October Update
[PerFirstLastName], Marketplace is about bringing segments together in an environment to build business relationships and resulting in more business for all delegates. Check out the potential for your business from ABA qualified operators who are currently registered. Marketplace 2010 registered buyers represent:-- 31,389,749 tour/charter passenger trips per year
-- 759,111 tour/charter trips per yearWhat is their economic impact? 3,250-$4,400 per coach for day trips and $7,000-$11,000 per coach per day for multiday trips.What type of suppliers do they do business with? Check the the entire report.How can you stand out among your competition?
- Attend Marketplace all week for networking and educational opportunities, including sightseeing tours, evening events, all-delegate lunches.
- Update your membership profile for operators to view in the research databases.
- Volunteer - it is like a three-hour appointment.
- Come prepared for your Marketplace week -check out the checklist in the Marketplace Delegate Packet.
- Advertise in the show daily, Marketplace Today.
- Become a Marketplace sponsor.
Delegate Registration Type: [PerRegRegType]Delegate Event Role: [PerRegEventRole]Appointment Session:[PerRegSchMinorDescList]
Delegate ID: [PerNum]
Delegate Password: [PerPass]
Seminar Schedule and seminar descriptions are now available. Check out the Super Session on Friday, Jan. 16!
Did you make your housing reservations? Make certain you are staying until Wed., Jan. 20 so you don't miss the 1950s theme American Bandstand evening event - complete with costume rentals!Don't forget to sign up for your sightseeing tour!Operators - Check out the FAM Tours and experience the Capital Region in a whole new way!The Capital Region is hosting three historic evening events. Don't miss them!Friday, January 15Experience Northern Virginia: The Pursuit of Happiness Evening Event
George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
From colonial to cool, Northern Virginia is one-stop shopping for best-in-the-nation history, arts and culture, shopping, and dining. George Washington's Mount Vernon sets the stage to showcase innovative group tour experiences from Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and Prince William County. See the 25 new theaters and galleries at Mount Vernon, and sample uniquely themed fare from the Capital Region.
Sponsored by Northern Virginia Visitors Consortium, George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens & Virginia Tourism CorporationSaturday, January 16Crusin' Maryland! Evening Event
Show Place Arena
Cruise through Maryland with us! Stops along the way showcase the diverse offerings of the state from food and beverage to arts and entertainment. Travel our highways through the iconic gems of the state, celebrate our sports teams, travel to the mountains of Western Maryland and the shores of the Atlantic all in one exciting evening. To keep you cruisin', the Rob Byer Band and The Reagan Years will be performing throughout the night on the main floor and local artists Dean Rosenthal and Nadine Rae will perform in our very own blues & jazz lounge. Experience why they call Maryland "America in Miniature". This is one night not to be missedSponsored by Maryland Office of Tourism, Maryland Association of Destination Marketing Organizations, National Harbor and Maryland Partners.Sunday, January 17Become a "DC Insider" Evening Event
Newseum
BECOME A DC INSIDER. Explore one of DC's hottest museums - the Newseum - and get a taste of celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck's culinary creations. You will investigate behind the headlines and experience how and why news is made. Special guest appearances by DC's power couple and Madame Tussaud's own President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle, along with other celebrity DC Insiders. You don't want to miss the inside scoop in the hippest city in America.
Sponsored by Destination DC along with the Newseum & Partners
Information for Your Travel and Housing PlansClick here for information for your transportation options for Marketplace 2010 including the complimentary airport shuttle information.Marketplace Housing is open, make your reservations early and be sure to arrive Friday to take advantage of the Sightseeing Tours and evening event. Check out your appointment dates and other Marketplace events so you don't miss a thing.
Marketplace Host Hotel Rates
Gaylord Resort & Convention Center
201 Waterfront Street
National Harbor, MD 20745
Seller Rate: $189
Buyer Rate: $139
ABA and the Gaylord National have partnered together to give you great hotel rates for Marketplace 2010. The Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center is a first-class, waterfront resort that's only minutes from downtown DC.Marketplace Schedule - Arrive on Friday, Jan. 14 to Take Advantage of all Marketplace OpportunitiesClick here for a preliminary schedule of events. Don't miss out! Remember more business is completed off the Marketplace Business Floor, all-delegate events is an all-access pass for business! Check out the special Schedule for Operators!
Multiple Appointment-takers for Seller Companies
Seller companies are major contributors to the success of the Marketplace appointment sessions. Based on the number of Buyer requests you received at Marketplace 2009, your company may be entitled to 2 or 3 appointment-taking delegates at Marketplace 2010. If you had 32 or more buyer requests last year, you received an email from ABA informing you of the number of appointment-takers available to your company.
All companies are eligible to bring as many observer delegates as they wish. Here are a few reasons to bring an observer delegate:
- additional representation on the business floor while taking appointments (Observers may meet with operators on the business floor, however they are not eligible for pre-scheduled appointments);
- observers can take advantage of the great networking and educational opportunities; and
- helps a key salesperson or a new hire get training in the industry.
Invoicing
All registered companies can be invoiced for their Marketplace fees. Invoice payment were due by September 15. All invoices must be paid for appointment requests to be scheduled on Nov. 24, 2009.
Membership Dues
All delegates must be representatives of ABA member organizations whose dues and all other outstanding monies due ABA or its agents have been paid in full. ABA members who have not paid 2009 AND 2010 dues will be unable to participate in Marketplace. 2010 Dues renewals for travel and associate memebrs will be sent next week. For questions regarding your membership dues, contact Roderick Lewis at rlewis@buses.org.
Important Dates
- July 16 - Noon ET: Housing/Sightseeing/FAM Registration began. Early bird registration rates end for seller delegates.
- September 9 - Noon ET: Research Databases opened. Operator early bird rates ended.
- September 15 - Noon ET: Appointment Requests opened. Invoices were due.
- November 24 - 5:00 PM ET: Appointment Requests Due.
- December 8 - Noon ET: Appointments Schedules Available and Manual Scheduling Begins.
- December 11 - Noon ET: Manual Scheduling Ends until Marketplace Opens.
- January 15 - 10:00 AM ET: Marketplace Opens.
Sponsorships
Want your Marketplace investment to go even further? Become a sponsor and receive special benefits which increase your ROI. Everyone is looking for business these days, make certain it is your company's name that is out in front - it will be worth the effort. Marketplace boasts a nearly 100% return of sponsors each year - we are a proven venue to invest your marketing dollars! Check out all of the possibilities for Marketplace 2010, click here or email Jana Fields at jfields@buses.org.
