Items of importance to pack before leaving for Gatlinburg:

1. your show ticket (printed or on phone) so we can easily scan it.
2. your pro beauty license (paper license or clear photo on phone).
3. your state issued photo ID or drivers license.
4. an umbrella because rain or shine, the exterior GCC doors do not open until scheduled (see FAQ titled "Where & When should I arrive at the GCC?").
5. good, comfy walking shoes because you'll be on your feet all day.
6. a power cell with cord to charge your phone in the lobby area.
7. see FAQ titled "Do vendors take cash &/or card" for why to notify your bank in advance.
8. a sweater or shawl because we can't adjust the air conditioning in the GCC. 
9. see FAQ titled "What type of rolling cart can I bring" because we cannot permit 4 wheel, pull behind wagon carts onto the show floor. 
10. come with naked nails if you want to experience demo's where you can try the products to see how long they last on you (MY TIP: add notes to your phone for which brand was used on which finger to track how each lasts).
11. your business cards to exchange with others so you can reconnect for future opportunities & build lasting friendships. 

A) YES, but not refundable! However, attendees contact info on an Eventbrite ticket can only be changed by the ORIGINAL ticket purchaser. 

If you bought a ticket thru a private sale from someone else & now need to resell your ticket or change info:

• You must contact the original ticket purchaser to have them edit the ticket to remove your name/info & insert the new buyers name/info, otherwise the ticket may only be used by the person whose name is on the ticket.

• Download the FREE Eventbrite app (look for the big, orange "E" in the app store) & create your account where all future Eventbrite ticket purchases will reside, including any Workshops where the nail company also utilizes Eventbrite. Attendees can save their ticket via the Eventbrite mobile website to their phone's Apple or Google wallet in 1 tap.

• Tickets are non-refundable & can only be transferred via your Eventbrite account. Follow these steps to change ticket info - CLICK HERE

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• If selling/buying a Smokies Nail Show ticket in a private sale, to prevent fraud or theft, it's recommended that the seller has the money sent to them first via Zelle, Venmo, PaPal, Cash App, etc. Then the seller transfers the ticket info into the buyers name/info following the steps provided at the link above.

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• Please DO NOT arrive with someone else's name/info on the ticket because regretfully you cannot enter the Smokies Nail Show UNLESS the ticket lists your name as the "Attendee". 

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• The original buyer's name will stay listed as the ticket "buyer" due to their credit card info being tied to the original ticket purchase, but as long as the ticket holders name (aka the new buyer) is listed as the "attendee", then the new buyer can use the ticket.

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• If purchasing multiple tickets, list each nail tech & their contact info with their own individual pro beauty license number. *Duplicate names or license numbers may be canceled without notice. 

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• Please enter your contact info carefully when making your purchase & double-check for errors before completing your order. Make certain all email addresses where tickets will be sent are correct. 

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• Sorry, but Smokies Nail Show tickets cannot be carried over to a future show & swag bags cannot be shipped, nor picked up by anyone else.

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• If you cannot make it, please sell or gift your ticket in advance. You may safely sell or buy VIP tickets from other licensed beauty pros inside our private Facebook group BUT have your pro beauty license number & state ready to insert for verification when requesting to join, otherwise unfortunately we cannot admit you as this PRIVATE GROUP is only for the professionally licensed & nail company owners - CLICK HERE to join.

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• Name changes due to marriage or divorce will be considered if your photo ID matches your first name & face. Licenses held in escrow are not valid for entry.

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• Acceptable proof of licensure: A paper beauty license, a clear photo of your license on your phone or your State Board website showing your valid license on your phone during Check-in at the Registration window.

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• See FAQ titled "Can beauty school students attend?" for a list of acceptable school documentation required during the Check-in process.

 

A) Tickets may be transferred if YOU follow these steps to edit your Eventbrite ticket using a laptop or p/c (not a cell phone nor tablet due to limited capabilities) - CLICK HERE

• BE ADVISED: If you purchased a ticket from someone who was NOT the original ticket buyer, then the tech who sold you their ticket MUST contact the original ticket buyer for them to make the necessary ticket changes.

