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