The Gathering

The Gathering is an exclusive, invitation-only, appointment-based hosted-buyer trade event for gift and souvenir retail professionals, primarily serving the attraction retail sector on the East Coast of the United States. The 2026 edition takes place September 14-17, 2026 at Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, United States.

The event features pre-scheduled, personalized buyer-supplier appointments designed to maximize buying time, with a curated show floor spanning product categories such as Apparel, Gifts, Souvenir, Plush, Gourmet, and Made in the USA products. Over four days, participants engage in business ordering, networking, and relationship-building in a focused 'campus format' that is smaller and more targeted than large trade shows.

Attendance is limited: retailers must have annual sales of $1M+ with an open-to-buy, and attendees must be responsible for buying or evaluating merchandise for their organization. According to the organizer, the event has run for 30+ years in the gift and souvenir industry, facilitated 2,200 meetings last year, and 87% of participants say the event is important to their business.

The event is organized by Clarion US (Clarion Events). The event is offline/in-person.