Nail Tech Event of the Smokies

A) YES, actually it's "editable" to change your ticket into someone else's name + info! Sorry, but NO tickets of any kind are refundable & tickets cannot be carried over to a future show year.

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You may sell or gift your ticket to another licensed beauty pro by following the directions below to "edit" your info into the buyers name/info so they'll be on the Eventbrite guest list which we utilize to Check-in attendees.

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Names not on the guest list cannot be admitted to the show regardless of ticket purchase. Follow these instruction precisely to avoid having problems!

Sorry, but due to time limitations, we cannot make ticket name/info changes NOR look up tickets in the Eventbrite system for you.

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BEWARE OF ONLINE SCAMS OFFERING TICKETS FOR SALE & only purchase from a trusted source.

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First: the seller takes payment from the ticket buyer via Venmo, Cash App, Paypal, Square, etc.

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Second: In the Eventbrite system, editing changes can only be made by the original ticket buyer. If you bought a ticket from someone else, you'll need to have the original purchaser edit the ticket info.

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Third: The Eventbrite system does not offer change options on cell phones nor tablets. ALL CHANGES MUST BE MADE ON A LAPTOP OR PC. 

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Fourth: Eventbrite has 4 simple step instructions to edit your ticket into another licensed beauty pro's info so they can use the ticket. YOU will need to get the following info from the buyer in advance before you begin the online ticket editing process: 

1. buyers name
2. buyers cell number
3. buyers email address
4. buyers their pro beauty license & state

CLICK HERE for the 4 step change instructions

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Fifth (the last step): change YOUR email on the ticket to the BUYERS email & then click "resend ticket" (or something like that). Confirm with the buyer that they DID receive the emailed ticket in the buyers name & their own info.  Once they confirm receipt of the ticket in their name/info, then the deal is concluded & the buyers name will be on the Eventbrite ticket list.

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~ To prohibit the fraudulent reselling of 1 ticket multiple times: the name on the ticket MUST match the name on the pro beauty license &/or photo ID shown during the Check-in process. THIS IS FOR YOUR PROTECTION. 

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~ Marriage/divorce name changes occur & will be taken into consideration if your photo ID matches your first name & your face. Sorry but licenses held in escrow are not up-to-date & cannot be admitted.

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~ If ordering more than 1 ticket:
each ticket MUST be listed in each tech's own name with their own corresponding pro beauty license number & state. Duplicate ticket names or license numbers are subject to being canceled without notice.

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

A) You can find all your Eventbrite ticket purchases by logging into your Eventbrite account or CLICK HERE for further instructions.

A) YES, but for $75 CASH ONLY along with pro beauty license or student documents & photo ID for verification. An ATM is down the street in the Arcade located under the Space Needle or up the street at the Bearland Grill (on the corner opposite the Gillette Motel).

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You'll receive a General Admission wristband to gain entry to the show, plus some nail swag as it last (when it's gone, that's all she wrote). Scroll down for the FAQ "How am I entered for a Door Prize drawing" to understand how wristband detachable tabs work.

A) It depends. 

For optional paid Workshops (Fri/Sat/Mon) = arrive at your Classroom 15-20 minutes before it begins.

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For the Sunday show = depends on what ticket type you purchased.

The GCC's Mills Center exterior doors open only to VIP ticket holders at 8:30am (EST) while entrance to the show floor begins at 9:00am. Lines start forming outside before 8:00am, so bring an umbrella if it looks like rain.

All other ticket holders are General Admission & the GCC's exterior doors will open at 9:30am while entrance to the show floor begins at 10:00am.

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~ If you have not completed the Early Check-in process on Saturday (see the FAQ for "Early Check-in"), just Check-in at the Registration window which will have 3 separate lines (not the show floor long line).

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All lines will move much faster when you have out/ready to show your proof of pro beauty licensure or student beauty school documents, plus photo ID for verification during the Check-in process. Please arrive prepared (see FAQ for what's acceptable including other countries without licensure, plus what YOU WILL NEED TO DO if you forget to bring your license).