• You will need the new buyers following contact info PRIOR to making ticket changes:

         1) first & last name as it appears on their pro beauty license

         2) cell number

         3) email address (to send them the updated ticket in their name)

         4) pro beauty license number AND state

         5) mailing address with city, state & zip code

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Follow the steps as provided on Eventbrite's website (link above in blue). DO NOT click "Contact the Organizer". The instructional steps provided are easy & thank you for understanding our time constraints. We DO NOT make ticket transfers. 

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FOR YOUR PROTECTION IF BUYING A TICKET FROM SOMEONE ELSE:

• Beware of online scams—only buy from a trusted source.  A common scam is selling 1 ticket multiple times. Once scanned during the Check-in process by whoever gets there 1st, that ticket cannot be used again by anyone else who tries to Check-in after that.

• We are not responsible for resold tickets & cannot offer refunds nor free entry to anyone who gets scammed. Tickets at the door are $75 CASH ONLY with a pro beauty license & photo ID.

• You may post your ticket for sale inside our private Smokies Nail Show Facebook Group (licensed beauty pros only; sorry no students). To join, include your license number, name & state as it appears on your pro beauty license for verification (seen privately by only the group Admin or 1 Moderator) - CLICK HERE 

A) To find your Smokies Nail Show Eventbrite tickets - CLICK HERE

A) Sadly no, just like you cannot choose better seats after buying concert tickets.

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You're welcome to purchase a VIP ticket if one is available, but then it's your responsibility to sell or gift your first ticket to another licensed beauty pro which requires you going into your Eventbrite account to change your name along with all contact info & pro beauty license number to the buyers.

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See the FAQ "Can I resell or gift my Smokies Nail Show ticket" for precise instructions for how to get your first ticket out of your name. If you're unable to sell or gift your first ticket, then you lose it along with the money you spent on it. 

A) Located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, our event in the resort town of Gatlinburg, TN is an ideal destination for a salon team working vacation, family vacation or a besties road trip, plus Pigeon Forge is only 7 miles away where Dollywood among hundreds of other fun attractions, restaurants, moonshine distilleries & wineries are located, too!

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Many attendees bundle their continuing education with a mountain cabin rental, scenic sightseeing & team-building experiences or they create lifelong family memories in the Smokies area.

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Located 45 minutes away thru the GSMNP is Townsend, TN (aka the "Quiet Side of the Smokies") is where nature lovers go for bicycle rentals, Cades Cove & tubing down the river, plus take a 1 hour drive from Gatlinburg over to Cherokee, NC for Native American history, shopping, dining & Harrah's Casino Resort.

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The Great Smoky Mountains National Park welcomes over 14 million visitors a year, which is more than the Grand Canyon & Yellowstone National Park combined since it's within a half days drive from 22 surrounding states!

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This drivable trip combined with so many fun things to do along with the cutting edge nail education is what helped make the Smokies Nail Show the longest-running & largest nail-only professional weekend in the USA.

A) Qualifying business education and travel expenses may be tax deductible. Ask your tax professional about your individual situation.

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Because our event is a licensed-only educational trade show dedicated exclusively to professional development, independent booth renters & salon owners can generally claim expenses as a professional business asset or tax write-off.

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This typically includes your Workshop registration, event tickets, travel costs & lodging in Gatlinburg. Please consult your accountant to maximize your specific business deduction.

A) Our multi-format schedule allows you to maximize your travel time:

Friday & Saturday: Extended, optional hands-on or seminar Workshops for immersive & personal nail training.

Sunday: The official 1-Day Nails-Only Trade Show floor, featuring product shopping, live demonstrations & networking.

Monday: Post-show educational & optional hands-on or seminar Workshops hosted by top industry brands.

A) TBD for 2027 & info will be updated here.

No outside food is allowed into the GCC per their rules, but benches are available outside to picnic if you wish to bring your own lunch. 

A) Smokies Nail Show VIP TICKETS are limited, so grab yours FAST!

