Resources

Tips for Your Marketplace Experience

Marketplace Resources

NBTA Co-located Meeting Info

Join NBTA in Calgary for three days of industry leadership, advocacy, education, and networking at ABA Marketplace 2027!

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Marketplace Sponsors & Exhibitors

Prepare for Your Booth at Marketplace

Make the most out of your investment at Marketplace. Check out the important information for sponsors, Associates and partners who have a booth on the Marketplace Floor.

Exhibitor Kit | Coming Soon

  • Quick Facts
  • Decor and Furnishings
  • Services (Electric, Plumbing, Internet)
  • Shipping Information

Exhibiting in Canada – Useful Tips

Floor Plan | Coming Soon

  • Map of Marketplace Floor
  • List of Booth Numbers by Company Name 

Booth Information

  • Booth locations are assigned by ABA and are based on sponsor level, date of contract and special requests.
  • Booth size and special booth requests should be submitted by September 12 for consideration in booth assignments.
  • Booths cannot exceed 8’ in height without approval from ABA.
  • Sponsors with a Booth | Decorations, carpet and furnishings are not provided. You may bring your own booth or rent equipment from ABA’s
    decorator. An exhibitor kit and your booth assignment will be available on October 28.
  • Associate Exhibits | (1) 6’ Table, (2) Chairs, Carpet, ID Sign and Drape. 2-3 Registrations included based on type.
  • Coach Exhibits | Carpet. 5-10 Registrations included based on type.
  • Partner Exhibits | (1) 6’ Table, (2) Chairs, Carpet, ID Sign and Drape. (1) non-appointment-taking Representative registration included.

Liability and Insurance

  • As a suggestion for all our show exhibitors, it is necessary for you to carry general liability coverage from an insurance company in good standing with minimum policy limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate.
  • Insurance Coverage is optional.
  • This insurance must be in force during the lease dates of the event naming American Bus Association (300 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20001) as the certificate holder and as additional insured.
  • Exhibitors are advised to ensure that their company’s regular business insurance includes coverage outside of company premises and that they have their own theft, public liability, and property damage insurance. Show
    Management and all organizations and individuals who are employed by or associated with it in connection with this show will not be responsible for injury or damage that may occur to an exhibitor or his/her employees or agents, nor to the safety of any exhibit or other property against theft, fire, accident, or any other destructive causes.
  • The exhibitor must surrender occupied space in the same condition as it was at the time of occupation. To the extent permitted by law, the exhibitor is responsible for all damage to the exhibit hall, and for any and all claims and demands on account of any injury, death, or damage to property occurring in or upon the exhibitor’s booth space or because of the acts of the exhibitor, his employees, servants, agents, licensees, or contractors; and exhibitor agrees to and shall indemnify and hold harmless ABA from and against any and all liability and claims and demands which may arise from or be assessed in connection with the foregoing undertakings and responsibilities of the exhibitor.

 

  • You may provide food and/or beverage from your booth during the show. Alcohol is only permitted on Saturday.
  • Sample items must be restricted to a maximum 2-ounce liquid portion or a food portion that can be served from a sample tray with a toothpick. Any larger sample size may be subject to a fee being assessed on site, superseding this agreement.
  • All food and beverage services must be coordinated through the Calgary Stampede team. Please send exhibitor F&B requests to: mmckenzie@calgarystampede.com AND/ OR cskitchen@calgarystampede.com.
  • For any exhibitors that will be doing sampling, please click to view the form. Sampling of products – particularly beverages – must be reviewed and approved in advance.
  • Competing products to existing sponsorship agreements (including non-Coca-Cola beverages) cannot be sampled or distributed onsite.
  • To provide food or beverage samples at an event, exhibitors must obtain the necessary approvals and comply with all applicable regulatory requirements. This ensures that sampling activities meet safety, liquor, and exclusivity standards.
    Required approvals include:
  • Payments must be completed by the start of the event.

Sponsor Informational Flyer

Registration Benefits | All Sponsors

Sponsorship does not include any delegate registrations. Sponsors can bring extra attendees to work their booth. The rates and registrations are subject to ABA approval. Registrations for these delegate types can be done on the online system after the sponsorship contract is processed or on the fillable PDF form.

  • $0: Principal Level Entertainer Pass for Day of Sponsored Meal Event – No access to the Business Floor
  • $0: Saturday Only Access Pass – No access to the Business Floor
  • $1045 Full-week Booth Worker – No access to the Business Floor

Operator Booth Deliveries | All Sponsors

ABA does not stuff registration bags. However, as a sponsor you are eligible to have an item delivered to the Buyer booths on the Business Floor. Operator Chair Pads, Operator Gifts, Operator Profile Binders Sponsors should also follow the steps below for their sponsorships.

