We Didn't Invent the Hosted Buyer Experience, We Perfected It
Our industry-leading Hosted Buyer Experience revolutionizes the way buyers source suppliers and service providers.
The Connect Difference
Attend Connect Marketplace as a Hosted Buyer and revolutionize the way you do business. Unlike traditional shows, our reverse-style trade show format puts you in control of your appointment schedule. Handpick the cities, hotels, and service providers you're interested in meeting with, and let our industry-leading AI match system handle the rest. You'll walk away with relevant contacts, an expanded network, and more signed RFPs.
Qualified Hosted Buyers Receive:
Airfare + Accommodations
As a Hosted Buyer at Connect Marketplace, we’ve got your travel and stay covered. No stress, no hassle—just more time to focus on what really matters: finding the best solutions to power your events.
Intentional Connections
Every interaction at Connect Marketplace is intentional. Our AI-powered, one-on-one appointments ensure you’re connecting with the right suppliers who can meet your specific needs. This isn’t just about filling your schedule; it’s about making valuable, actionable connections that will move your business forward.
Top-Notch Networking
At Connect Marketplace, networking isn’t just a buzzword. You’ll be surrounded by industry professionals ready to collaborate and make lasting partnerships. These aren’t just surface-level connections—this is where relationships are built that fuel long-term growth.
Innovative Education
Our cutting-edge education sessions are designed to equip you with the latest strategies, trends, and tools. From hands-on workshops to thought-provoking panels, you’ll leave inspired and ready to revolutionize your approach to events.
Connect Marketplace Hosted Buyer Qualifications
You may be eligible to attend Connect Marketplace as a Hosted Buyer if you meet one or more of the following criteria:
Association Hosted Buyers
- Must be an association meeting planner that is representing a nonprofit or membership-based company
- Must generate 50+ rooms on peak
- Must have the ability to rotate nationally
- Must demonstrate a solid 2-year event history with reference
Business Travel Hosted Buyers
Must be a corporate travel executive or manager from a large corporation
Must hold decision-making role or have the authority to negotiate partnerships and procure supplier contracts
Must be interested in adding new and exciting suppliers like hotels, airlines, ground transportation, service/technology providers and more.
Must agree to participate in the full schedule of pre-arranged Marketplace appointments with North American suppliers
Corporate Hosted Buyers
- Must be a corporate meeting planner that is representing a for-profit company
- Must generate 50+ rooms on peak
- Must have the ability to rotate nationally
- Must demonstrate a solid 2-year event history with reference
International Hosted Buyers
Travel 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
Violet Crabb
The American Academy for Oral and Systemic Health
When you come to an event like Connect, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle, hustle, and bustle, if you are a small non-profit. That is not the case with Connect. You are given as much attention as a large corporation. Your attendance is valued and appreciated. Small groups or large, Connect Marketplace allows me to get to know dozens of potential hoteliers, CVBs, and suppliers so that me and programming committee can pick top-notch destinations. I’m am always so grateful to have the opportunity to attend. If you come prepared and ready with your complete RFP in hand, you will find great partners! Thank you so much for affording me the chance to attend!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I qualify as a Hosted Buyer?
Each Connect event has unique criteria that must be met in order to qualify as a Hosted Buyer. Most events require the ability to rotate nationally and have at least 50 room nights on peak.
What is expected from a Hosted Buyer?
Upon completion of your Hosted Buyer registration, a member of our Hosted Buyer Experience team will contact you to confirm your spot as a Hosted Buyer. Once you are confirmed, we will finalize your accommodations and travel plans.
Approximately two weeks prior to the event, you will be asked to enter the event portal where you will request appointments with your choice of CVBs, hotels, resorts, and service providers. Shortly after that, we will finalize and confirm your appointment schedule and you'll be provided with a schedule of pre-set appointments.
Please come to the event with business in hand, honor your appointment schedule, and stay for the entire event.
How much does it cost?
When you apply for a Connect event, you’ll be asked to place a registration deposit of $200. If approved, we’ll provide your flight, hotel accommodations, and your registration at no cost. Upon the successful completion of your pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments, your registration fee will be refunded.
What happens if I can't attend all of my scheduled meetings?
No worries! If you already know that there are times you will not be able to take marketplace meetings, please let your Hosted Buyer representative know. Notifying our team ahead of time will eliminate any problems on site and ensure you have a smooth experience.
Can I bring my team?
Our Connect Group Registration allows you to bring members of your team to participate in our trade show, education, and networking experiences. Please contact your Hosted Buyer representative to learn more about our group rates.
What if I don't want to take meetings?
If you want to attend a Connect event without committing to marketplace appointments, we invite you to purchase a 3-Day Buyer Power Pass.
Your 3-Day Buyer Power Pass includes:
✅ 3-Day access to our dynamic marketplace
✅ Entrance to Connect Marketplace networking events
✅10+ hours of educational content
✅ Entrance to the Closing Night Flo Rida Concert
3-Day Power Pass: $350.00
*Available only to meeting planners & buyers.
Still have questions?
If you have any questions about our Hosted Buyer Experience please reach out to a member of our team.
Hosted Buyer Terms & Conditions
Hosted Buyer Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations made within 30 days or more in advance and prior to booking transportation can receive either a 100% refund OR credit transfer to a later event.
- Cancellations made within 30 days or less with booked transportation may not receive a deposit refund and must cancel transportation through Connect's Travel Services Manager.
- Cancellations made within 7 days or less prior to the event, with transportation being booked and appointment schedules being submitted, will NOT receive a refund and will incur a cancellation fee of the cost of one (1) hotel room night. Planners must cancel transportation through Connect's Travel Services Manager.
