Plan Your Visit

We look forward to welcoming you to the show. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your experience:

• TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR EXPRESSPASS™ REGISTRATION Make sure you are registered for the show and have printed out your ExpressPass ™ to gain quick and easy entrance into our shows.
• BOOK YOUR HOTEL EARLY & SAVE WITH OUR LOW RATES Book your hotel stay using our housing partner, Connections. Urban Expositions has teamed up with Connections Housing to offer you deeply discounted hotel rates.
• PRE-PLAN YOUR PURCHASES Be sure to download the official show mobile app for complete details on the show, including exhibitor listings, show specials, show features, calendar of events and much more!
• SET APPOINTMENTS WITH SPECIFIC VENDORS PRIOR TO THE SHOW
• SET TIME ASIDE TO WALK THE ENTIRE SHOW FLOOR You never know what you will find. That one item may be your next best-seller.
• EAT, DRINK, SHOP, REPEAT Drink plenty of fluids and make sure to take breaks to eat or enjoy a quick snack.
• BRING PLENTY OF BUSINESS CARDS & YOUR CREDIT SHEET
• BRING A NOTE PAD AND PEN TO TAKE NOTES After you have viewed products and talked with the vendor, be sure to jot down some notes to reference at a later date.
• NETWORK WITH OTHER BUYERS TO SEE WHAT IS TRENDING IN THEIR STORES

Speak to fellow retailers about what’s working and not working in their store. From trending products to management techniques. Help each other out!

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Urban Expositions at 800.318.2238.

By Amy Dufour, Marketing & Social Media Manager

• Search for exhibitors you know you want to see on Facebook prior to the show - you never know if they might be offering a show special you can take advantage of via social media.
• Utilize the show hashtag to find key exhibitors you'll want to visit on-site. #GSGiftShow
• Follow the show on Facebook and Twitter so you don't miss out on any seminars, giveaways or must-see exhibitors.
• Like, comment and share show posts and exhibitor posts pre-show, at the show and post-show - generating engagement will lead to more awareness of your own business pages.
• Take and share photos of your show experience. Your own followers will want to see how much fun you're having live, on-site! .

The Grand Strand Gift & Resort Merchandise Show is open to the trade only. 

New /first-time attendees should be prepared to present the following along with your ExpressPass™ to gain admission to the show: 1 form of personal ID and 2 forms of business ID, which can include copy of business license, sales tax id number, payroll stub, company check, company credit card, vendor invoice, business card, letterhead or other printed collateral with company name. (Please note: 1 form of personal ID and 1 form of business ID is required for each additional employee.)

To maintain the professional environment of the show, children under the age of 14 years and strollers are strongly discouraged.

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