CONNECT Winter Marketplace 2026 scheduled for 18‑20 November in West Palm Beach
The CONNECT Winter Marketplace 2026 will take place from 18 to 20 November at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, targeting US meeting planners, destination representatives and hospitality suppliers. The three‑day event aims to foster business appointments, education and networking across the American MICE sector.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- A three‑day business marketplace will be held in West Palm Beach
- Timing
- 18 to 20 November 2026
- Who is affected
- Meeting planners, destination reps and hospitality suppliers in the US
The details
- Announced by
- Travel And Tour World
Event Overview
CONNECT Winter Marketplace 2026 is organised under the Informa Connect portfolio and will be hosted by Discover The Palm Beaches. The gathering brings together meeting planners, destination marketing organisations and hospitality suppliers to discuss future partnerships in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector.
- Location: Palm Beach County Convention Center, West Palm Beach
- Host organisation: Discover The Palm Beaches
- Key sponsors include Visit Montgomery, Experience Grand Rapids and Kalahari Resorts
Participation and Benefits
Qualified buyers attending the marketplace can receive travel and accommodation support, access educational sessions and schedule up to 40 appointments with suppliers. Suppliers use the appointment format to showcase venues, accommodation options and event services, aiming to secure future conference bookings and corporate events across the United States.
- Eligible hosted buyers receive travel and lodging assistance
- Suppliers may schedule up to 40 appointments with qualified buyers
- Educational sessions cover event planning, supplier selection and industry trends
Schedule and Programme
Registration opens at 3 pm on 18 November, followed by the first round of marketplace appointments from 4 pm to 5.30 pm. On 19 November, appointments run from 10 am to 12.30 pm and again from 2 pm to 5 pm. The three‑day programme also includes professional education and networking activities designed to strengthen industry relationships.
- 18 Nov: registration at 3 pm, appointments 4‑5.30 pm
- 19 Nov: appointments 10‑12.30 pm and 2‑5 pm
- Education and networking sessions run throughout the three days
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travel planners should book flights and hotels for West Palm Beach before 18 November to attend the marketplace
- Participants must align their itineraries with the appointment schedule to maximise meeting opportunities
Cost and documents
- Qualified buyers may receive covered travel and accommodation costs as stated by the organisers
- No new visa or entry document requirements are introduced for attending the event
What you need to do
- Register for the marketplace by the deadline indicated on the official event website
- Qualified buyers should submit proof of eligibility to receive travel support
- Suppliers need to confirm their appointment slots through the event portal
Who this affects
-
Meeting planners
They are invited as qualified hosted buyers to assess venues and services
What to do Register, submit eligibility proof and schedule appointments with suppliers
-
Destination marketing organisations
They represent US tourism regions seeking to promote their locations
What to do Participate as sponsors or exhibitors to showcase destinations
-
Hospitality suppliers
They provide venues, accommodation and event services to buyers
What to do Book appointment slots and prepare presentations for qualified buyers
-
US tourism officials
They support the event to strengthen national business tourism
What to do Facilitate participation of regional organisations and monitor outcomes
Frequently asked questions
When and where is CONNECT Winter Marketplace 2026 held?
The CONNECT Winter Marketplace 2026 runs from 18 to 20 November at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Who can attend as a qualified buyer?
Qualified buyers are meeting planners and destination representatives who meet the eligibility criteria set by the organisers and can receive travel and accommodation support.
What types of appointments are available for suppliers?
Suppliers can schedule up to 40 appointment slots with qualified buyers, allowing them to showcase venues, accommodation options and event services during the three‑day programme.
Are there any new travel or visa requirements for attendees?
No new visa or entry document requirements are introduced; attendees follow existing US entry rules and may receive travel support if they qualify as hosted buyers.
How can I register for the marketplace?
Registration opens at 3 pm on 18 November via the official CONNECT Winter Marketplace website; participants must complete the online form and provide any required eligibility documentation.
