museums&MORE Fall 2019

Smoky Mountain Gift Show introduces new awards program

In an effort to recognize gift and souvenir industry members who truly stand out for their leadership skills, career achievements and business best practices, the newly launched “Spotlight Awards” program will make its debut at the Smoky Mountain Gift Show this November. Finalists were nominated by vendors, retailers and other industry organizations, and winners in three categories will be announced during a special reception at the upcoming show in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Industry members were invited to nominate industry colleagues, companies or organizations, and winners were chosen by the Clarion UX jury panel.

“We are so excited to announce this new awards program, which is the direct outgrowth of the ‘Partner | Family | Friend’ brand promise we have made to all of our customers,” said Lisa Glosson, Vice President, Gift and Souvenir Portfolio, Clarion UX. “We know time is money and in today’s increasingly challenging business climate, we are committed to helping our customers make the most of both at our events. Every member of our team is constantly striving to treat our customers like family – because that is who they are to us. What better way to illustrate this point than to recognize some of our ‘family’ members who go above and beyond in their businesses and in their daily lives.”

This exciting new gift and souvenir industry award will shine a special spotlight on companies, organizations or individuals in three categories that excel in a number of areas, including leadership, career achievements, and best practices. The three award categories include:

Partner Spotlight Award – Recognizing an individual or company that truly embodies the spirit of partnership as demonstrated through efforts ranging from community involvement to personnel enrichment.

Family Spotlight Award – Recognizing a family-owned business that exemplifies solid values, business qualities and best practices.

Friend Spotlight Award – Recognizing an individual who embodies the true spirit of friendship. This is that person you know you can always count on – the one who’s always willing to help out or lend an ear, share advice, and always brings a smile to your face when you see them coming down the exhibit hall aisle or into your shop.

In addition to its new Spotlight Awards program, Clarion UX has also launched a new “Milestone” recognition campaign for its show audiences, too. If retailers, vendors or other industry members are celebrating a milestone like, for example, an anniversary, special business achievement, certain number of visits to Clarion UX trade shows, or other, they are invited to share these so Clarion UX can, in turn, share them with the industry.