Connect Summer Marketplace 2026
Event Date
August 24–26, 2026
Location
Tampa, FL
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryConnect Marketplace is a leading B2B event for the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry, built around a signature reverse-style trade show and appointment-driven model. The event brings together more than 3,000 MICE professionals in Tampa for three days of curated meetings, high-impact networking, and measurable ROI.
The show is designed for anyone who plans, sources, sells, or powers events at scale. Attendees include event organizers, meeting planners, meeting and event management companies, procurement agencies, national and regional tourist offices and convention bureaus, hoteliers, conference and exhibition venues, airlines and transportation companies, technology providers, and experiential agencies.
What sets Connect Marketplace apart is its structured meeting format. Buyers and suppliers meet through thoughtfully matched, pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments designed to lead to real opportunities, alongside an immersive trade show and educational sessions delivering practical, real-world strategies. The result is an efficient environment where deals get done and lasting industry relationships are formed.
Show Highlights
- Pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings: Thoughtfully matched appointments connect buyers and suppliers who align on goals, driving real business opportunities.
- Reverse-style trade show: An immersive marketplace showcasing solutions and innovations powering the next era of events.
- Education program: 14+ hours of educational content, worth up to 14 CMP credit hours.
- Hosted Buyer Experience: Complimentary travel and accommodations, personalized meeting schedules, and up to 45 marketplace appointments with qualified suppliers.
- MPAC Certification onsite: Attendees can complete the Meeting Professional Audiovisual Certificate (MPAC) through sessions integrated directly into the event schedule.
- Closing Night Concert: The event closes with a performance from Two Friends, the DJ duo known for viral mashups.
- Annual Connect 5K Run & Walk: A 5K and one-mile fun run kicks off day three of the event.
Attendance
Connect Marketplace draws 3,000+ MICE professionals, including event organizers, meeting planners, procurement agencies, convention bureaus, hoteliers, venues, and technology providers.
Booth Pricing
Supplier meeting packages are tiered by the number of guaranteed one-on-one buyer appointments included:
- Deal Closer: $5,950 — 40 one-on-one appointments with qualified buyers, top 5 appointment requests guaranteed, and preferred supplier listing placement.
- Elite Connecter: $5,250 — 30 one-on-one appointments with qualified buyers.
- Growth Accelerator: $4,850 — 24 one-on-one appointments with qualified buyers.
- Ice Breaker: $4,250 — 12 targeted one-on-one meetings.
All supplier packages include full marketplace access, networking, and education. A Supplier Power Pass is also available at $1,950 for three-day marketplace access, networking, and education without a pre-scheduled meeting schedule.
Registration
Connect Marketplace offers several registration paths, all available online via the event's How to Attend page:
- Hosted Buyer: For buyers with direct purchasing power; includes roundtrip airfare to Tampa, three nights of hotel, networking events, education, and up to 45 supplier appointments. Requires an application.
- Supplier Packages: Deal Closer ($5,950), Elite Connecter ($5,250), Growth Accelerator ($4,850), and Ice Breaker ($4,250), each with a set number of pre-scheduled buyer meetings.
- Buyer Power Pass: $350 for three-day marketplace access, networking, and 14+ hours of education — available only to meeting planners and buyers.
- Supplier Power Pass: $1,950 for three-day marketplace access, networking, and education without pre-scheduled meetings.
First-timer registration opens at 12:30 p.m. with an orientation at 1:00 p.m., and returning attendee badge pickup begins at 1:00 p.m. on August 24.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Connect Marketplace 2026?
Connect Marketplace 2026 takes place August 24-26, 2026, at the Tampa Convention Center in downtown Tampa, Florida.
Who should attend Connect Marketplace?
The event is designed for MICE professionals who plan, source, sell, or power events, including event organizers, meeting planners, procurement agencies, convention bureaus, hoteliers, venues, airlines, and technology and experiential providers.
How do I register and what does it cost?
Registration is online. Buyers can apply for the fully hosted Hosted Buyer Experience or purchase a Buyer Power Pass for $350. Suppliers can choose meeting packages ranging from $4,250 (Ice Breaker) to $5,950 (Deal Closer), or a Supplier Power Pass for $1,950.
What makes Connect Marketplace worth attending?
The event centers on pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings between buyers and suppliers, an immersive reverse-style trade show, and 14+ hours of education worth up to 14 CMP credit hours, all designed to deliver measurable ROI and lasting relationships.
Where should I park or stay near the venue?
The on-site Tampa Convention Center Garage offers daily parking with a $15 maximum, and nearby options include the Pam Iorio and Fort Brooke garages. Hotels such as the Tampa Marriott Water Street, JW Marriott, and Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown are directly across the street from the venue.
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