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Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL FAQS

Where & when is the event held?

Wednesday, November 5 - Saturday, November 8, 2025
Gatlinburg Convention Center, 234 Airport Road (formerly Historic Nature Trail), Gatlinburg, TN 37738

What are the event hours?

Wednesday, November 5 - Saturday, November 8, 2025

9 am – 5 pm, Wednesday - Friday
9 am – 3 pm, Saturday

Note: Registration opens one hour before the show begins.

What are the on-site buyer registration and badge pick-up hours?

On-site registration and badge pick up hours are as follows:

8 am – 5 pm, Wednesday - Friday
8 am – 2 pm, Saturday

Note: The exhibit hall opens at 9 am daily, with registration available one hour prior to show floor opening.

What types of products are being shown?

The Smoky Mountain Gift Show brings Tennessee’s largest selection of top-name souvenir and resort gift lines together under one roof for optimum buying convenience. Gatlinburg is the place to see the newest introductions and best –selling favorites, including: Nature & Wildlife Products, Green & Conservation Merchandise, Apparel & Clothing, Home Accessories, Lifestyle Products, Gourmet Foods, Lake, Mountain & Lodge Décor, Made In the USA Products, Souvenir, Novelty & Trend Items, Collegiate Merchandise, Games, Puzzles & Toys, Holiday & Seasonal Items, Jewelry, Licensed Products, Custom Logo Products & Promotional Items, and Personalized Products.

Who is exhibiting?

At the Smoky Mountain Gift Show, you'll shop an unrivaled selection of top name lines and new products from hundreds of leading manufacturers and innovative newcomers in the souvenir, resort and gift industry. 

View our audience profile here.

What special events / features take place during the show?

  • Complimentary coffee available all day at Parkway Tower
  • Complimentary beer & wine each afternoon from 4 - 5 pm
  • Networking opportunities, including Made in America and Zootique Buying Tours, Happy Hours, and a Popcorn Social
  • Daily $100 prize giveaways and more! 

View the full event schedule here.

What is the address for the Gatlinburg Convention Center?

234 Airport Road (formerly Historic Nature Trail)
Gatlinburg, TN 37738

How can I book my hotel?

Be sure to use the official housing company for the Smoky Mountain Gift Show, Connections Housing, to secure the lowest rates.

BUYER BEWARE! Connections Housing is the only approved, official Smoky Mountain Gift Show housing vendor. We understand that unauthorized housing companies may contact you to advertise cheaper rates and imply or claim an affiliation with the show or Clarion Events. Unfortunately, some past attendees and exhibitors have fallen prey to these companies and they have either: lost significant deposits, been relocated with little or no warning, have not had the guest rooms they thought they had booked, or have not received reservations at the hotel they had thought were confirmed. So be sure to book your room through Connections Housing!

Click here to learn more.

View our list of reported unauthorized providers here.

Is there parking at the event and how much is it?

As a pre-registered buyer, you can show your Smoky Mountain Gift Show advanced registration confirmation or IGES Buyer Badge and park for free at the Bearskin parking garage. Please note, this is the only free lot available and there is limited space. Parking will be first come, first serve.

>> Bearskin Parking Garage is located at 955 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

What is the best airport to fly into?

McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, TN is the closest commercial airport and is about 40 miles from Gatlinburg.

How can I rent a scooter/wheelchair?

All wheelchairs and scooters must be rented from an outside provider. 

How can I receive a directory?

Printed show directories are provided to registered buyers on show site during all 4 days of the show. Before/after the show, you can view the e-version of the show directory or the online exhibitor listing.

What are the show policies?

  • This show is open to trade only. New stores and/or buyers attending for the first time should be prepared to present the following to gain admission: 1 form of personal ID and 2 forms of business ID, which can include business card; company credit card; company check; paycheck stub; tax ID number; company insurance card; company buyer's club card; business invoice. (Please note: 1 form of personal ID and 1 form of business ID is required for each additional employee.) 

  • Attendee expressly assumes and releases Clarion Events, Inc., any affiliates, employees, agents, sub-contractors and third parties from, all risks, claims, damages, losses, costs and expenses, whether or not reasonably foreseeable, associated with, resulting from, or arising in connection with Attendee's participation or presence at the Event, including, without limitation, all risks of harm, damage, illness (including viruses or illness from any communicable disease) or injury (including death) to or related to Attendee and his or her person or property. 

  • Attendee expressly agrees to fully comply with all applicable COVID-19 health and safety measures, rules and protocols that govern and/or apply to attendance at the event issued from time to time by: 
    o   any local, State or national authority (including public health authorities) which includes both (i) the State & County mandates and (ii) CDC guidelines; o   the applicable venue; and the organizer, Clarion Events, Inc. Clarion Events, Inc., reserves the right to remove any Attendee from the event for failure to adhere to the required COVID-19 health and safety measures and protocols for attendance at the event, as notified to the Attendee from time to time. 

  • Children 14 and under as well as strollers are strongly discouraged. 

  • The photography of any exhibit is expressly prohibited without the written consent of the exhibitor. 

ATTENDEE FAQS

What is the pre-registration deadline?

You are encouraged to pre-register early so you can receive updates and important news about the show. Pre-registration is open up to and during the show dates. Click here to register today!

What is the cost to attend?

The Smoky Mountain Gift Show is open to the trade only.  Admission is free to qualified retailers. 

Do you mail the badges?

We do not mail badges. When you pre-register online, you’ll receive your advance registration confirmation via email.  Simply bring it to the show, scan it with our onsite readers and print out your badge quickly and easily!  

