Apr 23, 2012

New Date Pattern, Expanded Selection Headline Revitalized 2012 Smoky Mountain Gift Show

Re-engineered by leading tradeshow management company, Urban Expositions, the Smoky Mountain Gift Show returns November 7-10, 2012 to the Gatlinburg Convention Center with an even bigger product selection featuring top name lines from leading manufacturers, enhanced buyer services and a spirit of fun and hospitality that defined the show at its prime.

“Since acquiring the show in 2011, we’ve focused our efforts on rebuilding and enhancing the Smoky Mountain Gift Show .The feedback from both buyers and exhibitors has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Doug Miller, president, Urban Expositions. “We’ve already received many commitments from a number of leading manufacturers and rep groups as well as heard interest and excitement from buyers in the Eastern Region and throughout the nation. We are well on our way to once again establishing the Smoky Mountain Gift Show as the destination show in the Smokies.”

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 2012 edition to a Wednesday – Saturday format.

One Badge, Two Shows: For your buying convenience, Smoky Mountain Gift Show, IGES and SSS badges will be honored at all show locations. In addition, complementary shuttle service will be available between the Smoky Mountain Gift Show and IGES/SSS events running Wednesday- Saturday.

Deeply Discounted Hotel Rates for Buyers Starting as Low as $49: Urban Expositions will be buying down the rates on the show’s already discounted hotels to be able to offer buyers rates starting as low as $49.00 at hotels conveniently located near the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Rooms at these rates are limited and buyers are encouraged to book early. For details, visit www.smokymtngiftshow.com or call the SMGS travel agency, Connections, at 1.800.262.9947 or visit www.giftshowhotels.com.

Top Name Manufacturers Return to the Original Gatlinburg Gift Show: With a home as great as Gatlinburg, the November show is quickly approaching a ‘SOLD OUT’ status with some of the top names in the industry signing on for the November edition. Among the newly returning companies for the 2012 edition: Fiesta, SanSegal Sportswear, DeBry Company, Gib Carson & Co., Eagle Crest, Inc., Sea Creations, Inc., RDC Sales, Joe Blow T’s, Inc., Harbor Designs, Liberty Wear, Lin Mfg & Design, Avalon Apparel, Buck Wear, David Carey, Inc, Herzfelds Inc, Madison Bay Company, POOF-Slinky, Inc., Resort Stop and more.

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

Free Parking for Pre-Registered Buyers: As a pre-registered buyer, you can show your Smoky Mountain Gift Show, IGES/SSS 2012 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 our Southern Hospitality: During the show, be sure to enjoy southern hospitality at its finest with the show’s free buyers services and amenities. Start your day by enjoying complimentary coffee and pastries each morning from 9-10 am in multiple locations. Then relax, unwind and “sit for a spell” while also enjoying complimentary beer, wine, and cheese, available in two locations this year, each afternoon from 4:00 – 5:00 pm.

Goody Bag Giveaways: The first 100 retail stores to arrive at the show on Wednesday, November 7th and Thursday, November 8th will receive a special tote bag filled with free gifts from many of the show’s exhibitors.

Zoo & Aquarium Buyers Group (ZAG) Networking Events: ZAG will host a variety of networking events for its members, including a special ZAG Bingo game, a networking mixer, and a special reception. Look for more details coming soon.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN GIFT SHOW FAST FACTS
WHEN: Wednesday, November 7 – Saturday, November 10, 2012
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., Wednesday – Friday; 9 am – 4 pm, Saturday
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 and souvenir trade show organizer in the U.S., hosting a total of 24 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