Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism names new Special Events Manager
March 7, 2022

Industry veteran Jon Elder brings more than 26 years of experience
in event production, marketing and research to position.

	Jon Elder, Pigeon Forge special events manager

PIGEON FORGE, TN — The Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism has named industry veteran Jon Elder special events manager. Elder began his new role today.

“Jon brings vast and varied experiences to his new role of special events manager,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. “Not only does Jon have the production experience necessary to manage our city-sponsored special events, but he also has worked in other disciplines, including consumer research, marketing, advertising, public relations as well as traditional, digital and social media. His unique skill set will allow him and his team to grow our events with continued success.”

Elder, a Sevier County native, most recently consulted with Kellum Creek Business Solutions marketing agency. Previously, he was marketing manager at FrontPage Attractions. Additional experience includes work with World Choice Investments and Internet Marketing Expert Group, Inc. Elder spent five years with the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau where he was tourism programs and development manager. Prior to that, he served as special events coordinator for the Gatlinburg Department of Tourism’s Special Events Office for eight years. He also previously served as special events and communications coordinator for the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce before being hired in Gatlinburg.

Elder directed and produced the Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales program in Gatlinburg and edited and co-produced The Sevierville Story: A 200-Year History of Sevierville. He is a sought-after presenter, having shared his knowledge and expertise at Wilderness Wildlife Week and the Wildflower Pilgrimage.

The Pigeon Forge Special Events Office is responsible for planning, staffing and executing a variety of year-round events, including Wilderness Wildlife Week, Chuck Wagon Cookoff, A Mountain Quiltfest, Music in the Mountains Spring Parade, Patriot Festival, the Veterans Homecoming Parade and Smoky Mountain Winterfest, several of which have won international and regional awards.