museums&MORE Fall 2019

IGES announces 20th anniversary celebration

The 2019 International Gift Exposition in the Smokies (IGES) has announced its 20th anniversary celebration events and giveaways throughout the show on Nov. 5-9, 2019, at the Sevierville Convention Center in Sevierville, Tennessee, and the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Registration is now open at www.iges.us for one of the nation’s largest annual gatherings of wholesale and souvenir gift vendors with a specialty in custom and name drop products.

More than 1,200 exhibit booths of resort apparel, collectibles, souvenirs, games and toys, and more, will be on-hand to connect with thousands of retailers in the industry. In addition to its jam-packed networking agenda and show floor hours, IGES 2019 plans to feature special touches honoring attendees and vendors who have participated in the show since its inception.

IGES 2019 will also host the 20th Anniversary Hoedown party in partnership with the City of Sevierville. The party will take place on Nov. 7, featuring live entertainment, dancing, and more surprises. The 20th Anniversary Hoedown will include a montage in recognition of the decades-long history and founders of the show – Jerry Mayer and Susan Mills.

Additionally, throughout the five days, more than 5,000 attendees will be eligible to win cash and prizes as part of the IGES attendee appreciation program.

“For 20 years, IGES has thrived in the gift show industry, and we could not have done it without the passion and dedication of our customers. Our 20th anniversary celebration is all about saying ‘thank you’ to those who have been here since the beginning, as well as those just discovering IGES for the first time,” said Karalynn Sprouse, executive vice president, Emerald Expositions.

IGES 2019 will continue to host popular features, including the Buyer Bucks program; the Cash and Carry Pavilion, offering gifts-to-go and wholesale merchandise; and the expanded Made in America Pavilion with over 100 booths and featuring the new and growing Gourmet Section.