2022 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 Special Features

Sevierville Schedule

Monday, November 7

1:30 – 5:30 p.m.  Sustainability in Retail Program: Part 01 Lecture Series

Part 01 of the Sustainability in Retail Program is the Lecture Series. Complimentary snacks and soft drinks will be provided. Preview sustainable vendors here.  Deadline to RSVP: 10/31
Location: Sevierville Convention Center

Tuesday, November 8

8:00 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.*
Location: Sevierville Convention Center

*Only one bag per buyer for the totality of the event. Once you pick up your bag in Sevierville, you will NOT be able to collect another bag in Pigeon Forge.

8:30 a.m.  Complimentary Breakfast Bites + Coffee

Get it while it’s hot! Complimentary pastries are offered on opening day in the Lobby to make sure buyers are energized for the day.
Location: Lobby at Sevierville Convention Center

3:00 – 4:00 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 in Retail Professional Program, led by Tommy Brown of the St. Louis Zoo, Sustainability Buyer. Preview sustainable vendors here. Deadline to RSVP: 10/31
Location: Sevierville Convention Center

5:00 – 7:00 p.m.  Opening Night Event – American Dreamin’

Come celebrate at the Sevierville Convention Center with your colleagues and other industry professionals at the “American Dreamin” opening night event! Featuring Monsters of Yacht straight out of Nashville, Tennessee as the premier tribute to the Yacht Rock genre, delivering recreations of songs from artists like Christopher Cross, Doobie Brothers, TOTO, Robbie Dupree, Player, Hall & Oats, Steely Dan, Gerry Rafferty, and more. Enjoy complimentary drinks on us!
Location: Sevierville Convention Center

Shuttles will be available from LeConte Center to Sevierville Convention Center and back between 4:45 pm and 7:00 pm.

Wednesday, November 9

8:30 a.m.  Morning Brew

Complimentary coffee while supplies last daily.
Location: Lobby at Sevierville Convention Center

6:00 p.m.  Hosted Buyer Dinners

Join other industry colleagues for a hosted buyer dinner to network, engage and forge valuable relationships in your market.
Space is limited! Deadline to RSVP: 10/23
• Cave Buyers at Riverstone Resort
• Museums at DreamMore Resort
• Amusement & Water Parks at DreamMore Resort
• Campgrounds at Margaritaville Island Hotel
• National & State Parks at Riverstone Resort

The deadline to RSVP for our Hosted Buyer Dinners has now ended. If you need to reach out regarding your RSVP, please email Beverly Campbell at beverly.campbell@iges.us Thank You, we look forward to seeing everyone in TN!

Thursday, November 10

8:30 a.m. Morning Brew

Complimentary coffee while supplies last daily.
Location: Lobby at Sevierville Convention Center

Pigeon Forge Schedule

As a reminder, Pigeon Forge opens a day later than Sevierville and stays open two days after Sevierville closes.

Wednesday, November 9

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.

8:30 a.m.  Complimentary Breakfast Bites + Coffee

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

6:00 p.m.  Zoo, Aquarium & Garden Buyer Group (ZAG) Annual Meeting + Dinner

Dinner is open to Zoo, Aquarium & Garden (ZAG) buyers ONLY. For information on joining the association for merchandise buyers at zoos, aquariums & gardens, click here.
Location: LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge

Thursday, November 10

8:30 a.m.  Morning Brew

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

2:00 – 3:00 p.m.  Sustainability Shopping Tour Led by Tommy Brown from the St. Louis Zoo

Are you looking for vendors that produce products that have a positive impact on humanity, our earth, and beyond? Visit ten brands with our expert conservation buyer guide, who will help you ask the right questions as you incorporate or expand sustainable products into your store. Preview the brands on tour in Pigeon Forge here. Only 30 spots are available. Register here.
Location: LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge Information Desk in Lobby 

Friday, November 11

8:00 a.m. Zoo, Aquarium & Garden Buyer Group (ZAG) Annual Meeting + Breakfast

This breakfast 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: LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge

8:30 a.m. Morning Brew

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

3:30 – 4:30 p.m. TGIF Happy Hour

Thank goodness it’s Friday – who doesn’t need a reason to relax and celebrate? Join us for laughs and drinks.
Location: LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge, 6900 aisle

Saturday, November 12

8:30 a.m. Morning Brew

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

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