The 2018 International Gift Exposition in the Smokies (IGES) reported an increase in exhibiting suppliers, along with a reported increase in buyer orders at its annual gift show, Nov. 3 – Nov. 7, 2018, at the Sevierville Convention Center in Sevierville, Tenn., and the Pigeon Forge LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. More than 550 exhibitors of souvenirs, toys, apparel and more connected with buyers from specialty stores across the United States, the Caribbean, and Canada, making it the largest and most comprehensive IGES event to date.
“I spent more money in Sevierville than I have at any of the other shows,” said Gary Aberson, Indiana Caverns. “I found a lot of great products that I didn’t find elsewhere.”
With this year’s theme of “Spend a buck, buy a buck,” registered buyers were provided with Buyer Bucks coupons that gave discounts and special offers from eligible exhibitors, and cash back from IGES for placing orders with more than four exhibiting suppliers in Sevierville. Hundreds of buyers placed significant orders and received big savings on their unique top-quality finds on the can’t-miss Sevierville show floor.
Attendees were pleased to also find on the show floor the return of its Made In America/Handmade Pavilion, along with its first-ever Cash and Carry Pavilion, in partnership with NCA Jewelry Group, where retail buyers could place immediate wholesale orders.
Along with saving money, attendees took advantage of an extended schedule of networking opportunities that included specialized dinners, contests, and spirits. More than 250 people brought more visibility to Dolly Parton’s home city with music, food, and giveaways at the Fall Harvest Streetfest, co-hosted by the City of Sevierville. At the Moonshine Mingle, Sevierville guests came together to celebrate another year of the favorite Tennessee show over complimentary moonshine.
Throughout show dates, Pigeon Forge attendees had the opportunity to win a daily raffle of $100, a grand prize of an Apple Watch at Walk With Bigfoot and other amenities.
IGES 2019 will take place on Nov. 5-9, 2019. For more information, visit www.iges.us.