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) Paper beauty licenses of any size or a photo/screenshot of your license on your phone are acceptable for the Check-in process at the Registration window as long as they are easily readable. 

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Also acceptable is to have your State Board of Cosmetology website pulled up on your phone showing your name & current pro beauty license for this current year visible. 

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~ The lines will move much faster when you have your proof of pro beauty licensure or student beauty school documents, plus photo ID out/ready to show for the Check-in process. Please arrive prepared (see FAQ for what YOU WILL NEED TO DO if you forget to bring your license).

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~ Regretfully we cannot let anyone gain entrance to the show without these supporting documents for verification despite purchasing an online ticket which cannot be refunded. Thank you for understanding our need based on your feedback to keep this a pros-only nail industry show.

A) YES! "Student" = already taking classes at a beauty school PRIOR to the show date. If you're enrolled AFTER the show date, sorry but you cannot attend this year & we welcome you to join us the following year.

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All Students must show photo ID + student ID or documents with beauty school letterhead indicating they are a current or recently graduated student or have recently taken state boards but have not received their pro license yet.

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No group or student discounts are given at the door ($75 CASH ONLY).

No documents = No entry even if you purchased a ticket.

*Sorry, but apprentices cannot be admitted.

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 person's name on it.
2. printed business card with person's name, title, salon/spa contact info - sorry but no business cards will be accepted which have info hand written in pen or pencil due to the high likelihood of fraud. 
3. salon business license with number issued by your state & 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 salon/spa business license number in the box where it asks for a pro beauty ID number. 

A) Thank you for understanding that unlicensed people may NOT enter the show floor because they take up valuable space needed around booths & in the aisles for the beauty pro's trying to shop.

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~ This includes no strollers nor babies being carried. Sorry, but we cannot recommend any day care providers. 

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~ Unlicensed spouses or significant others must have their name on the salon license issued from your State Board or have salon business cards printed (not hand written) in their name showing they are working as a salon manager as their primary job. 

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~ All licenses/student documents & photo ID MUST be shown during Check-in. No one is permitted to enter regardless of having purchased a ticket & will be turned away at the door without proper verification (no refunds will be given). 

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A) Paper beauty licenses (any size) or photo of your license or other country's certificate on your phone are acceptable as long as they are easily readable.

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If you forget to bring either then you'll need to step aside & out of line to:

1. Google your State Board of Cosmetology's website on your phone to search for your license online to show us.
2. Call/text a family member or coworker to send you a photo of your license or other country's certificate that's posted in your salon (must be easily readable).
3. Call/text a family member, friend or coworker to look up your license on your State Board of Cosmetology's website & send you the weblink OR a clear screenshot of it for verification.

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Once you have your pro beauty license accessed & ready to show us on your phone: you'll be able to resume your place at the registration window when the next spot opens.

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Thank you for understanding that we must keep the lines moving fast so that we don't delay others.

A) Gain rapid entry to the show floor & reduce the long Check-in lines when the GCC doors open on Sunday by getting your wrist band 1 day in advance (Eventbrite tickets OR cash ticket sales) PLUS general admission ticket holders can get NAIL SWAG before it runs out!

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VIP ticket holders will also receive their VIP Gift Bags to test Sponsors products 1 day in advance. This way techs can find new favorite products & purchase more at the booths during Sunday's show.

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When: Saturday prior to Sunday's show.

Time: NOON - 4:00pm ONLY 

Where: Registration window inside the Mills Center (newer part of the GCC) facing Airport Rd (previously known as Historic Nature Trail).

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~ If you're in a Workshop during this time:  just take a 5 minute break at any time as you would for using the restroom; between 2:30 - 3:45 the line is shorter or non-existent. The Check-in process takes only a few minutes.

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~ The complimentary nail swag is for General Admission ticket holders as it lasts. VIP's receive a VIP gift bag of Sponsors products. 