Only 200 VIP tickets are available for currently licensed beauty pros (sorry, but students are not eligible). These exclusive tickets include:

• VIP wristband for priority access to inside the Gatlinburg Convention Center beginning at 8:30 AM.
• 2 hour earlier show floor entrance for less crowded, more relaxed shopping & demos from 9:00am to 11:00am (have 1st chance at buying limited show deals!)
• VIP Gift Bag filled with a minimum of 20 Sponsor products (travel & full sizes; items vary each year depending on what generous companies send us; contents differ from bag to bag)

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 For more info, read the FAQ titled "Why should I do the Early Check-in on Saturday?".

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All VIP tickets typically sell out, but occasionally, a few tickets may be available for resale in our private Facebook group for licensed beauty pros only.  CLICK HERE to join & have your pro license number & state ready to submit for verification at the time of requesting to join.

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VIP TICKET REQUIREMENTS:

• Pick up your wristband & gift bag in person with photo ID & pro beauty license.
• No one else can pick up your bag nor do your Check-in procedure as we need to match your photo ID to your face in person.
• Swag bags are not mailed nor held for future shows if you suddenly can’t attend.

A) ARRIVAL & CHECK-IN VARIES, but the GPS address is 234 Airport Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. 

A) Prize Drawings & Grand Prize Policy:

Door prizes are randomly selected by our Event Team & attendees must be present at the show to receive any prize, as items cannot be mailed nor picked up by others. Those who leave early forfeit their prize. 

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During Check-in each attendee will provide a cell phone number for entry into the 20+ prize drawings, replacing in-show announcements (no more checking the dry erase board either).

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After NOON, winners will be notified by text message & must claim their prize at the Registration window before 4:30pm or the prize will be forfeited. A quick photo will be taken with each winner for Sponsor acknowledgment.

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$1,500 Grand Prize Drawing Sponsored by PinkPro Beauty Supply:

Each attendee receives a numbered wristband at Check-in, along with a matching detachable tab entered into the Grand Prize drawing. Wristbands get you onto the show floor & must be visible to the security guard at the door.

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The $1,500 Grand Prize drawing takes place at 4:30pm at the PinkPro Beauty Supply (Booths #41/42). Listen for the wristband number to be announced on the main show floor. The attendee must immediately respond & proceed to the booth to claim the prize, but unfortunately we cannot wait for you to complete your demo or shopping transaction.

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If another number is drawn before a response is made, the previous entry is forfeited & drawings will continue until a winner is confirmed; due to its size, the Grand Prize will be shipped after the event.

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Please note that the venue loudspeaker is only audible on the main show floor, so attendees must remain in that area during drawings.

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Door prize winners are eligible for the Grand Prize drawing, but prizes cannot be held at Registration under any circumstances.

A) Licensed beauty pros, salon/spa owners or managers & current beauty school students only. This includes licensed cosmetologists, beauty school owners, beauty school instructors, massage therapists, estheticians, lash technicians & barbers. 

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A) Yes! The show is specifically designed for independent booth renters, salon owners of any salon size, licensed nail technicians & current beauty school students, plus other licensed beauty professionals such as estheticians, cosmetologists & massage therapists.

It is a strictly licensed-only event, meaning you can network directly with over 100 nails-only brands without the general consumer public or DIY'er's on the show floor.

A) YES! STUDENT ATTENDEE REQUIREMENTS:

• Student means you’re enrolled in a beauty school prior to the show date. If you’re enrolled after the show date, you cannot attend this year but are welcome to join us next year.

• All students must show photo ID and student ID or documents from the beauty school with letterhead confirming they are a current or recently graduated student or have recently taken state boards but not yet received their pro license.

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No group nor student discounts at the door ($75 CASH ONLY).

No documents = No entry, even with a ticket.

Sorry, but apprentices cannot be admitted unless their name/info is specifically listed on their State Board website.

Beauty school students posing for photo at show.

A) YES! We realize many salon/spa owners & managers are not licensed beauty pros. Each will need to show photo ID & documentation during the Check-in process at the Registration window such as: 

1. paystub from the salon/spa with the manager's name on it.
2. printed business card with manager's name, title, salon/spa contact info - sorry but no business cards will be accepted which have hand written info due to the high likelihood of fraud. 
3. salon business license with number issued by your state & salon owners/co-owners name printed on it.
4. your State Board of Cosmetology's website pulled up on your phone showing your name listed on the salon business license.

