Supplier FAQ
I’m interested in attending Hospitality Match. How do I register?
Sign up or contact your sales manager. A non-refundable 50% deposit is due upon confirmation. Payment in full is due by April 30, 2012.
What is included in the registration fee?
A minimum of 20 buyer meetings, airport transfers, three-night hotel stay, food & beverage, receptions, networking activities, seminars, a listing in the Match directory, inclusion in the product showcase, and a group photo. You are responsible for your own airfare.
How is Hospitality Match different from a standard trade show?
Match pre-arranges focused, one-to-one meetings with active, high-level buyers in hospitality design. There are no booths to construct. Just set up a simple tabletop display and you’re ready to meet your matches—at least 20 qualified buyers over a three-day period. And it all happens in an intimate resort setting where you can learn exactly what buyers are looking for and build lasting, mutually beneficial relationships.
What can I expect to get out of Match?
In just three days, you’ll establish business relationships with heads of design and purchasing for major hospitality projects. You’ll increase your knowledge about doing business in the contract hospitality market. And you’ll fast-track the time-consuming process of identifying potential clients, making contact and scheduling an initial meeting.
Will I have an opportunity to do a group presentation?
Suppliers are invited to participate in a new series of educational sessions called Ten-Minute Tour: How FF&E Products Come to Life. You’ll each have 10 minutes to educate a room full of buyers on how your products are made and best practices for specifying them. Learn more.
How many buyers and suppliers typically attend?
That’s the beauty of Hospitality Match. We limit participation to 50 buyers and 50 suppliers, so we typically have about 100 people on-site. This makes for a friendlier, more intimate atmosphere where you can really get to know the buyers and understand their needs and challenges.
Do you limit the number of suppliers from a given category?
Yes, we control the number of suppliers from each category to limit competition. To increase your chances of being accepted, we suggest you register as soon as possible.
What type of buyers can I expect to meet?
Match invites the top buyers in the industry, focusing on heads of purchasing and design from leading hotel chains, design firms and purchasing firms from across the U.S.
What happens when we’re not meeting with buyers?
Match provides a full slate of casual networking activities, educational seminars, receptions and dinners. The schedule is designed to give you additional time with your best buyer matches, and a chance to mingle with buyers you may not have met.
What should I bring with me to Match?
Sample books, promotional materials, business cards and minimal product—just enough to get the message across.
What is the dress code?
Dress is business casual.
Can I bring a guest to Match, such as my spouse or a friend?
Absolutely. There is a $500 guest fee, and you will be liable for any additional costs. Guests are not permitted to participate in the meetings, but can attend meals and other functions.
Is there a deadline for signing up?
One month prior to the event. However, since we are limiting the number of suppliers in each product category, it is in your best interest to sign up as soon as possible.
