National Training Conference
Fall 2025 - Registration Now Open!
September 22nd - 24th • Knoxville, TN
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SMCo Thrift will host its next thrift conference September 22nd – 24th at Bridgewater Place (205 Bridgewater Rd. Knoxville, TN 37923) focused on equipping leaders in the industry to Do Thrift Better. Principles, strategies and tools proved successful in the 150+ locations where the SMCo Thrift team has assisted will be shared.
Every conference is unique because of the people who attend. We recognize the value of different viewpoints so come prepared to share your challenges as well as your successes. While no thrift store is exactly the same, we do believe that certain strategies can be deployed to encourage success. No matter the size of your thrift operation, we are certain that this conference can benefit you.
Expect to hear about, and then see, the interconnected elements within a thrift operation – such as receiving donations, sorting & pricing individual items to retail sales. Directors, managers and other leaders will walk away with practical steps to implement at existing thrift operations to grow your social enterprise.
We are so excited for this Fall’s Conference. Every year we set a schedule with a goal to encourage new ideas, learn best practices, and engage with others in the thrift industry. Check out the session topics from this Spring! Our Fall schedule will be very similar, so check back for more details.
Snacks will be available throughout the day. Lunch is provided.
Pick up your name tag, meet other attendees, grab a cup of coffee and get ready for a day of learning!
We will host a reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres inside our venue – Bridgewater Place.
Interactive Session to Answer Any Thrift-Related Questions
Visit a KARM Stores location to see what you’ve learned in action.
Snacks will be available throughout the day. Lunch is provided.
Dive deeper into one of the following topics:
Dive deeper into one of the following topics:
Dive deeper into one of the following topics:
Conference Registration is now open for the 2025 Fall Conference!
Bring your entire team! Regardless of experience, we believe this is an event that will help as you and your organization strive to Do Thrift Better.
We will partner with a local hotel for a group rate. Check back as it gets closer to the conference and keep an eye on your email.
Venue – Bridgewater Place – 205 Bridgewater Rd. Knoxville, TN 37923.
There are many wonderful restaurants near the venue so make plans to enjoy your own “taste of Knoxville” during your visit. Check out Visit Knoxville for recommendations or ask a SMCo Thrift team member while you are at the conference. The reception on the first day is a great time to meet other attendees and make dinner plans for the rest of the week!
Planning to stay an extra day? There are plenty of sights to see and activities to do. Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains are only a short drive from Knoxville, TN. Regardless of the activities you decide to do, we are sure that you will enjoy your time here in East Tennessee.
The goal of this conference is to help equip our attendees with the tools they need to succeed. Without the tools and services of many of our vendors, our lives would be much more difficult. Be sure to check out our Vendor page to register and learn more about the benefits of partnering with SMCo Thrift.