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. 5 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 5:30-8 p.m. Nov. 5 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. 4 in Sevierville, led by April Terranella of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.
- IGES Pigeon Forge Tour at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5 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. 5-8 in Gatlinburg.
Terranella will be leading a Made in America Tour on 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5 at the auditorium stage as well as 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 6 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’s a great way for buyers to become more familiar with exhibitors and product available that is made-in-America. It’s a category that is growing in popularity,” 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, “Pricing Strategies” at 8 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 7 in ZAG Rooms 6 & 7, where Terranella will speak on the importance of having pricing strategy plans and policies in place and discussing multiple pricing strategies depending on business needs.
“Pricing strategies and plans are very important to the health of a retail business. As buyers and operators, we need to know when, how, and to adjust pricing strategies based on business needs.”
Terranella will also be leading a Zootique Tour at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 7 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.
“As a zoo industry buyer, we are always looking for items that work for our institutions and this is a tour that has many exhibitors with products that may fit the needs of zoos, aquariums, and gardens,” says Terranella.
ZAG members can also celebrate and relax during the Hootenanny Buyer’s Lunch at noon on Thursday, Nov. 6 in Ogle Room at the Smoky Mountain Gift Show. The members-only lunch will allow attendees to network over a fun-themed lunch.
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