In 2020, IGES continued its annual tradition of bringing together the souvenir and gift industry during an unprecedented time of COVID-19 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,” says Linda Consolvo, a retail buyer who co-owns St. Thomas, Virgin Islands-based 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 opportunities for buyers and sellers to network with special events and features throughout Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, including complimentary donuts and coffee, VIP buyer dinners, and more.
Special events and highlights include:
- 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 a collection of samples of key products.
- TGIF Happy Hour for time to network with colleagues and vendors on Friday, Nov. 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, Nov. 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, Nov. 11.
- The new Campground @ IGES featuring outdoor and recreation industry products.
New this year, IGES 2021 introduces the Campground @ IGES, a pavilion featuring trending 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. Click here for more information about the Campground @ IGES in Sevierville.
“As in-person trade shows and events continue to open back up again, 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,” says Karalynn Sprouse, executive vice president, Emerald, the show organizer.
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.
