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 Winter 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:
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.
One-on-One Business Meetings
Our AI-powered matching system ensures that you'll meet with only the suppliers capable of meeting your unique needs so you can work smarter, not harder.
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.
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:
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
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
Medical Hosted Buyer
- Must plan meetings or events that serve the medical industry
- Must generate 50+ rooms on peak
- Must have the ability to rotate nationally
DC Hosted Buyer
- 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
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.
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.
Events We Are Actively Recruiting For
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 1-on-1 appointments, your registration deposit 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:
✅ Access to our dynamic marketplace
✅ Entrance Connect networking events
✅ Engaging 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.