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ONLINE TICKET BUYING PROCESS:  insert the State Board issued salon business license number in the box where it asks for a pro beauty license number. 

A) Sorry, but no. 

To ensure a professional environment, unlicensed individuals are not allowed inside the show nor in classrooms as they take up space meant for nail techs. This includes no small children, strollers, nor babies being carried.

Sorry, but we cannot provide nor recommend daycare services due to liability reasons. If you see anyone violating this necessary rule, please report it to the Registration window or to a security guard so they can be escorted out.

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A) YES! Just bring your nail tech certificate & your photo ID from your country to show during the Check-in process at the door.

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A photo on your phone of your nail tech certificate will work as long as it's clearly visible to read.

A) FAST-TRACK YOUR CHECK-IN & GET NAIL SWAG A DAY EARLY!

A) YES!  Entry is $75 CASH ONLY with pro beauty license/owners salon license or student documents & photo ID for verification. An ATM is down the street in the Arcade located under the Space Needle or in the lower level hallway where the Craftsmen's Fair is held but paid entrance required; (see the FAQ "Is there food at the GCC?" for how to get 50% off Craftsmen's Fair admission).

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You'll receive a General Admission wristband to gain entry to the show floor & classrooms for Event Day Classes, plus some nail swag as it lasts (when it's gone, we cannot get any more).

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See the FAQ "How am I entered for a Door Prize drawing".

A) Not onsite, but paid parking lots on Airport Rd are located directly across from & beside the Gatlinburg Convention Center (average is $20 per day). 

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If you're taking a Friday, Saturday or Monday Workshop, the Catholic Church located next to the Gatlinburg Convention Center offers limited paid parking (average is $10-$15 CASH ONLY per day; NO PARKING ON SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICES). Look for the little metal box with envelopes to write down your license plate number & insert your cash. 

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If you're staying at a downtown hotel, you can hop the free trolleys, but there is no definite time schedule, so you could be waiting 1 minute or 1 hour until it arrives. Ask the trolley driver 1st before you get on if they stop at the GCC because not all trolley's do.

A) LUGGAGE CART POLICY: 

• Only vertical, upright luggage carts on wheels are allowed on the show floor. See the example photo below.

• Pull-behind, 4-wheel wagon carts are no longer permitted as they block aisles & create congestion in front of booths where techs need to shop.

This change is necessary due to the excessive complaints about techs toes being run over or tripping on pull-behind carts. Please be mindful when using vertical carts to avoid injuries. If issues continue, we may have to ban those as well.

A) YES! On social media, please hashtag #nailtecheventofthesmokies & tag us @NailTechEvent on TikTok & Instagram, however Facebook is a bit longer:  @NailTechEventoftheSmokies. 

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Nail techs, this is OUR WORLD....where nail techs are the STARS, so please utilize this once a year opportunity to create massive amounts of content for your YouTube & other social channels.

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However, absolutely NO live streaming or videoing in the Workshops or Event Day Classes without the prior consent of the Educator teaching it.

A) LICENSE VERIFICATION FOR CHECK-IN:

• Paper beauty licenses (any size) or a photo of your license on your phone are acceptable as long as they are easily readable.

• You may also show your license on the State Board of Cosmetology website via your phone, with your name & current pro beauty license visible.

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To speed up the Check-in process, have your license, salon owner license or student documents & photo ID ready. Lines move faster when you're prepared—see the FAQ for what to do if you forget your license.

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No one can enter the show without the required documents, even if they have purchased a non-refundable ticket. We appreciate your understanding in keeping this a pros-only nail industry event.

 A) LICENSE VERIFICATION:

Paper beauty licenses, photos of your license or certificates from other countries on your phone are acceptable if they are clear & readable.

If you forget your license, you’ll need to step out of line to:

• Google your State Board's website on your phone to show us your license.
• Call or text someone to send you a clear photo of your beauty license.

