Connect Travel Launching Connect Travel Marketplace

August 8, 2017 – Connect Travel is pleased to announce Connect Travel Marketplace, a new event bringing top international travel buyers together with travel industry suppliers in the company’s signature reverse-style trade show format. Connect Travel Marketplace will take place Feb. 18-20, 2018, at Hyatt Regency Orlando.

Connect Travel Marketplace combines a robust educational program from thought leaders in travel and marketing with efficient, effective, prescheduled one-on-one appointments that enable buyers and sellers to expedite the sales process and close business.

Shari Bailey has joined the Connect team to lead the Connect Travel Marketplace as director international. Bailey has spent 20 years in domestic and international business development for VISIT FLORIDA, Visit Tampa Bay and Sea World.

“I am thrilled to be a part of this new venture,” said Bailey. “This is a unique opportunity to launch a new event that creates and adds real value to our partners. The timing is right for international tour operators to develop new leisure travel product, and we are expecting a great turnout of top operators from the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Brazil, Mexico and China, among others.”

The new show has generated enthusiastic support from buyers and suppliers alike.

“Thomas Cook Group plc continually seeks business opportunities that will assist us in providing our customers the best holiday and the timing of this show is key as February is an optimal time for product development,” said Julian Stockdale, Head of USA Contracting, Thomas Cook UK & Ireland. “We are eager to attend the NEW Connect Travel Marketplace in February 2018.”

“Connect is an integral part of our sales and marketing efforts. For several years, we have been able to increase our meetings business through attendance and sponsorship at Connect events,” said DT Minich, President and CEO with Experience Kissimmee. “We are looking forward to the same success in the leisure market with the upcoming Connect Travel Marketplace.”

“We are looking forward to attending the NEW Connect Travel Marketplace. Connect has an excellent reputation and a proven track record of producing quality events that focus on providing the best ROI for all involved,” said Fred Dixon, President and CEO, NYC & Company.

To take advantage of guaranteed appointments with top decision makers, inspirational and informative educational sessions and fun networking opportunities, please contact Shari Bailey, Director International, at sbailey@connecttravel.com or register at connecttravel.com/events/marketplace.

ABOUT CONNECT TRAVEL

Connect Travel is the leisure tourism division of Connect and serves as a strategic marketing partner connecting destination marketers with the products, services and people that will allow them to thrive in a rapidly evolving and highly competitive marketplace. Connect Travel offers a full suite of marketing solutions and events for destination marketers. For more information, visit ConnectTravel.com.

ABOUT CONNECT

Connect is a leader in the meetings, travel and tourism industry. Specializing in destination marketing, the company produces a full suite of digital programs, online and mobile solutions, meetings business and travel magazines, trade shows and consumer events, travel guides for newspapers and leisure magazines, and destination information, which is distributed through broadcast and custom programs. More information about the company’s brands and services is available at ConnectMeetings.com.

SOURCE Connect Travel