IGES Pigeon Forge

IGES is a wholesale trade show for souvenirs, resort merchandise and specialty gifts, created in 1999 for buyers who stock gift shops in the travel and tourism industry. It is held once a year and runs at two nearby venues, one of which opens a day before the other.

The show is an order-writing event, which means buyers place orders directly with vendors. Vendors present new product launches, Made in America products and custom merchandise.

Beyond the show floor, the program includes specialty buyer group conferences, networking dinners and industry receptions. Buyers come from the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.

Vendors of destination and resort merchandise, souvenirs, beachwear, coastal and nautical items, gourmet food, apparel and accessories, giftware, decorative accessories, toys and plush, personal care products, paper goods, garden items, crafts, handmade goods and licensed items.

Buyers and managers who stock gift shops and retail outlets at amusement parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, state and national parks, campgrounds, hotels, resorts, casinos and souvenir boutiques.