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URBAN EXPOSITIONS ACQUIRES THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN GIFT SHOW

Urban Expositions announces the acquisition of The Smoky Mountain Gift Show ® held annually at the Gatlinburg Convention Center in Tennessee.   Assuming all ownership and management duties from founding management company, The Smoky Mountain Gift Show, Inc., the Urban Expositions  team plans to build  upon the tradition of success that has defined this souvenir/gift show throughout its 45-plus year history .

“It is an honor and a privilege to take over the reins of an event that has been such an important  mainstay in the souvenir industry,” says Doug Miller, president, Urban Expositions.  “Over the years, the Smoky Mountain Gift Show Inc. management has cultivated a show with a solid reputation not just for the amount of business that is done, but for the networking aspect that takes place in this beautiful mountain setting.   We look forward to further strengthening the show’s position as the premier souvenir and gift resource in the Eastern United States.”

“Sharing many of the same long-term relationships with buyers and vendors in the industry, the transition of The Smoky Mountain Gift Show into the professional hands of Urban Expositions is a natural fit,” says Eva Havlicek, president, The Smoky Mountain Gift Show Inc.  “As owners who have spent over 35 years building what The Wall Street Journal referred to as ‘the crown jewel ‘ of the souvenir industry, JR and I look forward to enjoying retirement, while taking comfort in that The Smoky Mountain Gift Show will continue to build its legacy of quality under very capable hands.”

Held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center complex in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg — the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park — the show site is surrounded by hotels, gift shops, popular locally owned restaurants, nightspots and boutiques, not to mention stunning mountain vistas.  The ambiance of this convenient, cost-effective setting comes together with an unrivaled product selection from the top names and innovative newcomers in the souvenir/resort industry to attract retailers from throughout the country.

“This acquisition also adds a strategic eastern region presence to our growing souvenir/resort gift show portfolio,” adds Miller. “Our Las Vegas show now serves a national buying audience; our Myrtle Beach show caters to the east’s coastal and shore retailers; and the Smoky Mountain show is designed for the specialized buying needs of lake, lodge, mountain, souvenir/gift, zoo, aquarium and amusement shop retailers.  These events, as well as many of our other regional shows and The Gathering, our invitation-only souvenir buying event, have helped us build strong relationships and a keen understanding of the specialized needs of this industry’s buyers and exhibitors alike.  We plan to meet with industry leaders to assist us in further strengthening The Smoky Mountain Gift Show. ”

The first edition under Urban Expositions management will be the November 4-7, 2011 show.  Among the highlights will be a series of upgraded buyer and exhibitor services, as well as new marketing initiatives.