Partner Trade Show

Format: APM features a combination of pre-schedule 1:1 and Group (1 associate:9 partners) appointments. This is a reverse trade show format - ConferenceDirect Associates are assigned to tables and Partners walk the show floor to meet with them.  

Monday, May 18 (2:00pm - 4:30pm) 
Tuesday, May 19 (1:45pm - 4:15pm)
Wednesday, May 20 (9:15am - 11:45am)

Prescheduled Appointment Types:

• Individual one-on-one appointments (Associate/Partner)
• Group appointments (1 Associate/9 Partners)

What to Expect: We provide a reverse-tradeshow format for Partners to meet with ConferenceDirect Associates. Approximately 180 Associates will be seated at tables in the ballroom.  Diagram and table assignments will be provided for Partners to navigate the floor for appointments. Plan on brief conversations that highlight unique aspects of your business, and targeted questions to uncover specific business opportunities.

Prior to APM, Partners will be provided reports to help create your Associate target list for the trade show. Bring lots of business cards! Please help support our sustainability initiative by refraining from bringing physical sales kits; a digital brochure or presentation on an iPad or tablet may help illustrate your highlights. 

Partners should have the APM event app downloaded and a phone, tablet or laptop available to navigate show floor and appointment schedule.

How to Prepare for the Trade Show:

• Prepare a 60-second overview of your property/company/business that is unique, relevant, concise and memorable.  Show images to support your message (newly renovated guest rooms, map of the area, etc.)  
• Leave each conversation with an action plan for next steps (follow-up call next week, email with additional information, plan to schedule site visit, etc.).  
• If you are planning to discuss a specific active RFP, bring the Cvent RFP number for quick and easy reference.
• Download the APM event mobile app.
• Use the state and Associate profile provided by ConferenceDirect to create a targeted “hit list” for the trade show. Reports will be provided 2-3 weeks in advance of APM.  
• Bring lots of business cards, and digital photos/presentations to use during trade show.

What do I need to bring to the trade show?
Partners should have the APM event app downloaded and bring lots of business cards.

In support of ConferenceDirect’s efforts to produce a carbon-neutral event, we request that all marketing materials and giveaways be digital.

How does the trade show work?
The APM trade show is a reverse trade show format where ConferenceDirect Associates will be assigned to table top booths and Partners attending visit the booths to meet with Associates. 

How will I know where associates are sitting?
The trade show floor plan and associate table assignments will be shared in the mobile app prior to APM 2026.

How should I decide which Associates to meet with?
Review the Reports provided prior to APM, along with your own internal data (lead reports, lost business reports, etc.)  Target Associates who:  book into your comp set; have sent you leads but not booked anything; have tentative business out to bid with your company.

Trade Show Floor Plan/Associate Locations: The trade show floor plan and Associate table assignments will be shared in the mobile app prior to APM 2026.

Suggested Trade Show Days: Please review the agenda for events pertinent to your organization. Many of the major hotel brands host events on certain days for our Associates coordinated by your corporate office. Based on these sponsored events, we “recommend” a trade show day for that particular organization to coincide with the corporate event, if you are only attending the trade show on one day. Most registration packages include trade show access on all-three days. 

• Monday - Omni, Hyatt, IHG
• Tuesday - Marriott
• Wednesday - Hilton

It is not necessary for you to attend on that recommended day, but simply a suggestion as our event staff tries to manage the flow of the trade show days so that one day is not overwhelmingly busy compared to another.