EXHIBITOR FAQS

How can I exhibit at the Smoky Mountain Gift Show

For more information on becoming an exhibitor and to download the show prospectus with pricing, click here. You can contact any member of our sales team.

What is included in my booth package?

BOOTH PACKAGES INCLUDE:

  • Undraped Tables
  • Undraped Risers
  • Chair
  • Booth I.D. Sign
  • Pipe & Drape
  • Directory Listing
  • Invitations & Stickers

View booth package prospectus 

What opportunities are available for promoting my company?

Our goal is to find the best ways to put you in touch with your audience and to help grow your business. We’ve developed several sponsorship and promotional opportunities that will enhance your presence at the show. Click here to learn more.

How do I register my booth personnel?

The primary booth contact should have received a link in their email for the Exhibitor Registration Website. Please use this page to register ALL team members who will be working in your booth.

How do I update my exhibitor listing? What comes with my exhibitor listing?

  • Please click here for a video introduction to the exhibitor portal and instructions on how to update your exhibitor listing.
  • Login to the Exhibitor Resource Center using the business password you received in your confirmation email to change your listing. Please contact your Exhibitor Services Manager for assistance. Exhibitor Resource Center Login.
  • Once logged in, Go to the “Complete Your Profile” section. This is where you will be able to add or update your company’s details, profile, logo, keywords, social links and select the appropriate categories for your company.
    • Keep in mind that the length of your profile is limited to a character count based on your exhibitor listing level. Want more characters? Consider upgrading your listing by contacting Smokymtngiftshow.ES@clarionevents.com.
    • It’s important to utilize your keywords! These, along with your product categories, are how our attendees find YOUR COMPANY on the floor!
  • Click Update at the bottom of each page and you’re all done! If there are any errors, the system will let you know what needs to be fixed.
  • The final stage in building out a COMPLETE listing is to upload your Show Fee Ad and product images for the Product Preview Guide if you have purchased images to be included, and addition line form if you are bringing additional lines to the show.  Upload Show Fee Ad

What are the shipping options and deadlines?

  • Exhibitors can ship to the advanced warehouse or direct to show site.
  • Domestic and international shipping options will be available through General Exposition Services. 
  • For additional shipping information or to create an estimate, click here.
    • Password: SMOKY25
  • Find printed version of the Exhibitor Manual here

May I move-in my own booth materials?

  • ​​FREIGHT MOVING EXHIBITORS MAY PERFORM (Hand Carry Policy)
    • Exhibitors may hand carry their merchandise from their vehicle.
    • All vehicles must be parked in a parking lot; curbside parking is not allowed.
    • The use of hand carts and dollies is not allowed.
  • FREIGHT MOVING WITH ASSISTANCE (Cartload Service) See Shipping & Material Handling Section of the Exhibitor Manual for rates.
    • This service is for those who have small items that will fit on a 3’x4’ push card in one trip. If your materials require more than one trip (per vehicle), you will not qualify for this service and will be charged the regular material handling rates.
    • Delivery must be made in a POV (privately owned vehicle). A POV is considered to be any vehicle that is primarily designed to transport passengers, not cargo nor freight. Examples include pick-up trucks, passenger vans, cars and SUV’s.
    • A cartload is 8 pieces or less, with a total weight of less than 150 lbs. There is only one cartload allowed per vehicle. Deliveries over 150 lbs will be charged at the regular material handling rates.
    • Cartload services are not included in the complimentary freight allowance.

When are the move-in/move-out times for exhibitors and the opening times of the exhibit hall?

  • EXHIBITOR MOVE-IN
    • Monday, November 3, 2025 from 8:00AM to 5:00PM
    • Tuesday, November 4, 2025 from 8:00AM to 5:00PM

All exhibits must be completely installed by: 5:00PM on Tuesday, November 4, 2025

 

  • EXHIBIT HOURS
    • Wednesday, November 5, 2025 – 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
    • Thursday, November 6, 2025 – 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
    • Friday, November 7, 2025 – 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
    • Saturday, November 8, 2025 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • EXHIBITOR MOVE-OUT
    • Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 3:00PM to 10:00PM  **please note: packing materials, boxes, cartons, etc. will not be allowed to be brought into the Gatlinburg Convention Center until after 3:00PM.
    • All exhibitor materials must be removed from the exhibit facility by Saturday November 8 at 10:00 pm.
    • Carrier Check-in - To ensure all exhibitor materials are removed from the exhibit facility by the deadline, please have all carriers’ check-in by 3:00 pm on November 8.
  • Complete your outbound Material Handling Agreement(s) (MHAs) and Outbound Shipping Labels here
  • What are the booth guidelines?
    • The booth guidelines for the Smoky Mountain Gift Show will be enforced. Click here to review the guidelines to assure that your booth is within the appropriate parameters.

Where can I order booth furnishings?

Booth furnishings can be ordered from our official show decorator General Exposition Services. To review their product offerings and place and order, click here.

Who do I contact for Internet/Wi-Fi and Electrical?

Internet/Wi-Fi and Electrical service is not included with any booth package and must be ordered separately. Gatlinburg Convention Center will handle all of these orders directly.

Who are the Official Show Partners?

Our official partners for the Smoky Mountain Gift Show are as follows. Please note, any emails/offers you receive to purchase attendee lists or book hotel rooms, are NOT affiliated with the Smoky Mountain Gift Show and are likely a scam.

  • Official Housing Partner: Connections Housing
  • General Service Contractor: The Expo Group
  • Registration Provider: LiveBuzz
  • Lead Retrieval Partner: American Tradeshow Services
  • Venue: Gatlinburg Convention Center

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