Tennessee Sampler, a tourism trade show hosted by the Tennessee Department of Tourism Development, last night brought 250 tour operators and travel writers from the Mid-Atlantic region to the Woodrow Wilson Ballroom of the Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center. The annual event (held in Chicago last year) showcases the state’s hotels and attractions with video presentations, entertainment, and exhibition booths representing 50 tourism venues.
The highlight of the evening (which kicked-off with a 4:30 p.m. press briefing) was a performance by country legend Dolly Parton, owner of Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and the official ambassador of this year’s 75th anniversary of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park.
For many attendees, Parton’s presence was the draw. But show organizers said they have no problem filling a ballroom with or without a major entertainer. "Tennessee Sampler is very successful. Period,” said the show’s director of communications, Cindy Dupree. “Tour operators love Tennessee. The industry has a $14.2 billion economic impact on the state, with world-class attractions, like Dollywood.” Dupree added that there was an additional incentive for attendance: “Tour operators love freebies.”
In addition to printed material, booth giveaways included small stuffed animals and lots of candy. There were door prizes for free trips and business card draws for gift baskets filled with state-made products. The Gaylord-catered buffet dinner featured chef stations with crab cakes, lobster risotto, and ham with biscuits. After the performance and dinner, guests mingled, networked, and enjoyed the open bar until 9 p.m.
