Become a Hosted Buyer

Exclusive Access to IGES

Experience the ultimate in trade show luxury with our VIP Buyer Program, designed to elevate your IGES experience with unparalleled benefits and opportunities.

Hosting opportunities for IGES 2026 are now closed. Thank you for your interest!

Discover the Hosted Buyer Program

The IGES Hosted Buyer Program offers an exclusive opportunity for select buyers to enjoy enhanced access and privileges at the largest gift and souvenir trade show on the East Coast. As a Hosted Buyer, you’ll connect with top exhibitors, explore customizable products, and gain insights into the latest industry trends, all while enjoying premium accommodations and networking events.

Exclusive Benefits

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Complimentary Hotel Stays

Enjoy free hotel nights at top accommodations, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay during the show.

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Gourmet Dinner at DreamMore Resort

Join us for an exclusive dinner event, offering a unique networking opportunity with industry leaders and fellow hosted buyers.

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Exclusive Matchmaking

As an added benefit of the Hosted Buyer Program, you’ll receive personalized business matchmaking support from our Buyer Relations Manager.

Do You Qualify as a Hosted Buyer?

To be considered for the IGES Hosted Buyer Program, you must meet the following criteria:

Have purchasing authority within your organization.
Be a key decision-maker responsible for sourcing and purchasing products.
Represent a:
Demonstrate a history of purchasing at trade shows or similar industry events.
Complete and submit the Hosted Buyer application.

Mannequin wearing a light blue short-sleeve patterned polo shirt in a clothing store with other pastel shirts on display behind it.

Bottle with a white label reading 'FREE CUSTOM PRIVATE LABEL' atop a display of assorted jelly jars on a marble turntable in a store.

Stacked turquoise moose mugs with copper mugs and holiday ornament globes tied with green ribbons, set against a small evergreen in a metal pot background.

Green mugs with copper moose decals arranged in a woven basket for sale or display.

Cowhide-patterned wide-brim hat with a brown band on display in a hat store window, other colorful hats blurred in the background

Row of Wet Wipes containers on a store shelf with cartoon characters and paper towels protruding from each lid, conveying a playful cleaning product theme.

Assorted square tin cards with holiday greetings like 'Happy Holidays' in a display box on a cardboard tray

Bottle of maple syrup labeled 'Barlow’s Maple Syrup' in front of a wooden sign reading 'Grand Prize Winner 2023' for the 'Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest'.

Bright green stuffed bear with a hood and purple feet, flanked by red and black-and-white plush bears on wooden display shelves in a store.

Red mug with white 'Happy Camper' lettering on a wooden block display in a shop, blurred background.

Hand-held bottle of Dr. Squatch Coconut Castaway men's body wash with beige carton-like bottle and blue label visible in the center of the frame.

Ceramic mug with a colorful Great Smoky Mountains landscape, autumn trees, and mountains on a wooden surface.

Black cat perched on a bright yellow mums arch with pumpkins near the entrance of a building on a sunny autumn day.

What Happens Next?

All applications are reviewed to ensure buyers are a good fit for the exhibitors and product categories featured at IGES.
Approval is based on meeting the program requirements and buying qualifications.

Hosted Buyer Benefits

Approved Hosted Buyers receive:

- Complimentary hotel accommodations
- Invitation to an exclusive dinner event at DreamMore Resort
- Access to a curated buying experience at IGES

Please note: Not all applicants will qualify. Applications are reviewed individually, and acceptance is based on eligibility and program requirements.