WHERE BUSINESS GETS DONE
Connect Spring Marketplace is bringing together 1,000 fully vetted buyers to take appointments across multiple tracks. New to the lineup is Connect Citywide, which joins favorites like Connect Diversity and Connect Incentive. As always, corporate and association planners will be taking appointments as well.
Health and Wellness Announcements
COVID Update:
Due to a rise in cases, the Puerto Rico health and safety protocol has been updated. In order to participate without a mask during indoor functions of the show, attendees must either:
- Show proof that they have been vaccinated.
- Show proof of a negative test within 72 hours of Connect Spring Marketplace
- Take a rapid test on-site at the show. Anyone who tests positive may not participate in the event.
Please bring one of these items to be able to go mask-free during the conference. You’ll present these items at registration at your hotel or at Sunday’s opening reception and will be given a wristband.
Should you prefer to wear a mask indoors, you may forgo these steps.
We will continue to follow any updates from the CDC and Puerto Rico government and abide by local regulations for the May 22-24 event. Click here for up-to-date information from Discover Puerto Rico.
Accessibility:
Need some help getting around the conference? Medway PR provides scooter rentals in Puerto Rico for $75 per day ($95 per day for up to 400 lbs.). Fee includes tax, delivery and pick up. To inquire about the offering, email here or call 787-668-9792.
Shuttle Service Information
Discover Puerto Rico will offer transportation from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport to host hotels prior to the show, as well as transfers back to the airport on May 25. Here are some important details:
May 21: All day transfers
May 22: All day transfers
May 25: 4:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (on the hour)
Attendees should plan to depart for the airport 2.5 hours prior to their flight departure time. Those outside of the shuttle schedule will be notified via email about their transportation pick-up time and should plan to also be at the airport 2.5 hours prior to their flight departure time. This is operational standard from the airlines.
Contact information for arrivals/departures
Carlos Martinez, 787-565-1886 (Supervisor)
Melissa López, 787-646-8778 (Account Executive)
Contact Information for travel updates
Denisse Pacheco, Ops Manager, [email protected]
Jessica Rodriguez, Ops Supervisor, [email protected]
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.
MORE RESOURCES:
Planners
Planners who would like to qualify to attend this event should click below to register.
Suppliers
To register for Connect Spring Marketplace please reach out to your sales representative or Derek Rodriguez.
OUR SPONSORS
AGENDA OVERVIEW
Sunday, May 22, 2022
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Registration
Pick up badges at your hotel lobby
4:15-5:15 p.m.
Citywide pregame at Caribe Hilton (Flamingo Room)
Sponsored by the Greater Miami CVB
6-9 p.m.
Opening Reception at DISTRITO T-MOBILE
Hosted by Discover Puerto Rico
Monday, May 23
7:30-8:30 a.m.
7:45-8:45 a.m.
Rotating speed networking
Citywide only
9-10:30 a.m.
Marketplace Appointments
Sponsored by Experience Florida’s Sports Coast
10:30 A.M.-1:30 P.M.
Trade Show Hours
EXHIBIT HALL
11-11:30 a.m.
Education Presented by BizBash
Sponsored by Coastal Mississippi
11:35 a.m.-12:05 p.m.
Education Presented by BizBash
Sponsored by Coastal Mississippi
“Embrace Diversity, Elevate your Event”
Melva LaGrand, LaJoy Plans
12:15-1:30 P.M.
Lunch on Trade Show Floor
Sponsored by Utah Valley CVB
12:10-12:40 p.m.
Education Presented by BizBash
Sponsored by Coastal Mississippi
“Pandemic Event Budgets – Getting Creative and Making Every Dollar Work for You”
Melissa Park
12:45-1:15 p.m.
Education Presented by BizBash
Sponsored by Coastal Mississippi
“Set The Scene: Go Beyond Traditional Design”
Panel Discussion
1:30-2:30 P.M.
Marketplace Appointments
Sponsored by Experience Florida’s Sports Coast
6-9 p.m.
Fiesta de San Juan sponsored by Discover Puerto Rico
Discover Puerto Rico welcomes you to enjoy your open night at Paseo La Princesa, Old San Juan for Fiesta de San Juan. Experience Puerto Rico’s vibrant culture, a culmination of more than 500 years of rich history and a diverse blend of Taino, African and Spanish traditions, like a local. Enjoy authentic cuisine, lively music, interactive activities, local artisans and much more.
Tuesday, May 24
7:30-8:30 a.m.
Hosted Breakfasts
7:30-8:30 a.m.
Citywide Hosted Breakfasts
Sponsored by Destination Toronto
9-10:30 a.m.
Marketplace Appointments
Sponsored by Experience Florida’s Sports Coast
11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Trade Show Hours
11-11:45 a.m.
Education Presented by BizBash
Sponsored by Coastal Mississippi
Discover Puerto Rico President and CEO Brad Dean presents “How to Immerse Your Group in Puerto Rico’s Culture.”
