The International Gift Exposition in the Smokies (IGES) today announced the show’s return to two locations due to increased demand. IGES, the most comprehensive souvenir, resort, and specialty gift trade show in the U.S, is taking place on November 9-13, 2021 at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, TN, and the Sevierville Convention Center in Sevierville, TN. Both locations will be filled with more than 1,000 booths featuring 400+ vendors with a special emphasis on Made in the USA, immediate delivery, and the brand-new Campground @ IGES at the Sevierville location.
In 2020, IGES continued its annual tradition of bringing together the souvenir and gift industry during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and large show cancellations.
“Buying for an unpredictable season is challenging. It was important for me to catch up with my long-term vendors and see the new trends,” said Linda Consolvo, Shell Seekers. “I want to thank IGES for going to extraordinary lengths to bring us a show in 2020.”
This year, IGES will provide expanded opportunity for buyers and sellers to network with special events, highlights, and features throughout Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, including:
- Complimentary Guided Show Floor Tours with a choice of learning what is “New + Trending” and/or “Sustainability Shopping.” Click here to RSVP.
- Complimentary Swag Bag Giveaways to the first 200 guests for collection of samples of key products.
- TGIF Happy Hour for time to network with colleagues and vendors on Friday, November 12.
- The return of the popular Buyers Bucks discounts and specials from participating vendors.
The following events will take place exclusively in Sevierville:
- The Annual IGES Hoedown featuring live entertainment, dancing, and drinks on Tuesday, November 9.
- Made in the USA Pavilion featuring artisan made merchandise.
- Beers Around the Campfire for drinks, live music, and conversations at the Campground Lounge on Thursday, November 11.
- The brand-new Campground @ IGES featuring outdoor and recreation industry products.
New this year, IGES 2021 introduces the Campground @ IGES, a new pavilion featuring fresh merchandise in the outdoor and recreation industry. While tourism struggled in 2020, RV parks and campgrounds saw an increase in revenue. Including boating and fishing equipment, outdoor and tactical gear, sundries, wellness and more, the Campground @ IGES is perfectly suited for buyers who want to get in on this booming industry, forecasted to create a revenue of $7.1 billion in the next five years. IGES is uniquely positioned to provide access to distinct and post-pandemic consumers looking for targeted affordable products in this fast-growing market. Click here for more information about the Campground @ IGES in Sevierville.
“As in-person trade shows and events continue to open back up again across the U.S., our strategy for IGES 2021 includes an emphasis on discovery and matchmaking. We’ve included guided show floor tours for increased intimate engagement between vendor and buyer, as well as even more ways to come together for conversation and connection,” said Karalynn Sprouse, executive vice president, Emerald.
IGES, originally the Pigeon Forge Resort Merchandise and Gift Show, was started in 2000 at the Grand Hotel in Pigeon Forge to serve the wholesale resort merchandise industry. The show quickly expanded, first to four additional locations, then to the Sevierville Convention Center – the closest convention center to the McGee Tyson Airport. In 2013, IGES expanded yet again to include Smoky Mountain’s newest convention center, Pigeon Forge LeConte Center. IGES joined Emerald in 2016, and is now one of the largest gatherings of souvenir and resort merchandise with a unique specialty in custom and name drop products.
About IGES
Founded in 2000, IGES is an annual gift show in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, TN. As a favorite Tennessee show, it is held in late Fall and draws many buyers from specialty stores across the U.S., the Caribbean, and Canada. The show features more than 1000 booths of name drop items for souvenirs, lodge, and coastal gifts, children’s toys & plush, resort apparel, gourmet, and Made in the USA collectibles & keepsakes to stock your retail and online stores. The IGES souvenir gift show is a can’t-miss for retailers in the industry looking for top-quality items at wholesale prices. With many opportunities for networking, many of our past attendees have created long-lasting relationships while finding new suppliers exhibiting at the show.
About Emerald
IGES is owned and operated by Emerald. Emerald is a leader in building dynamic, market-driven business-to-business platforms that integrate live events with a broad array of industry insights, digital tools, and data-focused solutions to create uniquely rich experiences. As true partners, we at Emerald strive to build our customers’ businesses by creating opportunities that inspire, amaze, and deliver breakthrough results. With over 140 events each year, our teams are creators and connectors who are thoroughly immersed in the industries we serve and are committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. For more information, please visit http://www.emeraldx.com.