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​If you lose or forget to wear your wrist band to the show: a new one MUST be purchased for $75 CASH ONLY to gain entry. *Sorry, but no exceptions can be made due to the high probability of reselling or gifting "lost" tickets to others. 

A) The NEW "Swag Swap Center" is located in the Mills Rooms 3 & 4 with plenty of chairs & tables for exchanging swag with each other during the show since we understand that not everything you receive is always the perfect match for each tech! 

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Feel welcome to bring your lunch from the lobby Concessions stand into the Swag Swap Center to enjoy while visiting with your nail friends, too or just take a load off to relax for awhile before the next round of show floor shopping.

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Look for signs on easels pointing the way. All we ask is that you don't spill any nail products nor food/drinks on the carpeted floor so that the GCC will allow us to utilize this room again in the future. 

A) The Sponsors Hall connects all the show floors together & runs between them. Inside it you will find our Sponsors draped tables with info about their company introducing products of interest to nail techs, plus enter your business card for a PRIZE drawing to WIN some of their products, too!

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~ In the lobby near the Registration window will be big show floor plans on easels so you can easily find the Sponsors Hall & the NEW "Swag Swap Center" (see FAQ by same name). Take a photo to navigate around the GCC & look for other signs, plus banners to point the way.

A) YES to both cash & card! ATM's are located down the street inside the Arcade under the Space Needle & up the street inside the Bearland Grill on the corner of Cloverleaf Dr. (across from the Gillette Motel). Also there is an ATM located in the lower level of the GCC, but you will need to pay admittance to the big Craftsmen's Fair to gain access to it. 

A) There are only 150 VIP Tickets for licensed beauty pro's (not available to students; must show pro license during Check-in) which include a special VIP wrist band for 1 hour earlier show floor entry at 9:00am & a big VIP Gift Bag of Sponsors products. 

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This means no standing outside the GCC in a long line waiting to get in when show doors open for all other ticket types at 10:00am (EST).

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~ VIP Gift Bags & wrist bands may be picked up during the "Early Check-in" process on Saturday from Noon - 4:00pm, so you can enjoy your nail products 1 day in advance & shop for your favorites at the show!

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~ On Sunday at 8:30am: show your VIP wristband (if you did Early Check-in) or VIP printed show ticket to the guards & helpers at the GCC's exterior doors to enter the building.

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~ If you missed the Early Check-In on Saturday, then you will need to Check-in at the Registration Window on the morning of the show. ​

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VIP tickets sell out the fastest (within 48 hours) upon going on sale New Years Eve at 12:01am (EST) on Jan. 1st of each year.  Sometimes a few become available for sale inside our private Facebook group for licensed beauty pros only.

Techs may post their tickets for sale at any time if they can no longer join us & then you can DM them to arrange buying it.

See the #1 FAQ for ticket editing instructions if you're selling or buying a ticket.  CLICK HERE to join our Smokies private Facebook group.

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~ VIP Gift Bag & wrist band must be picked up by the ticket holder in person with photo ID & pro beauty license to receive.

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~ Sorry, but no one else may do the check-in process for you, nor pick up your swag bag.

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~ VIP Gift Bags/General Admission swag cannot be mailed nor held over for a future show year if you cannot attend.

A) Simply go visit another booth, take a restroom break, visit the Sponsors tables, enjoy a FREE Event Day Class or grab a bite to eat at the concession stand in the lobby & then circle back later when your preferred booth is less crowded. 

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Unfortunately larger booths are not possible unless we reserve a bigger Ballroom with more show floor space which would increase the costs of all company's booths & also increase the cost of all attendees show tickets.

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Thank you for understanding our desire to keep everyone's costs at a reasonable amount.

A) Sorry, but the answer is unfortunately NO. Anyone working or volunteering in a booth is not eligible for swag, VIP Gift Bag, nor Door Prizes (including the big Grand Prize). Either buy a show ticket & attend as a nail tech OR don't buy a ticket & work in a booth at no charge.

