ZAG offers education, networking at Tennessee trade shows

By Megan Smalley

The Zoo, Aquarium & Garden Buyers Group is also hosting its Annual Member Meeting during the IGES show in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

The Zoo, Aquarium & Garden Buyers Group (ZAG) has several educational sessions and networking opportunities planned for Tennessee trade shows later this fall, including the International Gift Exposition in the Smokies (IGES) in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, Tennessee, and the Smoky Mountain Gift Show in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

ZAG will host its Annual Member Meeting and lunch at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6 during the IGES show in Pigeon Forge. The ZAG members-only lunch will provide insights on the current year and future focuses for the group as well as announce any new board members. The meeting will allow ZAG members to connect with one another and receive feedback.

Members are also welcome to attend the ZAG Rainforest Mixer from 5:30-9 p.m. on Nov. 6 at Rainforest Adventures in Sevierville. The fun mixer will allow ZAG buyers and sponsors to meet and mingle in a fun, indoor zoo-like setting.

Additionally, ZAG has planned several educational sessions for IGES, including:

  • Fireside Chat & Tour on Sustainability at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5 in Sevierville, led by Tommy Brown of the Saint Louis Zoo.
  • IGES Pigeon Forge Tour at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6 in Pigeon Forge, led by April Terranella of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.

The group will also offer networking and educational opportunities during the Smoky Mountain Gift Show Nov. 6-9 in Gatlinburg.

Terranella will be leading a Made in America Tour on 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6 at the auditorium stage as well as 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 at the auditorium stage to highlight exhibitors with products that are made in America. Exhibitors will share about their company and products, then buyers can ask questions. Both tours offer the same concept with a different mix of vendors at each one.

“It is a good way for buyers looking for made-in-America items to meet new companies that they may not have worked with in the past,” she explains. “The buyers can then come back to the exhibitor if they want to talk more with them.”

Attendees can check out a breakfast session, “Building Your Brand and Buying with a Purpose” at 8 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 8 in ZAG Rooms 6 & 7, where Terranella will speak on strategically buying with a location’s brand in mind.

“Branding is very important these days,” she notes. “As a buyer, it is important to understand how retail products can help grow the brand recognition and increase the impact we have on our guests.”

Terranella will also be leading a Zootique Tour at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 8 at the auditorium stage to highlight nature-related products on display. Exhibitors will share about their company and products, and then buyers can ask questions.

“It’s another good opportunity for buyers to possibly meet new exhibitors that they may not work with already,” says Terranella.

ZAG members can also celebrate and relax during the Hootenanny Buyer’s Lunch at noon on Thursday, Nov. 7 in Ogle Room at the Smoky Mountain Gift Show. The members-only lunch will allow attendees to network over a fun-themed lunch.