Qualifications

See the required qualifications for becoming a Connect Hosted Buyer.

NATIONAL EVENTS

Our national events allow buyers to meet and network with suppliers and other event professionals from all over the country, in addition to a larger-than-life trade show floor experience.

Connect Spring Marketplace

Connect Marketplace

Connect Winter Marketplace

REGIONAL EVENTS

Our regional events offer a more intimate experience. With buyers and suppliers present from that local region, there is a greater focus on the one-on-one appointments, regional-specific education sessions, and opportunities for deeper connections.

Connect North

Connect NYC

Connect West

NATIONAL EVENTS

Association Hosted Buyers

Must be an association meeting planner

Must generate 50+ rooms on peak

Must have the ability to rotate nationally

Must demonstrate a solid 2-year event history with reference

Citywide Hosted Buyers

Must generate 1,000+ rooms on peak

Must utilize 100,000+ sq ft of space

Must have the ability to rotate nationally

Corporate Hosted Buyers

Must be a corporate meeting planner

Must generate 50+ rooms on peak

Must have the ability to rotate nationally

Must demonstrate a solid 2-year event history with reference

Diversity Hosted Buyer

Must generate 50+ rooms on peak

Must plan events for LGBTQ+, multicultural, women's groups, etc.

Must have the ability to rotate nationally

International Hosted BuyersTravel Stipend: Up to $600 for flight expenses specifically for International Buyers.

Must actively book and promote inbound travel to North America, including destinations, hotels, and attractions.

Required to have an operational website showcasing their services, with additional digital presence preferred.

Attendees must hold decision-making roles or have the authority to negotiate partnerships and establish bookings.

Must be interested in adding new and exciting suppliers to their travel packages to enhance offerings.

Buyers must agree to participate in the full schedule of pre-arranged Marketplace appointments with North American destinations, hoteliers, and attractions.

***ONE Applicant per Company***

Specialty Hosted Buyers

Must be a planner of social, military, or fraternal groups

Must generate 50+ rooms on peak

Must have the ability to rotate nationally

Must demonstrate a solid 2 year event history

Sports Hosted Buyers

Must be a planner of competitive sporting events or sports-themed meetings

Must generate 50+ rooms on peak

Must have the ability to rotate nationally

Must demonstrate a solid 2-year event history with reference

REGIONAL EVENTS

DC Hosted Buyers

Must be Corporate or Association planner that is physically located in the DMV area

Third parties are allowed with a completed Trusted Planner Form

Must generate 50+ rooms on peak

Must have the ability to rotate nationally and within the DC region

Faith Hosted Buyers

Must plan meetings or events that serve a religious based group

Must generate 50+ rooms on peak

Must have the ability to rotate nationally

Med + Tech Hosted Buyers

Must plan meetings or events that serve the medical OR technology industries

Must generate 50+ rooms on peak

May be located anywhere in the United States

Must have the ability to source meetings nationally

North Hosted Buyers

Must be located in the North

Must generate 50+ rooms on peak

Must have the ability to rotate nationally and within the Northern region

NYC Hosted Buyers

Must be located in New York City

Must generate 50+ rooms on peak

Must have the ability to rotate nationally and within the New York City area

South Hosted Buyers

Must be located in the South

Must generate 50+ rooms on peak

Must have the ability to rotate nationally and within the Southern region

West Hosted Buyers

Must be located in the Western states

Must generate 50+ rooms on peak

Must have the ability to rotate nationally and within the Western region