The 2021 International Gift Exposition in the Smokies (IGES) reported an increase in exhibiting vendors at its annual gift show, which took place on November 9-13, at the Sevierville Convention Center in Sevierville, Tennessee, and the Pigeon Forge LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This event saw more than 400 vendors, doubling its size and resources, and a 40 percent increase in net square feet of souvenirs, outdoor, toys, apparel, and more products on display as IGES expanded its special events and features.
A sample of notable new vendors at IGES 2021 included:
| Sevierville Convention Center | Pigeon Forge LeConte Center |
| • American Brand Studio | • American Bubble Company |
| • Avanti Shoe Corp. | • Bear Food |
| • Decisions Designs | • Belle’s Popcorn |
| • Del Sol | • Hudson and Kings |
| • EJH Pet Products | • Lillizee Confections and Gifts |
| • Flutter Gallery | • Lone Rock Clothing |
| • Pine Creek | • Matr Boomie |
| • Spiral Light Candles | • Siesta Cup |
| • The Silent Majority | • Stuckey’s Corporation |
| • Unsalted No Sharks | • Sola Products |
For the first time, IGES hosted its Campground @ IGES, a specialty pavilion compiling affordable outdoor and recreation merchandise in one convenient location at the Sevierville Convention Center. As domestic travel is forecasted to make an almost full recovery and 58 percent of consumers are interested in exploring the outdoors for their 2022 travel plans (in contrast, only seven percent are interested in concerts or festivals), IGES is supporting buyers as they stay ahead of this thriving consumer trend. The Campground @ IGES featured general store merchandise, tactical gear, apparel, wellness, boating, fishing, and lake sports equipment.
Buyer Bucks was introduced in 2018 when the show reported a significant increase in orders, particularly as a result of the program. Registered buyers are provided with coupons that give discounts and special offers from eligible vendors at the Sevierville Convention Center, and cash back from IGES for placing qualifying orders with them. More information on Buyer Bucks can be found on their website at iges.us/attendees/buyer-bucks.
Additionally, IGES 2021 continues to expand its in-person events schedule following loosening restrictions due to the pandemic. New this year, IGES buyers and vendors had exclusive access to discounted tickets to Dollywood, Pigeon Forge’s premier family amusement park, owned by Dolly Parton. The gift show also hosted the inaugural IGES Night at Dollywood for the Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival on Thursday, November 11, the closing day of the Sevierville location.
VIP Buyer Dinners also returned for IGES 2021, with invitation-only complimentary dinner for registered buyers from amusement parks, water parks, campgrounds, caves, and museums. These specialty buyers received exclusive admission, transportation, sponsored gifts, and invaluable connection. On top of all that excitement, IGES announced special guests Cotter Hill and Lauren Black as its highly-anticipated live music entertainers for a true Tennessee experience. The Hoedown welcomed attendees with dancing and complimentary drinks as the show kicked off.