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SEARCHThis July event has grown, each year, and it draws nail professionals from the area and beyond who are eager for advanced education, the latest products, and connection with other nail lovers. Registration opens January 1st.
Light Elegance team, Title Sponsor for the “Light Elegance Lounge & Dessert Bar” held in another Ballroom during the show.
There's nothing like being with people who share the same interests and enthusiasms. At the Nail Tech Event of the Smokies, nail professionals from the area and beyond gather to soak in lots of learning, fun, and what's new in nails. This nails-only show is open to all licensed beauty pros, salon/spa owners, beauty school students and their instructors. 2022 marks the event's 15th year and Event Coordinator and Nail Technician, Jill Wright, has been there every step of the way.
"The Nail Tech Event of the Smokies began as an idea in 2007 to bring affordable nail education to our overlooked area of the South," Wright says. "The resort town of Gatlinburg, TN was chosen because it's a fun family vacation destination within a day’s drive for over 50% of the USA population living east of the Mississippi (about 22 surrounding states).
"Our humble beginnings started in 2008 as a small nail tech networking event held in a hotel ballroom. We met our goal of 50 nail techs attending and six educators demoing on tables with nail icon Vicki Peters as the guest speaker. Within three years, we'd become the largest nail tech networking event in the USA. Within five years, we became a licensed LLC trade show and moved into the Gatlinburg Convention Center."
Wright says that over 12.5 million people a year visit Gatlinburg (averages 1+ million per month even during 2020) and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free for guests to explore. "Best of all techs can drive with their families to Gatlinburg and stay longer for an affordable, tax write-off vacation they'll never forget!" she says.
The Nail Tech Event of the Smokies
Friday, July 8th: Extended Workshops
Saturday, July 9th: Workshops
Sunday, July 10th: THE 1 DAY NAIL SHOW
Monday, July 11th: Workshops
*Workshops cost extra & are not included with show ticket
For Christian Cowan’s Spring/Summer 2027 collection, the designer drew inspiration from classic feminine silhouettes, reimagined with a cool edge and unexpected textures.
MelodySusie is celebrating its 17th anniversary. It is a time to celebrate another year of growth, another year of innovation, and another chapter of the journey we've shared with nail lovers around the world. From first-time nail enthusiasts and bold creators to professionals turning passion into a career, we’re grateful for every person and community who has made nail artistry their own.
Sponsored by MelodySusie
Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.
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One-Day Personal and Professional Development Education Event for Beauty Professionals Set for October 25, 2026, at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue.
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A Texas man and woman pleaded guilty on Monday to operating a significant under-the-table cash payroll at their nationwide nail salon business.
The nails-only trade show welcomed 700 beauty professionals for education, shopping, networking and one unforgettable Smokies surprise.
Some OPI nail colors became such classics that fans clamored for their return. And OPI--as always--paid attention to what clients and nail professionals were asking for.
In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.
Sponsored by BeautyWorld Dubai