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~ We cannot give the impression that the Door Prize drawings are rigged in favor of Educators, which is why nobody working the show in any capacity is qualified to win Prizes or receive swag. Sponsoring companies trust us to make sure their product contributions go directly to the attending nail techs.

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~ If a tech has their wristband number drawn for a Prize but has been working/volunteering in a booth, regretfully we cannot award any Prize & we must draw another number. If we make an exception for 1, then we must make an exception for all.

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~ If you've already purchased a show ticket, but wish to work or volunteer in a booth, please contact info@nailtechevent.com so we may cancel your ticket BEFORE ONLINE TICKET SALES END. Eventbrite will put your money paid back onto the card used to make the initial ticket purchase (usually within 7-10 business days).

A) On attendees wrist bands are numbers & a detachable tab with the same matching numbers. Upon check-in, the wrist band goes on your wrist & the detached tab goes into a bucket for the Door Prize drawings.

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Anyone working or volunteering in booths receives a different color Educator wristband without a detachable tab since they are ineligible for any Door Prizes or swag.

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Follow our Facebook business page & Instagram account to see photos of the prize winners posted within a week or 2 after the show ends.

Drawing times are:

11:30am

1:30pm 

4:00pm (Grand Prize only & must be present to win)

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~ Prizes are chosen randomly in advance by our Event Team & displayed at the Registration window. Listen for numbers called over the loudspeaker & come forward to have your wrist band numbers matched against the tab drawn.

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~ We realize you may be outside smoking, eating or in the restroom when numbers are called, so all unclaimed numbers are posted on a DRY ERASE BOARD at the REGISTRATION WINDOW for YOU to check BEFORE 4:00pm.

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~ At 4:00pm ALL unclaimed prizes will be forfeited. Anything unclaimed will be put towards future Smokies Show promotional contests. We will continue to draw for the Grand Prize until someone WINS it.

*Winner is responsible for shipping prize if it cannot be taken with them. Door Prize winners are ineligible for the Grand Prize drawing; sorry, but we cannot hold prizes for you.

A) Sorry, but no. You're welcome to either sell or gift the extra ticket to another licensed beauty pro or just eat the cost (it's still tax deductible if you are self employed).

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~ If you originally bought a general admission ticket, but then later purchased a VIP ticket from someone else, you'll receive a VIP wristband during the Check-in process (see the FAQ on "VIP tickets" for more info).

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Be 100% certain that the original ticket holder has edited their info into YOUR name & YOUR info, otherwise the ticket is void (no show access allowed; see the #1 FAQ for ticket editing instructions). If they follow these instructions correctly then you'll receive an email with the ticket in your name & your info (check your junk mailbox for it).

A) YES, but NOT from the Event Team who gave you the complimentary swag graciously provided by generous nail companies at their own expense.

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~ You are welcome to join other techs in enjoying the NEW "Swag Swap Center" located in the Mills Rooms 3 & 4 to exchange swag for a more customized gift exchange.

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It'll be open all day during the show for swag swapping, visiting with tech friends & relaxing. There are plenty of chairs & tables to eat lunch there, too. Be sure to look for signs on easels pointing the way!

A: YES, as long as you keep your wristband on you may come & go all day!

Lost or misplaced wristbands will need to be repurchased for $75 CASH ONLY at the Registration window (sorry, but no exceptions can be made).

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~ There isn't a bag check area, but you're welcome to take your heavy purchases or Door Prize winnings out to your car or back to your hotel room as many times as needed. 

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~ Looking for lunch outside the GCC?

Be advised that July is peak tourist season (1+ million people visit Gatlinburg) & there's a labor shortage of workers, so please allow 2 hours minimum for your restaurant dining experience.

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It could be longer or it could be shorter. Either way, this show only comes once a year, so maximize your time at it & eat inside at the GCC Concessions (scroll down FAQ's for further food details).

