Connect Spring Marketplace

San Juan, Puerto Rico Puerto Rico Convention Center

Where Business Gets Done

Connect is expecting at least 2,000 event professionals at our spring marketplace in Puerto Rico. This is the right place and the right to do business. Make connections and generate new leads for future meetings and events with us.

Our team of planners are experts at creating inspiring and engaging events that set the standard for safety and well-being. Safety of our attendees has always been our No. 1 priority for attendees.

We move ahead to push the industry forward. Association, citywide, corporate, diversty-minded and sports planners will meet with the suppliers that are the right fit for future events. The business done at Connect will benefit the entire hospitality industry with filled hotel rooms, buzzing venues and overflowing restaurants.

Make the smart and safe choice by attending Connect Spring Marketplace.

See our Safe and Clean event plan here and our policy regarding vaccines here.

Why Connect? In three words: Back to business!

It's time to get our industry back on track. Connect cares about your success and we know that your time is extremely valuable. That's why we go above and beyond to make sure that every minute of our event is worth your time and propels you forward.

Planner Information

Register and Pay.

Get your $200 registration fee back after completing all scheduled Marketplace appointments.

Travel to Connect.

Attend the hosted-buyer event designed for association, corporate, luxury and specialty professionals.

Connect with Peers.

Meet with pre-selected suppliers in one-on-one appointments.

Learn from Experts.

Enjoy in-depth, interactive education on in-demand topics while earning continuing education credits.

Unwind and Mingle.

Continue networking at our fun receptions in the safest and cleanest way possible.

Registration Cost

Registration starts at $200.

Frequently asked Planners questions

Justify your attendance to your boss with this letter template:

Download letter

What are planners saying about Connect events?

Supplier Information

  • Face–to-face meetings with qualified planners
  • Only planners who can book business qualify
  • 1:1 planner-to-supplier ratio
  • Full contact information for all meeting planners
  • Training with industry experts
  • Numerous networking opportunities to do business
  • ROI that is evident before you leave the conference

Registration cost

Registration starts at $4,450.

Frequently Asked Supplier Questions

Justify your attendance to your boss with this letter template (copy and paste the following URL into your web browser to download Word document):
http://www.connectmeetings.com/sites/connect/meetings/files/2021-07/2021_SupplierJustificationLetter_%20MS.docx

2022 Location

San Juan, Puerto Rico

What was once the crown jewel of the Spanish Empire is now the Island's historic and cultural center, as well as the most popular launching point for Puerto Rico vacations. Founded in 1521, San Juan is the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas but is home to much more than just history.
 

Only 15 minutes from SJU airport, San Juan blends elements of the Old World (cobblestone streets and colonial architecture) with all the amenities of modern urban life (craft cocktails, contemporary dining, amazing shopping, and vibrant nightlife). Immerse yourself in the culture and explore the wealth of art, food, adventure, and beauty that is waiting to be discovered.

2022 Agenda

All Times Eastern

Sunday, May 22

LGBTQ Summit
   Exhibit Hall

Exclusive Partner Reception
      By invitation Only

Badge Pickup and Opening Reception
   Distrito T-Mobile

 

 

Monday, May 23

Hosted Breakfasts (Invite Only)

Trade Show Opens
   Exhibit Hall

Marketplace Appointments*
   Exhibit Hall

Education Presented by BizBash
   BizBash Education Lounge

Education Presented by BizBash
   BizBash Education Lounge

Marketplace Appointments**
   Exhibit Hall

Education Presented by BizBash
   BizBash Education Lounge

Education Presented by BizBash
   BizBash Education Lounge

Lunch

Education Presented by BizBash
   BizBash Education Lounge

 

Marketplace Appointments*
   Trade Show floor

Education Presented by BizBash
   BizBash Education Lounge

Education Presented by BizBash
   BizBash Education Lounge

Marketplace Appointments**

]

Open night

Tuesday, May 24

 

Hosted Breakfasts

Trade Show Hours

Marketplace Appointments*

Education Presented by BizBash
   BizBash Education Lounge

Education Presented by BizBash
   BizBash Education Lounge

Marketplace Appointments**

Education Presented by BizBash
   BizBash Education Lounge

Lunch

Education Presented by BizBash
   BizBash Education Lounge

Marketplace Appointments*

Education Presented by BizBash
   BizBash Education Lounge

Education Presented by BizBash
   BizBash Education Lounge

Marketplace Appointments**

 

Fiesta Blanco
   Vivo Beach Club

 

* Appointments for Corporate, Diversity, Sports, BizBash Tech, Family Travel

** Appointments for Association, Incentive, Business Travel, Citywide, BizBash Experiential

 
 

Frequently Asked Planner Questions

Are vaccines mandatory to attend?

