The International Gift Exposition in the Smokies®

Join the Largest Gathering of Wholesale Resort and Souvenir Gift Buyers and Vendors in America!
Event Dates
2017-10-31 - 2017-11-04
Venue
The Sevierville Events Center
Organizer
Emerald
Website
The International Gift Exposition in the Smokies®
Exhibitors
600
Attendees
5000
Event contact title
National Account Executive
Event contact first name
Kay
Event contact last name
Griffith
Email
kay.griffith@emeraldexpositions.com
Event contact telephone number
800-430-7608
Fax
800-430-8448
Notes
The International Gift Exposition in the Smokies® and Souvenir Super Show® is a wholesale, order-writing-only, trade show that focuses on the souvenir, resort and gift industries and takes place only once a year in the beautiful Smoky Mountains in Sevierville and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. 2017 IGES Show Dates & Hours Tuesday, October 31st - Friday, November 3rd Sevierville Convention Center: 202 Gists Creek Road Sevierville, TN 37876 Wednesday, November 1st - Saturday, November 4th Pigeon Forge LeConte Center: 2986 Teaster Lane Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Description
The International Gift Exposition in the Smokies® is the premier destination for wholesale resort, souvenir and gift merchandisers and retailers in the U.S.! With it’s one of a kind setting and generous mix of what’s known and what’s new, IGES offers vendors and retailers from across the country an opportunity to experience the BEST of the Smokies and beyond! Join the combined shows in the Smokies this November and be a part of the largest gathering of wholesale resort and souvenir buyers and vendors in the world! With two beautiful convention centers, the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge and the Sevierville Convention Center, IGES is able to showcase the biggest names in the industry alongside the best new products and up and coming exhibitors. It is this combination that allows IGES to successfully showcase the best assembly of resort and souvenir merchandise in the nation. As our flagship location for over a decade, Sevierville contributes immensely to IGES' continued success. Known for hosting the industry’s biggest and best, Sevierville is now the source for new products, up and coming vendors, merchandise-must-haves and IGES’ specialty Handcrafted and Made in America Section. For the latest information on the 2017 International Gift Exposition in the Smokies® please visit our website www.iges.us and follow IGESShow on Facebook and Twitter. For more information please email info@iges.us or call 800-430-7608 and speak with one of IGES’ friendly team members.
Attendee information
The International Gift Exposition in the Smokies® attracts buyers from all across the United States, Canada and beyond, who will be looking for new introductions and the hottest trends in apparel, plush, games, toys, general souvenirs, handcrafted and made in America merchandise and more. IGES attendees represent buyers from all sections of the souvenir and resort spectrum, including: amusement parks, theme parks, state and national parks, water parks, museums, zoos, aquariums, cavern attractions, destination resorts, hospital gift shops, casinos, cruise lines, card and stationery stores, catalog buyers, local and college bookstores, trading posts, general stores, pharmacies and more. IGES proudly hosts specialty networking dinners and annual conferences for the following specialty buying groups: Museums, Waterparks, Campgrounds, Amusement Parks and Attractions, the NCA (National Caves Association) and ZAG (Zoo and Aquarium Gift Buyers Group). Large or small, all retailers are welcome and invited to attend this November as we celebrate 18 years in the Smokies! Come and enjoy the numerous amenities that IGES has become known for providing. From complimentary shuttle service, free on-site parking, area lodging discounts, specialty networking dinners and opening day buyers’ receptions, complimentary buyer breakfasts and luncheons, to drawings for free lodging, dinner at area restaurants, cash and vendor prizes and more!
Exhibitor information
Categories currently featured include but are not limited to: apparel, plush, custom gifts, souvenirs, toys, licensed products, novelties, kiosk items, promotional, handcrafted, gourmet, jewelry, premium, Made in America, incentive and more. Booth cost is $20.50-$23.00/sq. ft. depending on location and $16.50/sq. ft. in the Handcrafted/Made in America section located in Sevierville. All booths include complimentary furnishings: unlimited draped tables, chairs, wastebasket, booth sign and carpeting. All exhibiting companies receive free support items and promotional materials, complimentary advertising opportunities, listings in the 2017 IGES/SSS Show Guide, sponsorship opportunities, targeted email marketing campaigns, social media exposure, telemarketing, direct mail marketing to surrounding states and across the nation, plus widespread national advertising in highly-rated industry trade magazines that target thousands of buyers throughout the nation.
Future dates
The 2017 International Gift Exposition in the Smokies will take place at the Sevierville Convention Center from October 31st-November 3rd and from November 1st-November 4th at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge. With alternate opening days across a 5 day spread, IGES gives buyers the opportunity to maximize their time on the showroom floor. It also ensures that IGES best serves specialty retailers by offering them access to end of year closeout deals and the first look at 2018 Spring introductions.
Partner Voices
Partner Voices
HERE, EVENTS HELP YOUR COMPANY AND THE COMMUNITY
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.   
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