A) YES! Since Subway & Bones BBQ across the street closed earlier this year, the GCC will set up a Modified Concessions stand located in the Classrooms hallway on Friday (8am - 1pm), Saturday (8am - 5pm) & Monday (8am - 1pm).

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Please save time & aggravation on your 1 hour Workshop lunch break by utilizing the Concessions (breakfast snack cakes, salads, wraps, cold sandwiches, chips, candy, beverages & coffee). NO outside food is permitted inside the GCC, but there are outside benches if you'd like to picnic with your bagged lunch.

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On Sunday (show day) the Full Concessions will be in it's usual location inside the Mills Center foyer (8am - 5pm). This menu will have more options (Breakfast Snack Cakes, Bagged Chips, House Made Chips, Candy, Popcorn, Hot Pretzels, assorted  Nachos, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Hamburger/Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders, Hot Dogs, Beverages/Coffee, Cold Sandwiches, Wraps & Salads).

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On show day you are welcome to take your Concessions food/drinks into the Mills Rooms 3 & 4 "Swag Swap Center" where there are tables & chairs to relax. Please remove your trash & keep the tables clean for other techs. Thank you!

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

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~ Anyone holding a class offsite the week prior to or directly after our show in the Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg or Townsend areas is considered piggybacking off our show.

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~ Piggybacking is taken very seriously & those who engage in this will be reported to all the legitimate, participating companies, plus banned from future Smokies Nail Shows. This sneaky & unethical behavior harms the participating companies business by siphoning away nail techs from their sanctioned Workshops at the GCC. 

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~ Ultimately, companies losing money in any capacity will not return again. 

~ No Companies = No show. Please support participating companies who have spent a lot of time & money to bring education to the Smokies Nail Show.

A) MAYBE or MAYBE NOT!

Many Workshops sell out before the show date. Register with each Company NOW for the advanced education which will help help your career the most. Companies need to know in advance how many kits & Certificates to ship.

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Ask at their Booth if the company has space available in their Monday Workshop. CLICK HERE to see Workshops page for options.

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~ Workshops do not count for CEU's unless your specific State Board approves them (North Carolina gave approval if certificates meet certain requirements; see "Classes/Workshops page).

~ It is your responsibility to verify this with your State Board prior to registering for a Workshop.

A) Please wear "business-casual" appropriate clothing to this professional daytime function.  DO NOT dress in hootchie club attire since there will be no straight men who want to hook up with you at this mostly all female show. 

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~ There's a time & place for hootchie club attire (such as AT the night club), but this trade show is not that place.

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~ Candid photos will appear in professional trade magazines, online publications & on social media.  Please make an effort to represent our nail industry with class & dignity. 

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

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 ~ Still unsure?
Here are some tasteful guidelines:

*Capris & walking shorts are fine.

*Mini skirts, "cookie cutters" & Daisy Dukes are not.

*Stomachs & rear "cleavage" should not be bared.

*Bras & underwear should be worn underneath your clothing.

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Please don't embarrass yourself or others by looking like "The People of Walmart". 

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Dress appropriately for this daytime business function.  CLICK HERE for recommendations of trade show attire.

A) Unfortunately no, so please bring a sweater, shawl or wear layers in case it becomes too cold for you especially sitting in the Classrooms.

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The number of bodies at a Convention Center produces a lot of heat, but the air conditioning controls cannot be adjusted to suit each individuals temperature.

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Thank you for understanding & arriving prepared!

A) Check the email used to purchase your show tickets because we send out reminders & updates until the July 4th holiday.

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~ After July 4th all updates will be posted on our Facebook business page "Nail Tech Event of the Smokies". Be sure to follow along daily so you won't miss out on what's going on!

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

A) YES! Please see the Event Team at the Registration window if you lost something or found something during the show. After the show ends all lost items will be turned over to the GCC staff.

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 access to information you need.

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There are a LOT of moving pieces behind the scenes to make sure the show weekend goes smoothly for everyone involved, therefore extreme concentration on the Event Coordinators duties is required to avoid any mistakes & responses will be delayed until the following week.