If you would like to have an item delivered, please provide approximately 275 of the items to be delivered on Sunday morning:

  • Email lhoward@buses.org by December 5 with the item description.
  • Ship the item to the Advance Warehouse by the deadline marked with “Operator Gift” in place of the booth number of the shipping label.
  • Send the tracking information to lhoward@buses.org for identifying the gifts onsite.

Raffles/Giveaways | Contributors, Champions & Principals Levels Only

  • You may provide non-food/beverage giveaways from your booth during the show.
  • Raffles can be conducted daily or based on your organization’s schedule.
  • You are responsible for the delivery of giveaways to the winner.
  • We ask that you do not interrupt any appointments during the delivery.
  • ABA is not able to make winner announcements.

Social Media Post | Champion and Principal Levels

As a sponsor benefit, ABA will place (1) social media posting on our platforms. Posts will be scheduled on a first come, first scheduled basis. Sponsors must provide:

  • Contact Information
  • Text Content
  • Graphics/Logos (if applicable)
  • URL Link for the posting
  • Send to brome@buses.org.
  • On-Site Sponsor Schedule | All Sponsors

 

 

Associate, Coach and Partner Exhibitors Information Flyer

Coach Exhibit Information Flyer

REQUIRED | Coach Access Fillable Form (Return to vosman@buses.org)

REQUIRED | Coach Emergency Contact Fillable Form

Coach Wash & Detailing

Coach exhibitors needing wash and/or detailing services can contact Terry Fischer at terry@tcs.com or 714-637-4300 for pricing and scheduling.  Coach wash will be available at the TCS facility.  Detailing services will be available after coach move-in on the show floor.

Raffles and Giveaways

  • You may provide non-food/beverage giveaways from your booth during the show.
  • Raffles can be conducted daily or based on your organization’s schedule.
  • You are responsible for the delivery of giveaways to the winner.
  • We ask that you do not interrupt any appointments during the delivery.
  • ABA is not able to make winner announcements.

Listings in Online, Printed and Onsite Materials

  • Listed on Marketplace Jumbotron
  • Listed as exhibitor on Marketplace App
  • Recognition in Business Buzz
  • Listing in Destination magazine

Product Showcase in Education Bites | Associate and Coach Exhibits

Associates and coach exhibitors will be eligible to submit a proposal to conduct a product showcase educational session. These education bites will take place on the Networking Floor. It is an opportunity to highlight a product or service and how it is a solution for the industry. Time slots will be limited. Proposal information will be sent in Fall 2026.

Operator Booth Deliveries | Associate and Coach Exhibits

  • ABA does not stuff registration bags. However, as an exhibitor you are eligible to have an item delivered to the Buyer booths on the Business Floor.
  • If you would like to have an item delivered, please provide approximately 275 of the items to be delivered on Sunday morning:
    • Email lhoward@buses.org by December 5 with the item description.
    • Ship the item to the Advance Warehouse by the deadline marked with “Operator Gift” in place of the booth number of the shipping label.
    • Send the tracking information to lhoward@buses.org for identifying the gifts onsite.

Social Media Posting | Associate and Coach Exhibits

As a exhibitor benefit, ABA will place (1) social media posting on our platforms. Posts will be scheduled on a first come, first scheduled basis. Sponsors must provide:

  • Contact Information
  • Text Content
  • Graphics/Logos (if applicable)
  • URL Link for the posting
  • Send to brome@buses.org.

Invitation and Mailing Lists

  • Customer Electronic Invitations for Distribution | Associate and Coach Exhibitors Personalized invitations created upon request.
  • Contact Information for All Marketplace Operators | Associate, Coach and Partner Exhibitors Post-Marketplace Excel List to Include Emails

 

Move In Information

  • Coach Exhibit | Wed., Feb. 3 | 8:00 am
  • Booth Exhibit | Fri., Feb. 5 | 8 am-6 pm

Staffed Booth Hours

  • Sat., Feb. 6 | 1:30 – 6:00 pm
  • Sun., Feb. 7 | 9:00 am -5:30 pm
  • Mon., Feb. 8 | 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
  • Tues., Feb. 9 | 7:45 am – 4:45 pm

