The International Gift Exposition in the Smokies® - SEVIERVILLE, TN 2024

Event Dates
2024-11-05 - 2024-11-07
Organizer
Exhibitors
500
Floor Size
0
Attendees
4000
Event contact title
Contact
Event contact first name
.
Event contact last name
.
Email
info@iges.us
Event contact telephone number
(800) 430-7608
Description

Founded in 1999, IGES is one of the most popular resort, souvenir, and specialty gift trade shows in America. IGES isn’t just a trade show, it’s a vacation experience and business trip all-in-one. IGES takes place every November in the beautiful Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, Tennessee.

Every fall, approximately 4,000 buyers in the travel and tourism industries come from the U.S., the Caribbean, and Canada to shop more than 1,000 booths featuring over 500 vendors in order to find high-quality, original products to sell in their gift stores. IGES vendors offer the most comprehensive selection of merchandise available to souvenir, resort and gift buyers.

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.