Emerald Expositions Buys The International Gift Exposition in the Smokies
August 2, 2016
Emerald Expositions has acquired The International Gift Exposition in the Smokies (IGES) from M&M Gift Shows.
Started in 2000 by Susan Mills and Jerry Mayer, IGES now is one of the largest gatherings of wholesale souvenir, resort and gift buyers in the United States.
The show encompasses two events – IGES and The Souvenir Super Show (SSS), the latter focusing on custom souvenirs.
Both take place concurrently in November each year at two locations in eastern Tennessee - Pigeon Forge and Sevierville - which are only seven miles apart.
“For the longest time we’ve had great respect for the Emerald organization and their shows in our market, particularly ASD Marketweek and Surf Expo,” Mills said. “Jerry and I look forward to being actively involved through this November’s show and will then provide our support and insights through the transition to Emerald and next year’s show.”
She added, “This is the right time for us to pass the baton to Emerald, an organization which has a great affinity with our buyers and sellers, and very professional in the way it operates. We are proud of the show we have built and we expect Emerald to take the show to the next level and deliver even greater value to our exhibitors, our attendees and our staff.”
IGES will join Emerald’s Gift, Home, and General Merchandise brands, which include ASD Marketweek, NY NOW, and National Stationery Show, and Executive Vice President Karalynn Sprouse will oversee the show.
“This is another example of a healthy, long-standing, market leading event that fits well within our portfolio,” said David Loechner, president and CEO of Emerald. “I am confident that under Karalynn’s strong leadership the show will continue to thrive and bring new and exciting opportunities to the buyers and sellers in this market.”
Loechner added that the Toledo, Ohio-based team at M&M Gift Shows have joined the Emerald organization.
Media Front LLC of Sudbury, Mass., was the exclusive advisor to Emerald in arranging and negotiating this transaction. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
Add new comment