Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Face-to-Face Connections?
A: Face-to-Face Connections, developed by TSEA, brings buyers and sellers together to determine if there is the potential for a business match. In an efficient and cost effective way, service providers to the exhibit and event industry, and service seekers, meet in pre-planned sessions that are private, focused and results-oriented. Think of it as “speed networking” for the exhibit/event industry.
Q: Have suppliers been satisfied with the results of the Hosted Buyer Program?
A: Yes, 93% of hosts who have participated in previous Face-to-Face Connections have been satisfied with the event in post event surveys.
Q: Have buyers been satisfied with the results of the Hosted Buyer Program?
A: Yes, 96% of guests who have participated in previous Face-to-Face Connections have been satisfied with the event in post event surveys.
Q: When and where will next Face-to-Face Connections take place?
A: April 20 - 22, 2010 - Chicago, IL
September, 2010 - Baltimore, MD
December, 2010 - San Jose, CA
Q: Do I have to be TSEA Member to participate?
A: No, but TSEA Members are given first preference to become a guest or a host and there is a member only price for TSEA Members to become hosts.
Q: What is the deadline for the Face-to-Face Connections?
A: There are limited amounts of spots available for the program and applications will be accepted until all the spots have been filled.
Q: How many people may attend from one guest company?
A: Each Guest Company may bring up to three representatives.
Q: What is the schedule for the event?
A:
Day 1
Arrival, Registration and Set up: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Opening reception: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Day 2
Breakfast: 7:15 am – 8:00 am
Meetings: 8:00 am – 11:50 am
Lunch: 11:50 am – 1:00 pm
Meetings: 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Evening event: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Day 3
Breakfast: 7:15 am – 8:00 am
Meetings: 8:00 am – 11:50 am
Departure and break down: 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Q: What does a guest receive for attending Face-to-Face Connections?
A: If a guest is accepted into the Hosted Buyer Program, they receive:
- Two (2) night’s hotel stay
- All meals and event
- Roundtrip airfare
Any additional hotel cancellation fees, incidental expenses, and additional room nights will be the responsibility of the guest.
Q: How does a trade show manager for their company apply for Face-to-Face Connections?
A: An application is available online on the TSEA website. The potential guest will need to fill out the application and return it to TSEA. Applications will continue to be accepted until further notice.
Q: Who is the “typical” guest?
A: The guests represent companies who use exhibit and events to market their products and services. All guests must be currently evaluating new service providers for their programs and a decision maker on those services must be present at the event.
Q: How are the guests selected?
A: To qualify for this program, the guest must be actively evaluating new products and/or services.
Q: If I submit a guest application does that automatically qualify me to attend Face-to-Face Connections?
A: No, completion of the application does not guarantee participation in the program.
Q: When will guests be notified if they have been accepted?
A: Applicants will be notified of their status within four (4) weeks of submitting their application. We will continue to notify on an ongoing basis as applications continue to come in.
Q: When will the planner receive their hotel confirmation if selected to attend?
A: When a planner has been accepted, they will receive an acceptance email at which time they will need to fill out the housing information and sign and fax back to TSEA. Once it has been received by TSEA you will receive a confirmation via within two weeks.
Q: How many guests will be accepted at Face-to-Face Connections?
A: There is a limit of a 25 guest companies selected, so encourage people to apply quickly and not wait to commit. An equal ratio of guests and host companies will always be maintained.
Q: Will Hosts receive the list of guest in advance of scheduling appointments?
A: Suppliers will receive a list of guests approximately four (4) weeks prior to the event.
Q: What are the benefits to the Face-to-Face Connections?
A: Having pre‐set appointments allows you to customize your information prior to your appointment thus maximizing the effectiveness of your meeting.
Q: What is the cost for to become a host at Face-to-Face Connections?
Private Suite Package*
A: TSEA Member: US $9,995.00, Future TSEA Member: US $11,345.00
Semi Private Table Package*
A. TSEA Member US $4995, Future TSEA Member US $6,345
*Each host company spot comes with three registration.
Q: How does do you reserve your host spot at Face-to-Face Connections?
A: Please call 312.842.TSEA (8732) or email f2fconnections@tsea.org.
Q: How do host register additional staff to attend?
A: You will receive a form to fill out once your host contract has been received.
Q: Can multiple companies share one host spot at Face-to-Face Connections?
A: Yes. For instance, if a manufacture decides to purchase a spot, but wants to divide the appointments between their dealerships, they may do so, provided:
1. There will only be one primary contact between TSEA and the manufacture.
2. There will be one profile, and it will be for the manufacture stipulated by the primary contact.
Q: How many representatives may I have at each appointment?
A: Maximum of three company representatives per appointment. The three company representatives are not required to be the same representative for each appointment. The company representative may change based on suppliers services and territory however, there can only be three representatives per appointment.
Q: Who should trade show managers contact if they have questions about the Hosted Buyer Program?
A: Please visit www.tsea.org or call 312.842.TSEA (8732)
Q: What is the payment policy for hosts?
A: If possible, credit card payment should be received with contracts. If paying by check, all checks should be sent to the Trade Show Exhibitors Association within 10 business days of the submit date of your contract. If we do not receive payment within this timeframe, your contract will no longer be valid. Please remit check to:
Trade Show Exhibitors Association
2301 S Lake Shore Drive
Suite 1005
Chicago, IL 60616
Q: What if I have not paid my outstanding balance, can I still participate?
A: Any Host that has an outstanding balance due to TSEA will be prohibited from participating in Face-to-Face Connections until this balance has been paid.