Why Connect Spring Marketplace Is a Must-Attend Event for Destinations

In today’s fast-paced world, where budgets are tight and schedules are packed, Connect Spring Marketplace offers a unique opportunity for CVBs to set the stage for future success. This event brings together destination marketers, sales officers, and industry leaders in one place, creating an environment where meaningful connections and productive conversations can thrive.

For destination marketers, the event builds on the success of eTourism Summit, known for its high-quality education and networking opportunities with top agencies and technology companies. Meanwhile, sales officers can engage in exclusive one-on-one appointments with meetings and sports planners, tour operators, and business travel buyers. The result? A wealth of opportunities to attract events that drive business to your destination.

The impact of these events goes beyond hotel room nights. They support local economies by promoting restaurants, retail establishments, and other businesses. With 169 industries represented—including medical, technology, financial, sports, pharmaceutical, energy, and manufacturing—the marketplace is a hub for diverse opportunities. Notably, nearly 57% of attending event organizers hold director-level positions or higher, ensuring that conversations happen with key decision-makers.

Destinations of all sizes stand to benefit. Whether you’re focused on smaller events with 150 room nights or larger gatherings, Connect Spring Marketplace provides the tools and connections to move the RFP process forward. Heather Hermen, senior vice president and chief marketing and communications officer at Explore Branson, highlights the value of finding the right partnerships:

“Finding the right events to invest in can be a challenge for a destination,” Hermen says. “When we find a partner and the right events who understand the mission, we stick with them—and that’s what ETS and Connect Spring mean to us.”

The event’s focus on fostering meaningful connections is echoed by Tinsley Conway, Connect’s vice president of meetings and events:

“Bringing together quality buyers and suppliers for meaningful conversations is the reason this event exists, and we remain focused on making those meetings as productive and valuable as possible,” she says.

Beyond the appointments, attendees will have access to inspiring educational sessions. Visionary entrepreneur Jesse Itzler will share his insights, alongside industry leaders like Ken Holsinger of Freeman and Adam Sacks of Tourism Economics. These sessions promise to provide fresh perspectives and actionable strategies for destinations looking to grow their impact.

"Connect Spring Marketplace is more than just an event; it’s a platform for collaboration, innovation, and growth," says Ashleigh Trout, Connect's vice president of travel. "For destinations, it’s an opportunity to build relationships, secure future events, and contribute to the vibrancy of their local communities."

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