Connect North 2027
Event Date
February 22–24, 2027
Location
Cincinnati, OH
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryConnect North is a regional business-development event for the meetings and events industry, produced by Informa Connect. It brings together event buyers and suppliers from the Midwest, Chicago, New England, the greater Northern U.S., and Canada for focused, appointment-driven networking. Rather than a traditional exhibition, it uses a hosted-buyer, one-on-one appointment format designed to move deals forward efficiently.
The event centers on scheduled one-on-one marketplace appointments between qualified hosted buyers and vetted suppliers such as hotels, convention and visitors bureaus, destinations, and event-services vendors. Alongside the appointments, attendees gain access to region-specific education sessions and high-impact networking receptions. Connect deliberately keeps its regional events intimate so attendees engage meaningfully rather than get lost in a crowd.
Connect North is worth attending for meeting and event professionals looking to source and select vendors for upcoming programs, and for suppliers seeking contracts with buyers who control regional spend. Qualified hosted buyers attend with travel and hotel costs covered, making it a high-value opportunity to build lasting industry relationships.
Show Highlights
- One-on-One Meetings: Signature scheduled appointments that give buyers and suppliers guaranteed, direct face time with decision-makers.
- Industry Insights: Region-specific education sessions covering local trends and challenges, with 3+ hours of educational content.
- High-Impact Networking: Intentionally intimate networking receptions designed for meaningful connections rather than large-crowd mingling.
- Hosted Buyer Program: Qualified buyers receive covered travel and hotel accommodations to focus on doing business.
- Regional Focus: Tailored to event professionals across the Midwest, Chicago, New England, the greater Northern U.S., and Canada.
Booth Pricing
Connect North uses an appointment-based supplier model rather than traditional booth sizes. Supplier participation starts at $4,250 for 12 one-on-one appointments, which also includes entrance to all Connect North networking events, 3+ hours of educational content, and guaranteed one-on-one marketplace appointments with qualified hosted buyers.
Registration
Attendance is by qualification through two tracks:
- Hosted Buyer: Meeting and event professionals who source and select vendors may qualify as a Connect Hosted Buyer. Qualified buyers receive roundtrip airfare to and from Cincinnati, two nights' hotel accommodation in Cincinnati, entrance to all networking events, 3+ hours of educational content, and marketplace appointments with qualified suppliers.
- Supplier: Vendors seeking contracts with regional buyers can register as a Connect supplier, starting at $4,250 for 12 one-on-one appointments.
To apply or learn more, prospective participants can contact the Connect team via the event's How to Attend and Contact pages (for supplier and sales inquiries, Suzi Schnell, suzi.schnell@informa.com).
History
Connect North is part of Informa Connect's portfolio of regional Connect Meetings events for the events and hospitality industry. The event rotates host cities each year; the previous edition was held in Pittsburgh, and the 2027 edition moves to Cincinnati, Ohio. Its wider Connect brand includes related events such as Connect Marketplace, Connect Texas + Medical, Connect West, Connect South + Faith, and Connect Spring Marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Connect North 2027?
Connect North 2027 takes place February 22-24, 2027, in Cincinnati, Ohio. The specific venue had not yet been announced on the official website.
Who should attend Connect North?
It is designed for event professionals from the Midwest, Chicago, New England, the greater Northern U.S., and Canada. This includes buyers looking to source and select suppliers and suppliers wanting to reach regional buyers with purchasing power.
What is the format of Connect North?
Rather than a traditional exhibition, Connect North centers on scheduled one-on-one marketplace appointments between hosted buyers and vetted suppliers, complemented by region-specific education sessions and networking receptions.
How do I attend as a hosted buyer, and what's included?
Meeting and event professionals who source vendors may qualify as a Connect Hosted Buyer. Qualified buyers receive roundtrip airfare to Cincinnati, two nights' hotel, entrance to all networking events, 3+ hours of education, and appointments with qualified suppliers.
How much does it cost to participate as a supplier?
Supplier participation starts at $4,250 for 12 one-on-one appointments, which includes entrance to all networking events, 3+ hours of educational content, and guaranteed appointments with qualified hosted buyers.
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