CONNECT Winter Marketplace 2026 to Bring US Tourism and Events Industry to Florida

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CONNECT Winter Marketplace 2026 to Bring US Tourism and Events Industry to Florida, gathering meeting planners, destination representatives and hospitality suppliers in West Palm Beach from 18 to 20 November. The three-day event will feature scheduled business appointments, professional education and networking opportunities, supporting future partnerships across America’s MICE sector.

CONNECT Winter Marketplace 2026 to Bring US Tourism and Events Industry to Florida, as the three-day business events gathering prepares to welcome meeting planners, destination representatives, hotels, resorts and hospitality suppliers to West Palm Beach from 18 to 20 November. Taking place at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, the marketplace will provide a dedicated platform for business appointments, industry education and professional networking.

The event, organised under the Informa Connect portfolio, will focus on strengthening commercial relationships between buyers and suppliers in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector. With participation from American destination marketing organisations and hospitality businesses, the gathering is expected to support destination promotion, future conference bookings and corporate event planning. Its appointment-based format will allow qualified buyers to assess venues, accommodation options and event services while helping suppliers develop new business opportunities across the United States.

Leading US Destinations and Hospitality Brands Confirm Involvement

According to the official CONNECT Winter Marketplace sponsor directory, Discover The Palm Beaches is the host organisation.

Confirmed sponsors include Visit Montgomery, Experience Grand Rapids, Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Visit Richmond VA, MatchPoint, chargeFUZE and Kalahari Resorts & Conventions.

These organisations represent different segments of the American tourism and events economy, including destination marketing, resort accommodation, convention facilities and event services.

Their involvement highlights the commercial importance of connecting regional tourism suppliers with professional meeting organisers seeking suitable destinations for future events.

Business Appointments to Drive Industry Networking

The marketplace will follow a structured appointment format, allowing meeting planners and suppliers to discuss specific business requirements.

According to the official participation information, eligible hosted buyers can receive travel and accommodation support, alongside access to educational sessions and scheduled supplier meetings.

Supplier participation includes opportunities for up to 40 marketplace appointments with qualified buyers.

The programme is intended to make business discussions more focused, enabling participants to evaluate venues, negotiate potential partnerships and identify destinations capable of hosting corporate meetings, conferences and group events.

Three-Day Programme Includes Education and Networking

The official event schedule confirms that registration begins at 3 pm on 18 November, followed by marketplace appointments between 4 pm and 5.30 pm.

Additional appointment sessions are scheduled for 19 November, from 10 am to 12.30 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm.

The programme also includes educational activities and networking opportunities designed to encourage professional development and strengthen industry relationships.

These sessions will allow participants to exchange practical knowledge about event planning, supplier selection and evolving business requirements.

Palm Beach Strengthens Its Position in Business Tourism

Hosting the marketplace provides West Palm Beach with an opportunity to showcase its hospitality infrastructure and appeal as a meetings destination.

The Palm Beach County Convention Center has independently confirmed the event’s dates and location.

Beyond the convention centre, the destination offers hotels, restaurants, coastal attractions and leisure experiences relevant to conference delegates and incentive travel organisers.

Business events can support local visitor expenditure through accommodation, dining, transport and related tourism services.

The marketplace therefore provides an opportunity for local tourism businesses to develop relationships that may generate future group bookings.

International Participation and Exhibitor Details

The United States is represented through the officially named host and sponsors.

However, a complete country-wise participation list and comprehensive exhibitor register have not been publicly confirmed in the original sources reviewed.

The named sponsors should not automatically be treated as the complete exhibitor roster.

Further information from the organiser will be required to establish the total number of participating countries, international delegates and exhibiting businesses.

A Platform for Future Tourism Business

CONNECT Winter Marketplace 2026 will place West Palm Beach at the centre of focused discussions about meetings, destination marketing and hospitality business development. By bringing qualified buyers together with tourism suppliers, the event will create opportunities for commercial partnerships, destination exposure and future event bookings.

For participating destinations, the marketplace offers access to planners making important venue and supplier decisions. For Palm Beach, hosting the gathering provides an opportunity to demonstrate its capacity to accommodate professional events while supporting the wider visitor economy.

The event’s long-term value will depend on the business relationships and bookings generated beyond November.

CONNECT Winter Marketplace 2026 will strengthen opportunities for tourism destinations, hospitality businesses and meeting planners to establish commercial relationships. With prominent American organisations supporting the event, West Palm Beach will gain valuable industry exposure. The marketplace highlights the importance of professional networking, targeted appointments and collaboration in developing future business tourism.