November 2024 show provided an opportunity for growth, connection and discovery of new trends.

Jan. 30, 2025

The November 2024 edition of the Smoky Mountain Gift Show, Nov. 6-9 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, was considered vibrant and uplifting show, filled with positive energy, according to show organizer Clarion Events.

“The presence of many new and existing vendors and buyers added an exciting dynamic, fostering fresh connections and opportunities for growth. Participants were eager to make the most of their time, and the atmosphere was lively, with high engagement throughout the event,” said Show Director Christina Bell.

According to Bell, the 2024 edition of the show was particularly memorable due to the overwhelming success of the Made in America tour, which saw a record number of participants. The event’s show party also stood out, with excellent attendance and an infectious energy that carried throughout the venue, creating a festive and celebratory atmosphere.

“Exhibitors were thrilled with the strong sales and the opportunity to connect with a diverse audience,” she added.

The show saw strong participation, with a healthy mix of new and returning exhibitors and buyers. The MATCH! Program, which offers a complimentary one-on-one match-making portal service for qualified decision makers, continued to grow in popularity, and exhibitors reported excellent results.

Buyers came from across the U.S., including Tennessee, North Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, Georgia, Virginia, and Florida. The types of stores represented were diverse, including zoos, state parks, amusement parks, general gift shops, and seasonal retailers. The Zoo, Aquarium and Garden Buyers Group (ZAG) luncheon attracted zoo buyers, which reinforced the event’s appeal to specialized retailers.

Buyers appreciated the chance to discover new vendors and products through curated tours, which allowed them to find items they might not have encountered otherwise.

Smoky Mountain Gift Show awarded the Best Made in America Product to Kaistone Collective, and the Best New Product Winner was Little & Wood.

“The success of this year’s show was underscored by the positive feedback from both exhibitors and buyers. The MATCH! program delivered exceptional results, with many companies reporting their best sales ever. The Made in America tour, in particular, was a highlight, drawing more attendees than ever before. Overall, the event proved to be an excellent opportunity for growth, networking, and discovering new trends in the industry,” concluded Lisa Berry, Clarion Events group vice president, gift and souvenir.

The next Smoky Mountain Gift Show will be held Nov. 5-8, 2025. More information is available at www.smokymtngiftshow.com.