(800) 430-7608

SEVIERVILLE, TN • Nov 4-6, 2025
PIGEON FORGE, TN • Nov 5-8, 2025

Q

SEVIERVILLE, TN • Nov 4-6, 2025
PIGEON FORGE, TN • Nov 5-8, 2025

(800) 430-7608
Q

2024 Events & Features

IGES is more than just a trade show. It’s a unique experience, set in the beautiful Smoky Mountains, for buyers and sellers to network, connect and move business forward. To help you make the most of your time with us, the IGES team has put together a series of events and show features.

Sevierville Schedule

Tuesday, November 5

Registration Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Show Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

8:30 a.m.  Complimentary Coffee

Get it while it’s hot! Complimentary coffee is offered on opening day in the Lobby to make sure buyers are energized for the day.
Location: Lobby

9:00 a.m.  Swag Bag Giveaway

The first 200 qualified attendees (Retail Buyers, Importers/Distributors, Non-Retail Buyers) who arrive at Sevierville to pick up their badge will receive a ticket for an IGES tote bag* filled with samples from participating vendors. Make sure you arrive early! The bag is sponsored by ‘Enchanted Moments’ and is filled with samples from participating vendors.*
Location: Near swag station

*Only one bag per buyer for the totality of the event. If you already received a bag in Sevierville, you cannot get another bag in Pigeon Forge.

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Swag Station

Visit the Swag Station daily to increase your chances of winning $25,000! One entry per day. Plus, play and win an item from our IGES-branded merchandise station. Every participant is a winner!
Location: Booth # 2842

1:00 – 1:30 p.m.  Sustainability Fireside Chat

Are you looking for products that do good in the world to stock in your store? This 30-minute fireside chat will be led by Tommy Brown of the St. Louis Zoo. RSVP for the Fireside Chat and tour here – the first 20 to RSVP and attend will receive a FREE gift!

Location: Lobby

Preview sustainable vendors here.

1:30 – 3:00 p.m.  Sustainability Shopping Tour

Looking for products that are doing good in the world to stock in your store? This tour is the hands-on portion of our Sustainability Fireside Chat, led by Tommy Brown of the St. Louis Zoo, Sustainability Buyer. RSVP for the Fireside Chat and tour here – the first 20 to RSVP and attend will receive a FREE gift!

Location: Lobby

Preview sustainable vendors here.

3:00 – 4:00 p.m.  25th Anniversary Happy Hour in Partnership with Enchanted Moments

Join us to network and enjoy free beer and wine.
Location: Toy + On Trend Pavilion

5:00 – 7:00 p.m.  Opening Night Party – 25th Anniversary Celebration!

Join us in celebrating with your colleagues and other industry professionals the IGES 25th Anniversary at the opening night party! Featuring the Stretta Band a high-energy party dance band that has played for The TN Titans and members of the NFL, The Nashville Predators and Members of the NHL, and for members of Major League Baseball. The band has also performed with Garth Brooks and Jason Aldean and has played pre-concert parties for Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen. As you are about to see, the band will play all genres of music and popular songs from the 70’s to current-day hits. So get ready to party with Stretta.

Enjoy complimentary drinks on us! PLEASE RSVP HERE.
Location: Lobby

Shuttles will be available from LeConte Center to Sevierville Convention Center and back between 4:45 pm and 7:30 pm.

Wednesday, November 6

Registration Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Show Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

8:30 a.m.  Morning Brew

Complimentary coffee while supplies last daily.
Location: Lobby

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Swag Station

Visit the Swag Station daily to increase your chances of winning $25,000! One entry per day. Plus, play and win an item from our IGES-branded merchandise station. Every participant is a winner!
Location: Booth # 2842

5:30 p.m.  Buyer Dinners at DreamMore Resort

Join other industry colleagues for a complimentary buyer dinner to network, engage, and forge valuable relationships in your market. The deadline to RSVP has ended.
• Caves
• Museums
• Amusement & Water Parks
• Campgrounds + National & State Parks

 

If you need to reach out regarding your RSVP, please email Lynn Schulte at [email protected]. Thank you, we look forward to seeing everyone!

Thursday, November 7

Registration Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Show Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

8:30 a.m. Morning Brew

Complimentary coffee while supplies last daily.
Location: Lobby

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Swag Station

Visit the Swag Station daily to increase your chances of winning $25,000! One entry per day. Plus, play and win an item from our IGES-branded merchandise station. Every participant is a winner!
Location: Booth # 2842

Pigeon Forge Schedule

Wednesday, November 6

Registration Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Show Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

8:00 a.m.  Swag Bag Giveaway

The first 200 qualified attendees (Retail Buyers, Importers/Distributors, Non-Retail Buyers) who arrive at Pigeon Forge to pick up their badge will receive a ticket for an IGES tote bag* filled with samples from participating vendors. Make sure you arrive early!
Location: Registration at Le Conte Center at Pigeon Forge 

*Only one bag per buyer for the totality of the event. If you already received a bag in Sevierville, you cannot get another bag in Pigeon Forge.

8:30 a.m.  Complimentary Coffee

Get it while it’s hot! Complimentary coffee is offered on opening day in the Lobby to make sure buyers are energized for the day.
Location: Lobby at LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge

12:30 p.m.  Zoo, Aquarium & Garden Buyer Group (ZAG) Annual Member Meeting

This luncheon is only open to Zoo, Aquarium & Garden (ZAG) buyers. For information on joining the association for merchandise buyers at zoos, aquariums & gardens, click here.

  • “Happy Earth Award” for Sustainability – voted on by the ZAG Group
  • “Looking Good Award” for Merchandising – voted on by the ZAG Group
  • “New Cub Award” for the Best New Exhibitor – voted on by the ZAG Group

Location: LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge

5:30 p.m.  Buyer Dinners at DreamMore Resort

Join other industry colleagues for a complimentary buyer dinner to network, engage, and forge valuable relationships in your market. The deadline to RSVP has ended.
• Caves
• Museums
• Amusement & Water Parks
• Campgrounds + National & State Parks

 

If you need to reach out regarding your RSVP, please email Lynn Schulte at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing everyone in TN!

5:30 p.m. Zoo, Aquarium & Garden Buyer Group (ZAG) Mixer

This mixer is open to Zoo, Aquarium & Garden Buyer Group (ZAG) buyers only. For information on joining the association for merchandise buyers at zoos, aquariums & gardens, click here.
Location: Rainforest Adventures

Thursday, November 7

Registration Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Show Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

8:30 a.m.  Morning Brew

Complimentary coffee while supplies last daily.
Location: Lobby at LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge

3:00 p.m.  25th Anniversary Happy Hour

Let’s celebrate the IGES 25th Anniversary with some complimentary drinks.
Location: Lobby at LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge

Friday, November 8

Registration Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Show Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

8:30 a.m. Morning Brew

Complimentary coffee while supplies last daily.
Location: Lobby at LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge

Saturday, November 9

Registration Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Show Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

8:30 a.m. Morning Brew

Complimentary coffee while supplies last daily.
Location: Lobby at LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge

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