The International Gift Exposition in the Smokies - IGES 2026
Event Date
November 3–7, 2026
Location
Sevierville, TN
Expected Exhibitors
500
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe International Gift Exposition in the Smokies (IGES), also known as the "Souvenir Super Show®," is one of America's largest and most popular wholesale resort, souvenir, and specialty gift trade shows. Founded in 1999, IGES comes to life every November in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, Tennessee. It is a trade-only, order-writing marketplace where buyers source merchandise for the coming retail year.
Approximately 4,000 buyers from the travel and tourism industries across the U.S., the Caribbean, and Canada gather each fall to explore more than 1,000 booths showcasing products from over 500 vendors. Attendees are pre-qualified buyers from theme parks, museums, zoos, aquariums, resorts, and specialty retailers across the US, Canada, and Caribbean.
IGES is worth attending because it is a focused destination-merchandise buying event. It is an order-writing show featuring new product launches, name-drop items, Made in America products, and custom merchandise. Often referred to as the ultimate buying destination for souvenirs, resorts, and gift buyers, IGES is a trade-only event and is not open to the public.
Show Highlights
- Two locations, one buying adventure: Experience the convenience of shopping at both Pigeon Forge LeConte Center and Sevierville Convention Center.
- Curated pavilions: IGES offers pavilions in Sevierville to make your shopping easier, including Toy + On Trend, Sustainable, Made in America, and Campground.
- Broad product categories: General Giftware, Destination Merchandise, Souvenirs, Logo Product and Namedrop, and Made in America. From name-drop to fully customizable products and everything in between, IGES is where destination, resort, and tourism buyers come to shop.
- Networking: Participate in specialty buyer group conferences, networking dinners, and industry receptions.
- Industry partners: The event partners with associations including The MAiZE, NAFDMA, and the Museum Store Association.
Attendance
Approximately 4,000 buyers from the travel and tourism industries across the U.S., the Caribbean, and Canada gather each fall to explore more than 1,000 booths showcasing products from over 500 vendors. IGES connects brands, wholesalers, and distributors to approximately 4,000 travel and tourism buyers from amusement and water parks, zoos, aquariums, national and state parks, museums, resorts, and specialty boutiques.
Registration
Registration is open through the official IGES website. IGES invites qualified buyers to register for free to attend the largest resort and souvenir show on the East Coast. Because IGES is a trade-only event, it is not open to the public.
To register:
- Visit the IGES website and select Register Now to sign up as a buyer/attendee.
- Businesses wishing to exhibit can use the Exhibit/Inquire option to request a booth.
- Buyers may also explore the Buyer Hosting Program for eligible qualified buyers.
History
Founded in 1999, IGES, also known as the "Souvenir Super Show®," is one of America's most popular resort, souvenir, and specialty gift trade shows, held every November in the Smoky Mountains of Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, Tennessee. The show is produced by Emerald X, LLC and has grown into what organizers describe as the largest annual gathering of wholesale souvenir and resort gift vendors in America, spanning two Tennessee venues.
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Last updated: August 5, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where does IGES 2026 take place?
IGES 2026 is held across two Smoky Mountain locations: the Sevierville Convention Center in Sevierville, TN from November 3-5, 2026, and the LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge in Pigeon Forge, TN from November 4-7, 2026.
Who should attend IGES?
IGES is a trade-only event for qualified buyers from theme parks, museums, zoos, aquariums, national and state parks, resorts, and specialty retailers across the US, Canada, and the Caribbean. It is not open to the general public.
How do I register, and is there a cost?
Qualified buyers can register for free through the IGES website using the Register Now option. Companies interested in exhibiting can use the Exhibit/Inquire option to request a booth.
What products will I find at IGES?
Exhibitors showcase general giftware, destination merchandise, souvenirs, logo and name-drop products, and Made in America items. It is an order-writing show featuring new product launches and custom merchandise, with specialty pavilions such as Toy + On Trend, Sustainable, Made in America, and Campground.
What is the best way to get to the show?
The nearest airport is Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS). Because rideshare and taxi options are very limited in the area, IGES recommends renting a car from providers at the Knoxville airport, and hotel shuttle service is provided for attendees.
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