Oct 28, 2021

International Gift Exposition in the Smokies 2021 experiences vendor growth

The 2021 International Gift Exposition in the Smokies (IGES) has reported an increase in exhibiting vendors at its annual gift show, taking place on Nov. 9-13, 2021, at the Sevierville Convention Center in Sevierville, Tennessee, and the Pigeon Forge LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

A forecast of more than 400 vendors, doubling its size and resources, and a 40% increase in net square feet of souvenirs, outdoor, toys, apparel, and more products will be on display as IGES 2021 returns to two locations and expands its special events and features.

Notable Vendors

A sample of notable new vendors at IGES 2021 include:

Sevierville Convention Center Pigeon Forge LeConte Center

• American Brand Studio • American Bubble Company
• Avanti Shoe Corp. • Bear Food
• Decisions Designs • Belle’s Popcorn
• Del Sol • Hudson and Kings
• EJH Pet Products • Lillizee Confections and Gifts
• Flutter Gallery • Lone Rock Clothing
• Pine Creek • Matr Boomie
• Spiral Light Candles • Siesta Cup
• The Silent Majority • Stuckey’s Corporation
• Unsalted No Sharks • Sola Products

For the first time, IGES will host its Campground @ IGES, a specialty pavilion compiling affordable outdoor and recreation merchandise in one convenient location at the Sevierville Convention Center. As domestic travel is forecasted to make an almost full recovery and 58 percent of consumers are most interested in exploring the outdoors for their 2022 travel plans (in contrast, only seven percent are interested in concerts or festivals), IGES is supporting buyers as they stay ahead of this thriving consumer trend. The Campground @ IGES will feature general store merchandise, tactical gear, apparel, wellness, boating, fishing, and lake sports equipment.

Campground @ IGES Vendors

• Anything Possible Brands
• Creative Outdoor Distributor
• Koi CBD
• Lake Folks
• Mas Liquidators
• Moskinto: After Bite-Patch
• Outlast Life
• Pacific Teaze
• Ranger Ready Repellents
• Real Shades
• The Bandanna Company
• Wilcor International

Buyer Bucks

Buyer Bucks was introduced in 2018 when the show reported a significant increase in orders, particularly as a result of the program. Registered buyers are provided with coupons that give discounts and special offers from eligible vendors at the Sevierville Convention Center, and cash back from IGES for placing qualifying orders with them.

“I found the Buyer Bucks program at the IGES show to be a winner,” said Kathie Gavin, owner, b.dazzle. “Hugely successful in getting buyers to the booth with the coupon book, and it added an extra incentive to place their orders at the show with me. It was a fabulous ‘order increaser’ for us and I think the buyers felt like winners, too!”

The popular Buyer Bucks program returns in 2021, including the following participating vendors, and more:
• b. dazzle, Inc
• Decision Designs
• Pacific Teaze, Inc.
• Save the Girls
• White Mountain Puzzles

In-Person Events

Additionally, IGES 2021 continues to expand its in-person events schedule following loosening restrictions due to the pandemic.

Dollywood

New this year, IGES buyers and vendors have exclusive access to discounted tickets to Dollywood, Pigeon Forge’s premier family amusement park, owned by Dolly Parton. The gift show will host the inaugural IGES Night at Dollywood for the Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival on Thursday, Nov. 11, the closing day of the Sevierville location.

VIP Buyer Dinners

VIP Buyer Dinners will also return for IGES 2021, with invitation-only complimentary dinner for registered buyers from amusement parks, water parks, campgrounds, caves, and museums. These specialty buyers will receive exclusive admission, transportation, sponsored gifts, and invaluable connection.

Hoedown

Attendees are buzzing with excitement as the Annual IGES Hoedown is back for IGES 2021. The show has announced special guests Cotter Hill and Lauren Black as its highly-anticipated live music entertainers for a true Tennessee experience. The Hoedown will welcome attendees with dancing and complimentary drinks as the show kicks off on Tuesday, November 9 at the Sevierville Convention Center. Click here to RSVP for the Annual IGES Hoedown.

Visit the website for a full list of special events at IGES 2021. Register for free to buy at IGES 2021. For more information on IGES, visit www.iges.us.