Frequently Asked Questions About Marketplace
General Questions
Who should attend Marketplace?
Company Owners; Charter/Tour Planners; Outside Sales Agents; Group Tour Specialists/Group Sales Managers; Sales and Marketing Representatives; Outbound Receptives.
When should I arrive and how long should I stay?
You should plan to arrive in Philadelphia by Saturday, January 8 and stay with us all week (leaving on Thursday, Jan. 13) to take advantage of the endless networking opportunities.
What is the dress code for Marketplace ?
Click here to access the dress code for all Marketplace functions.
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- When do I need to return my registration form?
As soon as possible. Marketplace is first-come, first-served. Online registration opened:
Tuesday, April 6 : DMO, Buyers, Associate Delegates, Receptive Operators/Tour Planners
Wednesday, April 7 : Lodging and Attraction Delegates
- If I've never attended Marketplace before, what should I do?
Throughout the year ABA sends all first-time delegates, or STAR delegates, newcomer information.
Read More About STAR Delegates »
How are the appointments scheduled?
Appointments are prioritized and scheduled in order of the appointment code assigned to you on the date you return your registration form (not the date you return your requests).
Read More About the Prescheduling Process »
- Why do appointments only last seven minutes?
A polished sales presentation can be made in 7 minutes or less. The one-on-one appointments open doors for future business.
Read More About Appointment Sessions »
- What are Rotation Delegates?
Rotation delegates are additional members of Buyer companies attending Marketplace, but not with scheduled appointments.
Read More About Rotation Delegates »
- What other networking opportunities does ABA offer other than appointments?
ABA offers multiple all-delegate-sponsored events for maximizing the opportunity for Buyers and Sellers to meet.
- What is a Dine Around?
A DINE-AROUND is an evening event planned, organized and hosted by individual supplier companies, a group of suppliers or a DMO/regional organization where selected buyer/operators are invited out to dinner for informal networking. Held on evenings where there are no conflicting ABA events, this is an opportunity to suppliers to "wine and dine" clients to thank them for their business or to create new relationships for future business. The Dine-Around evening can also be used as an opportunity to relax and network with friends and colleagues, and enjoy all that the ABA Host City has to offer!
Supplier companies or individuals interested in organizing a Dine-Around are
encouraged to contact their local DMO representative for assistance. The ABA
Host City Booth also provides information on local restaurants that would be
ideal venues for a Dine-Around. Because Buyer/Operator schedules tend to be
quite booked, suppliers are encouraged to contact them in advance to invite
them to Dine-Around events.
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- Where does Resource Central obtain its data and information?
The searchable online database available on-site at the Resource Central and prior to Marketplace in your Passport, includes information such as the types of tours operators' offer, the destinations they travel to, and much more. This information is supplied to ABA with the annual membership profile form.
Read More About Resource Central »
Registration Questions
When does registration begin?
Marketplace registration began on Tuesday, April 6th at noon ET for DMO, Associate, Receptive Operators/Tour Planners and Bus/Tour Operators. Lodging and Attraction delegates began to register online at noon ET on April 7th.
ABA member companies may use the on-line registration program to register.
What is my company ID and Password?
Company Number (00000)
Password
This number is used to register your company/organization for an event such as Marketplace. The Company Number is assigned to your company/organization and not an individual. The Primary Contact for your company/organization is given this number and password.
Member Number (ex: 00000.0, 00000.1, 00000.2)
Password
This number is used to access My ABA and record an individual’s contact information and committee history. The number is assigned to an individual and is a personal number. Each representative from your company/organization is given a unique member number. When a representative leaves your company/organization, you may contact ABA to deactivate the person’s member number.
Delegate Number (ex: 00000.0, 00000.1, 00000.2)
Password
This number is the same is the Member Number but is used to access the Marketplace Passport for registered Marketplace delegates. The number is assigned to an individual and is a personal number. Each delegate from your company/organization is given a unique delegate number. If a delegate is transferred to another delegate, the new delegate will receive a new delegate number and password to access the registration/scheduling information.
If you do not have you company ID and Password, contact us at meetingsdept@buses.org.
How can I get a copy of my invoice?
A copy of the paid or unpaid invoice will be sent to the company's primary contact when your registration is processed not when you submit your registration. ALL invoices must be paid by November 23 to ensure scheduling of appointments.
How can I add additional delegates to my registration?
If you company has already submitted a Marketplace registration and you would like to add additional delegates, complete a hard copy of the registration form and fax or mail it to ABA. The new delegate will be given the company's original registration date.
When can I access my Marketplace Passport?
Passport access will begin on April 6, 2010.
How can I sign up for Foundation Events?
You may select Foundation Events as part of your on-line registration.
If you have already submitted your registration and would like to add Foundation Events, complete a hard copy of the Foundation Events form and fax or mail it to ABA.
How can I request changes to my registration?
To request a registration change such as a dietary request or special badge request, e-mail ABA at meetingsdept@buses.org.
How can I request a name change?
To request a name change, e-mail ABA at meetingsdept@buses.org the name of the current delegate, the name, title and email address of the new delegate. There is no charge for a name change.
If I need to cancel a delegate or my company?
All cancellations must be made in writing. You may submit them via e-mail to meetingsdept@buses.org or fax. If there is an oustanding invoice for the registration any refunded amount will be applied to the balance and the adjusted invoice will be sent for the remaining amount. If no refund is granted, the entire amount of the original invoice will be due. Failure to pay for an invoice may result in a suspension of the company's membership with the association.
Refunds for appointment-taking delegates: A refund will be granted with a $100 cancellation fee per delegate if written requests are received within 30 days of registration confirmation and before November 23, 2010. Written requests may be faxed or e-mailed. A 50% refund will be granted if written requests are received prior to November 23, 2010. No refunds will be granted after November 23, 2010. Appointments, the Marketplace Passport and Marketplace services are not available to cancelled delegates.
Refunds for observer/rotation and guest delegates: There will be no cancellation fee if written requests are received within 30 days of registration. After 30 days, there will be a $100 cancellation fee. No refunds will be granted after November 23, 2010.
Refunds for exhibitors: There will be no cancellation fee if written requests are received within 30 days of registration. After 30 days, there will be a 50% cancellation fee. No refunds will be granted after November 23, 2010.
No refunds will be given for on-site cancellations, late arrivals, unused services, unattended events or early departure. It is your responsibility to submit your cancellation request early enough so that it is received in the ABA office by the above dates.
All cancellation requests will be sent a cancellation verification via email which must be responded to in writing by the cancelling delegate or representative from the company. When the cancellation verification is received by ABA the registration will be cancelled and a cancellation confirmation will be sent to the delegate. Appointments, the Marketplace Passport and Marketplace services are then no longer available to cancelled delegate(s). Delegates are respoonsible for cancelling their own housing and transportation reservations.
Any request for an exemption to the above policy must be made in writing (letter or email) and submitted to ABA for consideration.
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