Nov 14, 2013

November 2013 Smoky Mountain Gift Show Attracts Premier Retailers From Eastern Region, Nation

Drawn by its renewed reputation as the 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, 2013 edition of the Smoky Mountain Gift Show held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.

“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,” said Doug Miller, president, Urban Expositions. “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 more than 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 and tourist merchandise, souvenirs, t-shirts, beach merchandise, coastal and nautical, lake, mountain and lodge, Made in the USA products, logo products, nature and wildlife products, giftware, jewelry and fashion accessories, home décor items, toys/games and more.

The vast and versatile selection received rave reviews from attending retailers.

“I found the Smoky Mountain Gift Show to be a breath of fresh air, both in the new merchandise available and in the whole positive vibe of the show,” said Janet Kelly, assistant director of merchandising, Chinaberry Inc., Spring Valley, CA. “I placed a number of sample orders at the show — and some are potential stop-the-press items.”

“Urban Expositions is making the Smoky Mountain Gift Show better than ever. In three years, they’ve proven that they can produce a show that attracts a great and diverse group of vendors,” said Tim Murray, Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga, TN.

“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,” adds Tracy Lohst, Red Dog Saloon, Juneau, AK.

Exhibitor reports of brisk order-writing and new business added to the buzz on the show floor:

“This edition of the Smoky Mountain Gift Show is one for the record books,” says Laralyn Riverwind, Native Touch, Andrews, NC. “We wrote more orders at this show than at any other trade show we’ve been to in our company’s history. “

“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 about our glass jewelry. We also had friendly vendors around us, which is a bonus,” said Frank Tuuri, Renaissance Glass, Alexander, NC.

“This is my second year exhibiting in the Smoky Mountain Gift Show and the buyers have been very receptive to my line,” said Merle Daniels, owner, Merle Daniels, Golden, CO. “The customers I wrote with last year came back to reorder and ordered more. I’ve also opened several new accounts.”

“We’ll never leave here. Gatlinburg is THE show” adds Joe Marr, national account manager, Silver Streak, Inc. Tempe, AZ.

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 Wednesday, 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.

Exhibitor/Attendee Information

For exhibitor information, contact Christina Bell, Urban Expositions, 1690 Roberts Blvd NW, Suite 111, Kennesaw, GA 30144. Phone: 678-370-0335, email: cbell@urban-expo.com. For buyer information or to register, attendees can call Urban Expositions at 800.318.2238 or visit www.smokymtngiftshow.com

ABOUT URBAN EXPOSITIONS

Urban Expositions is the largest gift, airport retail and souvenir trade show organizer in the U.S., hosting a total of 32 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.