Once you have your license ready, you can resume your spot in line when it’s your turn. We appreciate your understanding in keeping the lines moving quickly!

A) Save a tree & take a photo instead of wasting paper!

Just past the Registration window & before you enter the Mills Auditorium will be a large show floor plan on an easel which lists all the companies & their booth numbers.

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     1st show floor you'll enter: The Gallery featuring 6 exclusive booths

     2nd show floor: the Mills Auditorium with a timber frame vaulted ceiling featuring 51 booths

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Take a photo of these show floor plans to easily refer back to when shopping. 

Show floor map on easel showing companies locations with their booth numbers!

A) Maybe. Since each State Board has different CEU rules, you'd need to contact the nail company in charge of holding the Workshop(s) you're interested in taking to ask them if what they're teaching has been CEU approved for your particular state.

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Then confirm with your State Board that they will accept the Workshop certificate of participation for your state's CEU's. Email addresses for each company holding a Workshop are provided in their listing on the "Nail Classes/Workshops" page. CLICK HERE

A) YES to both cash & card! ATM's are located down the street inside the Arcade under the Space Needle & also in the lower level of the GCC, but you will need to pay admittance to the Craftsmen's Fair to gain access to it.

See FAQ "Is there food at the GCC?" for how to get the discounted price to enter the Craftsmen's Fair in the lower level.

A) There is a FedEx drop off/pick up location inside the Walgreen's store located 1 block down from the GCC on the Parkway at Traffic light #8.

Their address is 811 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 & CLICK HERE for their website to see store hours & print shipping labels.

A) Visit another booth, use the restroom, enjoy a FREE Event Day Class, or grab a bite at the food court down in the lower level of the GCC (admission to the Craftsmen's Fair required to access the ground floor; see FAQ "Is there food at the GCC?"). Then, circle back later when your preferred booth is less crowded.

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Feeling booths are too crowded & wish they were larger?

Sorry, but larger booths aren’t possible unless we reserve a bigger ballroom, which would raise the booth fees for nail companies & raise the ticket prices for nail techs since larger spaces cost significantly more.

We appreciate you understanding our desire to keep costs low so companies can afford to participate & techs can afford to attend!

A) NO! Sorry, but if you’re working or even volunteering in a booth, you’re not eligible for any Prizes nor nail swag. You’ll need to either buy a ticket to attend as a nail tech OR work in a booth as an Educator.

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We must ensure that Prize drawings are fair & not perceived as biased toward Educators, so anyone inside a booth cannot win a prize nor receive swag meant for attending nail techs.

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Sponsoring companies trust us to distribute their products directly to attending techs. Educators working booths get wristbands with no detachable tabs, which means there are no tabs to put into the bucket for prize drawings.

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If your wristband number is drawn, but you’ve been working in a booth, we cannot award you a prize & we must draw another number. To be fair to all, we cannot make any exceptions & thank you for understanding.

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If you’ve already purchased a ticket but want to work or volunteer in a booth, please contact info@nailtechevent.com for a refund before online ticket sales end June 30th (money goes back onto the card used to make the original purchase usually within 7-10 business days).

A) Nail products donated by generous companies specifically as VIP Product Sponsors will be inside in the VIP Gift Bags (minimum of 20 products but contents differ from bag to bag). These are available during the Check-in process at the Registration window either on Saturday’s Early Check-in (Noon - 4:00pm EST) or on Sunday during the show.

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All other ticket types will receive complimentary nail swag donated by various companies in differing quantities AS IT LASTS. The swag bags (photo below) differ in items & quantities depending on what’s shipped to us each year.

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We aim to give all attendees a little something, so please understand that we must make these items stretch for everyone, so at minimum you may only receive 2-3 items depending on the amount of products sent to us.

If you want more guaranteed swag, then purchase a VIP ticket.

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If you don’t like an item or can’t use it, give it to another tech or donate it to your local beauty school. Sorry but we cannot make swag exchanges for you, as that would require us doing the same for hundreds of attendees.  Thank you for understanding.

