Wholesaler trade shows in 2021: which ones should you visit?

The worldwide wholesale trade market is undergoing a massive digital revolution, with B2B buyers and sellers able to connect in a way like never before. Now that B2B interactions are easier to develop all around the world, the current environment has evolved away from a selling system with numerous barriers and toward an open system. These opportunities are being seized by many businesses to expand into the global market.

This information sheet is for B2B buyers and sellers who want to learn more about the worldwide wholesale trade market, which includes:

  • Learn about the top 10 wholesale trade fairs in 2021 and 2022. In 2021, what will be the global wholesale industry’s trends?

We’re already assisting significant companies looking to connect with wholesalers. Make contact with these businesses immediately to enter a new market.

1. Smoky Mountain Fall Gift and Souvenir Show

Date: 11/10/21 – 11/13/21

Location: Gatlinburg, TN United States

Venue: Gatlinburg Convention Center

The Smoky Mountain Gift Show brings together Tennessee’s best souvenir and resort gift exhibitors under one roof for easy shopping. Only in Gatlinburg will you find an unrivaled range of top-name brands and new products from hundreds of major manufacturers and up-and-coming souvenir, resort, and gift companies.

Exhibitors expected: 1,400

Expected Attendees: 12,000-15,000 

2. International Gift Exposition in The Smokies IGES

Date: 11/9/21 – 11/13/21

Location: Pigeon Forge & Sevierville, TN United States

Venue: Le Conte Ctr Pigeon Forge & Sevierville Convention Center

IGES is an annual gift expo in Tennessee’s magnificent Smoky Mountains that began in 2000. The event occurs in late autumn and attracts buyers from specialty stores across the United States, the Caribbean, and Canada. Retailers and online retailers can replenish their inventory by the event containing over 550 booths with name-drop items for souvenirs, coastal presents, children’s toys and plush, resort clothes, gourmet, and Made in America. The show is essentially an order-writing event, with a Cash & Carry Pavilion available in Sevierville. For industry shops looking for high-quality items at wholesale pricing, the IGES souvenir gift show is a must-see.

Many of our previous participants have formed long-lasting partnerships due to the numerous networking possibilities provided by the exhibition and discovering new suppliers exhibiting at the show.

Exhibitors expected: 550

Expected Attendees: 5,000

3. GTS Greensboro Expo

Date: 12/3/21 – 12/5/21

Location: Greensboro, NC United States

Venue: Greensboro Coliseum Complex

Providing retailers and resellers with various shows packed with world-class imports, manufacturers, and wholesalers to help them flourish. GTS exhibitions have fashion jewelry, fine jewelry, beaded jewelry, purses, apparel, closeouts, and accessories to match your business’s needs. Our members have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn about new retail trends and things for their businesses in a relaxed, professional setting at these wholesale-only expos. We help you become a better consumer by providing New Product Introductions and allowing you to evaluate New Products firsthand.

4. Midwest Market Days Chicago

Date: 12/5/21 – 12/7/21

Location: River Grove, IL United States

Venue: Regent Showroom, 8999 Palmer St.

Only 10 minutes from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, the Midwest Market Days trade event is ideally positioned in the Midwest. The simple, comfortable, casual buying environment appeals to independent retailers, mass merchants, and wholesale distributors. Thousands of closeout and direct import general retail items from several product categories are available to view. Rather than walking endlessly in a large convention center, spend more time with vendors buying and viewing products. All purchasers receive a complimentary breakfast and lunch buffet, as well as shuttle service to other participating showroom locations just minutes away.

5. TMC – The Merchandise Center

Date: 12/6/21 – 12/6/21

Location: Chicago / Schiller Park, IL United States

Venue: TMC – The Merchandise Center

Why should you pay full retail? TMC is home to the United States’ most extensive permanent collection of closeout and general retail wholesalers. Only a half-mile from O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. In minutes after stepping off a plane, chain stores can start sourcing items from the off-price industry’s significant sellers. With seven annual marketplaces, there’s bound to be one that matches your schedule. In our attractive, modern sourcing environment, locate the offers that will power your profits. Breakfast, lunch, and shuttle service are all complimentary. First-class hotels are available for less than $129 and are within walking distance.

6. Surf Expo

Date: 1/5/22 – 1/6/22

Location: Orlando, FL United States

Venue: Orange County Convention Center

The world’s largest and longest-running boardsports and beach/resort lifestyle trade fair. The expo, which attracts buyers from the United States, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, features fashion presentations, demos, and new product offerings for all retailers. Surf, Skate, Swim, Resort, Boutique, Wind, StandUp Paddle, Wakeboard, and Waterski are just a few of the activities available.

7. Dallas Total Home & Gift Market

Date: 1/5/22 – 1/11/22

Location: Dallas, TX United States

Venue: Dallas Market Center

The Dallas Total Home & Gift Market, Holiday and Home Expo, Holiday & Home Expo Temporaries, International Lighting Market, and. NDS Dallas Temp Show is all held together so that purchasers can choose from a wide range of product categories. Home furnishings, presents, decorative accessories, lighting, textiles, floral, Christmas and seasonal gifts, and home décor, gourmet, and fashion accessories are available at the Total Home & Gift Market.

Exhibitors expected: 2,700

Expected Attendees: 26,000

8. Gem, Jewelry & Lapidary Trade Show

Date: 1/5/22 – 1/6/22

Location: Asheville, NC United States

Venue: U.S. Cellular Center

G&LW’s many exhibition sites have been and continue to be a top gem buyer destination for the past 44 years. Exhibitors at G&LW receive world-class personal service and exposure to the most incredible customers in the industry. They aim to create a productive environment that facilitates exhibitors’ connections with the right buyers and the development of successful relationships. All G&LW exhibits are wholesale only, specializing in gems, jewelry, lapidary equipment, specimens, business, or reseller certificates.

Exhibitors expected: 75

Expected Attendees: 1,250

9. Dallas Apparel & Accessories

Date: 1/11/22 – 1/14/22

Location: Dallas, TX United States

Venue: Dallas Market Center

Every January, March, June, August, and October, the Dallas Garments & Accessories Market presents apparel and accessories in various categories, from classic looks to current edge. Buyers will find a diverse choice of temporary exhibitors in SCENE, the brief juried show. Furthermore, Fashion Center Dallas is home to permanent showrooms.

Exhibitors expected: 760

Expected Attendees:9,500 

10. Western & English Apparel Equipment Market, WESA

Date: 1/13/22 – 1/16/22

Location: Dallas, TX United States

Venue: Dallas Market Center

Professional buyers from retail horse establishments are welcome to attend. They organize wholesale buying shows that bring buyers and sellers, manufacturers, and salespeople together in a fair and friendly environment.

Estimated Exhibitors: 900

Expected Attendees: 5,600

Conclusion

The top ten forthcoming wholesale trade fairs mentioned above in 2021 and 2022 are representatives from major global corporations. Wholesalers can meet the Director of Supply Chain, Senior Director of Logistics, or SVP of Operations. Keep track of these trade exhibitions and their exhibitors for your subsequent trade-show participation.