB, will share retail success stories and discuss practical ways to create successful in-store excitement that will keep your guests shopping and returning for more.

Zoo & Aquarium Buyers Group (ZAG) Networking Events: ZAG will host a variety of networking events for its members, including a ZAG Bingo game and a networking mixer. ZAG members are encouraged to stop by the Smoky Mountain Gift Show office to pick up their ZAG member lunch coupon.

Living Legends Social Honors Fred Bolton- Tuesday, November 5: The Livings Legends Association seeks to honor those whose contributions have helped the souvenir industry take shape. After the show closes on Tuesday, November 5, buyers and exhibitors are invited to a special show social where the Association will honor Fred Bolton, Culver Glass Company, for his commitment to the industry.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN GIFT SHOW FAST FACTS
WHEN: Tuesday, November 5 – Friday, November 8, 2013
WHERE: Gatlinburg Convention Center (including the W.L. Mills Conference Center), 234 Historic Nature Trail/Airport Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
HOURS: 9 am – 5:30 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday; 9 am – 2 pm, Friday
MORE INFO: www.smokymtngiftshow.com | 678.285.3976 (EXPO) or 800.318.2238

EXHIBITOR/ATTENDEE INFORMATION
For more information on exhibiting, contact Show Director Christina Bell at 678.370.0335 or cbell@urban-expo.com. For attendee information or to pre-register, attendees can visit www.smokymtngiftshow.com or contact Buyer Relations Representative Whitney Van Atta by calling 678.370.0342 or 1.800.318.2238 ext. 0342 or email: wvanatta@urban-expo.com

ABOUT URBAN EXPOSITIONS
Urban Expositions is the largest gift, airport and souvenir trade show organizer in the U.S., hosting a total of 28 shows each year. In January of 1996, Urban Expositions launched the semi-annual Philadelphia Gift Show, which has become one of the largest and most successful regional gift events in the nation. Since then, the company has continued to grow through acquisitions and new show development. Based in Kennesaw, GA, Urban Expositions offers a complete roster of trade show management services, including exhibit sales and marketing, operations, exhibitor/attendee promotions and services, media relations, seminar and event coordination, database development and management. For more information, visit www.urban-expo.com or call 800.318.2238