A) YES, but NOT from the Event Team who gave you the complimentary swag graciously shipped to us by generous nail companies at their own expense. Trade swag with another nail tech at the show, which is a great way to make new friends or give it to your local beauty school.

Assorted nail swag differs from year to year & from bag to bag!

A) Sadly, NO. This is to prevent techs from buying multiple tickets just for more chances to win the $1500 Grand Prize. 

A) Yes, as long as you keep your wristband on, you can come & go all day!

If you lose it, you'll need to repurchase a wristband for $75 CASH ONLY at the Registration window. No exceptions to prevent fraud.

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There’s no bag check, but feel free to take heavy purchases back to your car or hotel, then return quickly since the Smokies Nail Show only happens one day a year!

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Your wristband numbers could be drawn for a Door Prize or the $1500 Grand Prize while you’re gone. You must be present on the Mills Auditorium show floor for all drawings in order to claim a prize as announcements cannot be heard elsewhere (no more dry erase board to check numbers at the Registration window).

Drawing times are:

1. Noon
2. 2:00pm
3. 4:00pm
4. Grand Prize at 4:30pm

It's typical for us to draw several numbers without anyone coming forward to claim their prize, so be present to WIN!

1 lucky tech will take home this $1500 Grand Prize Sponsored by PinkPro Beauty Supply on show day, but must be present to win!

A) NO, but there's an ATM down the street inside the Arcade underneath the Space Needle. If no other show is being held in the lower level of the GCC, there's an ATM down there, too (paid admission may be required if another show has that lower level reserved).

A) NO! All Workshops are held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center & are listed on the "Nail Classes/Workshops" page. CLICK HERE TO SEE WORKSHOPS

A) Maybe or Maybe Not!

Many Workshops sell out before the show, so register now with each company to secure your spot. Companies need to know in advance how many kits & certificates to prepare.

Ask at the booth about available seats in the Monday Workshops. CLICK HERE to see Workshops page for options.

Workshops do not count for CEUs unless your State Board approves them. Verify with your State Board first before registering.

A) Please wear business-casual attire to this professional daytime event. Avoid club-style clothing; this is a professional's-only trade show, not a freak-off. There's a time & place for nightclub attire, but this isn't it.

Candid photos will be featured in trade magazines, online publications & social media. Please help us represent the nail industry with class & dignity. CLICK HERE for recommendations of appropriate trade show & convention attire.

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"When in doubt, don't wear it out"!  - the NAILS magazine article which sums it all up. CLICK HERE

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Please don't embarrass yourself or others by looking like "The People of Walmart" - CLICK HERE for examples of what not to wear. 

A) Unfortunately no, so please bring a sweater, shawl or wear layers in case it becomes too cold for you. If Classrooms become too hot, please prop open the door for cooler hallway air circulation. 

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The number of bodies on the show floor & in classrooms produces a lot of heat, but the air conditioning controls cannot be adjusted to suit each individuals temperature. On the Smokies Nail Show floor & in classrooms, the air conditioning is either on or off, but there is no thermostat temperature for anything in between. 

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Thank you for understanding & arriving prepared!

A) After July 4th all updates will be posted on our Facebook business page "Nail Tech Event of the Smokies" - CLICK HERE.  Follow along daily so you won't miss out on what's going on!

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Sorry to those not on Facebook, but it's the easiest platform to update on the go & it's followed by the majority of attending nail techs. - CLICK HERE!

A) YES! Please see the Event Team at the Registration window if you lost or found something during the Smokies Nail Show.

After the show ends, all lost items are turned over to the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Please call‭ (865) 436-2392‬ to report if you found anything in the Fri/Sat/Mon Workshops or to inquire if you lost something. 

A) Thank you for understanding that the majority of questions are answered here in the FAQ's which have been created for 24/7/365 easy access to information you need.

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There are a LOT of moving pieces behind the scenes to make sure the four day Smokies Nail Show weekend goes smoothly for everyone involved, therefore extreme concentration on the Event Coordinator's duties is required to avoid making mistakes.

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Regretfully, any DM's or email responses will be delayed until the following week or longer. Thank you for understanding!