To host an event that is as safe as possible for all in attendance, we highly encourage that all attendees get vaccinated before attending. You may provide proof of vaccination or a negative test on a voluntary basis. Regardless of vaccination or testing status, all attendees are required to wear facemasks when indoors or when they are unable to socially distance from one another pursuant to current CDC guidance. In the event of future changes in applicable law or guidance, we may change our requirements.

Additional information

What is a reverse tradeshow?

Our innovative Marketplace system matches planners and suppliers for individual appointments based on their requests, as well as additional factors. Planners sit at designated tables and suppliers have 1-2 minutes to travel between appointments. A chime signifies the beginning and end of each appointment.

How much does registration cost?

Qualified planners pay a $200 registration fee that will be returned at the end of the conference if all Marketplace appointments are kept.

When will I get my registration fee back?

Once all Marketplace appointments have been fulfilled and the final set of Marketplace appointments have concluded, refunds will be available at a designated location.

How does the appointment process work?

Planners and suppliers will receive an email stating that the appointment request process is open. Mutual requests get priority, then planner requests are granted, followed by supplier requests. It is not a first-come, first-served process. As long as you complete your requests by the designated end date, your appointment selections will be granted the appropriate priority.

You will receive an email prior to the show with instructions for logging into the appointment portal.

If I am driving to the event, will I be eligible for a mileage reimbursement?

If the mileage from your residence exceeds 100 miles, you will receive a preset transportation reimbursement at the conclusion of all scheduled appointments. We do not cover parking expenses, so be prepared for this additional cost.

When will you book my hotel room?

You will receive an email confirmation from the host hotel for a secured room about two weeks prior to the event. It might show a room rate, but attending as a planner, you will not be responsible for this charge. However, you will be asked to put down a credit card for incidentals when you check into your hotel. Incidentals are not covered by Connect.

What is Connect's refund/cancellation policy?

A Hosted Buyer is required to pay a fee to guarantee registration. Once a Hosted Buyer completes all of the preset appointments, the fee will be refunded. If a Hosted Buyer misses any appointments, cancels attendance after the appointment portal opens, or cancels attendance at any point 24 hours after flight booking, the deposit refund is forfeited and the Hosted Buyer's credit card on file will be charged the entire amount of the airline ticket, (As well as costs incurred in securing non-refundable hotel accommodations in the planners name for the duration of the event.) Hosted Buyers also forfeit their fee if the meeting qualification information presented to our staff is falsified, if the data on the registration page is false or exaggerated, if the Hosted Buyer does not have any influence on the decision process, or if there is any misrepresentation by the Hosted Buyer. If the Hosted Buyer's application is denied, the Hosted Buyer will be refunded the respective deposit.

 

Refund will be available after fulfillment and final set of appointments at the event have concluded. It is the sole responsibility of each planner to pick up their refund before leaving the event. The attendee agrees to settle all disputes regarding their deposit, reimbursement, refunds, and incentive within 30 days post-event. All disputes not settled within 30 days post-event will be null and void and no deposit, reimbursement, refunds, or incentive will be eligible to be collected.

When will I receive my appointments?

Once approved as a hosted buyer, approximately two weeks prior to the event, you’ll be asked to enter the event portal and make appointment requests with your choice of CVBs, hotels, resorts and service providers. Shortly after that, we’ll finalize your appointment schedule and you’ll be provided with a schedule of pre-set appointments. Please come to the event with business in hand, keep your appointments with Suppliers, and stay for the complete show schedule.

Frequently Asked Supplier Questions

Are vaccines mandatory to attend?

To host an event that is as safe as possible for all in attendance, we highly encourage that all attendees get vaccinated before attending. You may provide proof of vaccination or a negative test on a voluntary basis. Regardless of vaccination or testing status, all attendees are required to wear facemasks when indoors or when they are unable to socially distance from one another pursuant to current CDC guidance. In the event of future changes in applicable law or guidance, we may change our requirements.

Additional information

What is a reverse tradeshow?

Our innovative Marketplace system matches planners and suppliers for individual appointments based on their requests, as well as additional factors. Planners sit at designated tables and suppliers have 1-2 minutes to travel between appointments. A chime signifies the beginning and end of each appointment
 

How much does registration cost?

Registration starts at $4,450. Non-appointment attendee registration is $2,000. Talk to your regional sales rep for more information.
 

How do I book my hotel room?

Supplier attendees will receive a special rate at our host hotel when they use the official Connect reservation portal.

What is the last day to book my hotel?

Deadline information coming soon.

How does the appointment process work?

Planners and suppliers will receive an email stating that the appointment request process is open. Mutual requests get priority, then planner requests are granted, followed by supplier requests. It is not a first-come, first-served process. As long as you complete your requests by the designated end date, your appointment selections will be granted the appropriate priority.

You will receive an email prior to the show with instructions for logging into the appointment portal.

When will I receive my appointments?

Within two weeks of the show.