We Didn't Invent the Hosted Buyer Experience, We Perfected It.
Our industry-leading hosted buyer experience revolutionizes how event planners discover leading event solutions.
The Connect Difference
We’re changing the game at Connect Spring Marketplace with a Hosted Buyer experience that offers more than one-on-one meetings. Tailored specifically for you, this experience combines direct, 9-minute sessions with leading suppliers, cutting-edge educational offerings, and powerful networking events—all designed to optimize your planning process.
Our hosted buyers don’t just leave with a list of vendors; they walk away with the ideas, insight, and inspiration to make bold, future-thinking decisions for their events.
The Total Package
As a qualified hosted buyer, you'll enjoy these perks:
Complimentary Airfare, Accommodations, and Registration
We handle all costs and coordination of your travel, accommodations, and registration, allowing you to focus on getting business done.
Curated Connections
Our AI-powered marketplace appointments connect you directly with the nation's top destinations, venues, services, and solution providers in focused, 9-minute meetings.
Top-Notch Networking
Our networking events come in multiple formats and are designed to facilitate deep and meaningful interactions that result in lasting relationships.
Innovative Education
Receive relevant education and insights into emerging trends and challenges, connecting you with industry experts who know your market.
Alice Holden
Meetings and GVP Manager
Gold's Gym
I just want to say I had an AMAZING time at the Connect Spring Marketplace this week. The registration and appointment process was super easy and clear. I also went into the event thinking only about 30% of my appointments would be applicable to my current needs and I was pleasantly surprised that I could really use 70-80% of the companies I met within the next year.
Connect Spring Marketplace Hosted Buyer Qualifications
You may be eligible to attend Connect Spring 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
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 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
Diversity Hosted Buyers
- Must plan events for LGBTQ+, multicultural, women's groups, etc.
- Must generate 50+ rooms on peak
- Must have the ability to rotate nationally
Incentive Hosted Buyers
- Must be an incentive meeting planner
- Incentive programs must generate 30+ rooms on peak with minimum room rate of $350 per night
- Must have the ability to book inventive programs in various destinations/regions
- Must demonstrate a solid 2-year event history with reference
International Hosted Buyers
- Must be booking international inbound travel to the US and/or Canada
- Must be looking to add new/exciting suppliers to packages
- Must have a website to review
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.
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 (typically between $99 – $200, depending on the show that you registered for). 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 tradeshow, 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 pre-scheduled Marketplace Appointments, we invite you to attend as a non-hosted buyer. As a Connect Buyer you will be responsible for securing your own flights and hotels.
Your registration will include:
✅ 2-Day access to our dynamic marketplace
✅ Entrance to Connect Marketplace networking events
✅ 10+ hours of educational content
✅ Special non-hosted buyer programming
Still have questions?
If you have any questions about our Hosted Buyer Experience please reach out to a member of our team.