11:50 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
Education Presented by BizBash
Sponsored by Coastal Mississippi
“How To Do Effective (and Flexible) Event Marketing”
Channing Muller, DCM Communications
12:15-1:30 p.m.
Lunch in Trade Show
1:15-1:45 p.m.
Education Presented by BizBash
Sponsored by Coastal Mississippi
“The Power of Partnerships: Better Together”
Heather Munnell, VDA
1:05-1:45 p.m.
Education Presented by BizBash
Sponsored by Coastal Mississippi
“The Evolution of Virtual Engagement”
Luiz Martins, 6Connex and Dan August, L.A. Rams
1:50-2:30 p.m.
Education Presented by BizBash
Sponsored by Coastal Mississippi
“Insights from The BizBash Leadership Summit”
Panel discussion
3-4:30 p.m.
Marketplace Appointments
Sponsored by Experience Florida’s Sports Coast
5:45 p.m.
Buses Begin Running to Vivo Beach Club
6:30-9 p.m.
Hubilo’s Noche Blanca at VIVO BEACH CLUB
SPEAKERS
Dorothéa Bozicolona-Volpe
Dorothéa Bozicolona-Volpe is a strategic digital marketing executive who is fluent in 4 languages and specializes in developing business through digital, influencer and social media marketing, as well as, personal and employer branding for the world’s most memorable brands.
D. Channing Muller
Channing Muller is an award winning marketing & sales coach serving as the Principal of DCM Communications based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She works with event professionals and business owners to grow and scale their businesses with refined marketing strategies developed through one-on-one and group consulting, customized marketing programs and public relations.
Melva LaJoy Legrand
As a self-made entrepreneur recognized for her work in the Live Events industry, as well as causes rooted in social equality as it pertains to women, health, and race & identity, Melva LaJoy Legrand is a public speaker, event producer/director, community activist, and writer. She is founder and CEO of LaJoy Plans and was among the 2021 BizBash 500 award winners.
Andrew Roby
Andrew Roby is a proud Army veteranwho happens to be a great event and wedding planner! Creative director of Andrew Roby Events, his work can be seen in Forbes, NY Times and CNN. He is also among BizBash’s Top 500 Event Professionals in America.
Luiz Martin, 6Connex
Luiz Martin brings 25 years of leadership experience and a proven track record of driving innovation, market adoption and hyper growth across the technology and Software-as-a-Service industries. He has worked for companies like Mitsubishi, 1Worldsync, Danaher and 6Connex.
Melissa Park
Melissa “Mel” Park is the founder and CEO of Melissa Park Events, an award-winning global event company specializing in creating high-impact live and virtual experiences. She is also the creator of The Mel-Factor Method, a contributing writer to numerous publications, and a sought-after keynote speaker and panelist.
PLANNERS
Planners interested in qualifying for and attending this event, should click below.
SUPPLIERS
To register for Connect Marketplace please reach out to your sales representative or Derek Rodriguez.
What They’re Saying
“By attending Connect Citywide, I hope to network with other planners and supplier partners who understand the complexities and unique challenges of citywide meetings and events. The opportunity to partner with these colleagues, all of which are focused on making citywide programs successful, will enable us to identify and develop leading practices for future citywide events, which will benefit the wider meetings profession and community.”
“My goal at Connect Citywide is to transact business with cities and destinations that are equipped to handle the unique needs associated with a citywide event. CVBs must be ready to address hotel blocks, convention centers, concessions, transportation and ease of movement within a destination. A citywide event is not for every destination so being prepared to have those dicsussions is imperative to a good partnership.”
“At Connect Citywide, I am hoping to identify potential cities to host TESOL 2028 and to receive updates on upcoming cities that we have booked. I’m also looking to learn about potential new vendor partners. Spring is when I do my ‘shopping’ as it’s right as I head into by budget cycle.”
Terms and Conditions: By registering for and attending the event I consent to and agree to abide by the terms, conditions and code of conduct posted here.
Connect Cancellation Policy: Connect requires registration to be paid in full to access any live event. Any special billing or payment arrangement must be made in writing and agreed upon between Connect management and the client seeking event access. Please see below for cancellation policy. Cancellations requested inside of 30 days to event date – Client forfeits 100% of registration fee. Cancellations requested 31-90 days prior to event date – Client forfeits 50% of registration fee and the remaining 50% can be used towards a new product purchase in the same calendar year. Cancellations requested over 90 days to the event date – Client may apply 100% of the registration fee to a new product purchase or service in the same calendar year.
Photo Release: Connect and its legal representatives and assigns, retain the right and permission to publish, without charge, photographs taken during this event. These photographs may be used in publications, including electronic publications, or in audio-visual presentations, promotional literature, advertising, or in other similar ways.
Medical Release: With registration, the attendee agrees and acknowledges they are participating in the conference on their own free will. While Connect does its best to provide the safest possible environment for the events, the attendee acknowledges freely and knowingly that as a result of their registration and participation, they hereby assume responsibility for their own well-being and safety, releasing Connect of any harm.