Move Out Information

  • Tues., Feb. 9 ONLY | 4:45 -8:00 pm

ASAP Deadline

  • Appointment Clock Sponsors Only
    • Appointment clock logo (eps format).
  • Marketplace App Sponsors Only
    • App logo (1280×200 px)
  • Operator Appointment Booklet Sponsors Only
    • Operator Appointment Booklet ads (4”x9” PDF or hi-res JPEG)
  • Directory of Participant Sponsors Only
    • Directory of Participants ads (8.5”x 11” PDF or hi-res JPEG)
  • Meal/Operator Reception Sponsors Only
    • Décor (Linen Choice, Centerpieces)
    • Entertainment/AV Needs
    • Promo Materials for Email Blast (PDF, HTML or JPG format)
  • Logos in .eps or .ai Format Should be Provided for Design and Printing of Materials by the Following Sponsors:
    • Charging Lounge
    • Operator Booth Signs
    • Registration Kiosks
    • Business Floor Aisle Stickers
    • Networking Floor Aisle Stickers
    • Year-Round Webinar Education Series
    • Registration Badge & Card Holders
    • Business Floor Charging Stations
    • Staffed Coat Check
    • Education Bites Area
    • Business Floor Refreshments
    • Digital Photo Screen Display

October 28 Deadline

  • Education Speakers Sponsors Only
    • Speaker Assignment: Speaker sponsors will be sent the list of contracted speakers and their topics in early fall. Send top 3 choices of speakers to vosman@buses.org by the deadline. First come, first assigned.
    • Speaker Introduction: Sponsors are eligible to introduce their assigned speaker at his/her sessions. They are also eligible to give a short presentation (2-3 minutes) about their company. If unable to make the introduction, sponsors who send a short description of their company to vosman@buses.org by October 28 will have it read by the room
      moderator for the assigned sessions.

November 21 Deadline

  • Operator Shipping Boxes/Tapes Sponsor Only
    • Sponsor to provide (325) box stickers to the ABA Office by November 21. Sponsor will order boxes and tape for onsite to be delivered with Operator Booth Deliveries or ABA can order and
      ship boxes and invoice sponsor.

Advance Warehouse Deadline | TBD

  • Business Floor Recovery Sponsor Only
    • Sponsor to provide items to the advance warehouse by its deadline. Shipment must be marked “Show Management-Business Floor Recovery Station”.
  • Registration Bag Sponsor Only
    • Sponsor to provide (quantity 2000) to the advance warehouse by its deadline. Shipment must be marked “Show Management-Registration”.

 

First Timers

New to Marketplace?

Start Here.

Download First Timer Packet

STAR is an exclusive ABA designation given to first-time Marketplace attendees.

Visit the Marketplace Delegate Depot to learn the do’s and don’ts of Marketplace and participate in the STAR Program. Meet one-on-one with an experienced Marketplace delegate through the Ambassador Program and participate in a Floor Tour of the Marketplace Networking and Business Floors.

STAR delegates are also encouraged to research potential clients, attend Education Seminars, carry plenty of business cards, ask questions, and use meal functions and social events as networking opportunities.

Download STAR First Timer Packet

My Marketplace Passport is your individualized account of your Marketplace event registration. After registration, use it to confirm registration details, make updates, volunteer, conduct research and make appointment requests.

Your Passport also provides access to your company profiles, research databases, message center, appointment schedule and transportation information.

Your login and password are included with your registration confirmation.

Go to Marketplace Passport

arketplace offers seven-minute prescheduled appointments where motorcoach and tour operator Buyers obtain information and create business relationships with travel industry Sellers. These one-to-one appointments are the core of Marketplace week.

Buyer Appointment-Takers remain at individual booths while Seller Appointment-Takers walk the Business Floor and move from Buyer to Buyer for their appointments.

Appointment process tip sheet (PDF)
Appointment request tip sheet (PDF)

 

Learn More About Appointments

The Marketplace Networking Floor is open to all delegates throughout Marketplace. Visit with vendors and sponsors, use the Marketplace Delegate Depot and enjoy refreshments in the lounge.

Meal functions and social events also provide opportunities to meet new contacts and learn more from colleagues throughout the industry.

Coming Soon

Marketplace Education Seminars feature professional speakers covering relevant topics including operations, marketing, sales and personal development.

The educational program offers topics that apply to different businesses and experience levels.

Coming Soon

Registration

Terms & Conditions

Review the full Marketplace 2027 terms and conditions including cancellation, transfer, and refund policies.

  • All registration forms must be returned as soon as possible for organizations to be eligible for appointments. Registration forms will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis; as registrations are confirmed for Appointment-taker status and sessions fill, pending registrations will be wait-listed for appointments.  Appointment-taker delegates must be registered no later than January 5, 2027 in order to be included in the prescheduled appointment process.
  • Individual registration fees include business sessions with appointment scheduling (Appointment-taker delegates only), education sessions and all meal/social functions as listed on the website. Fees do not include housing or transportation to the site of ABA’s Marketplace. No single event tickets are available.
  • All delegates must be representatives of member companies/organizations whose outstanding monies due ABA or its agents have been paid in full. Membership dues for 2026-27 must be paid to participate in ABA’s Marketplace 2027 at the member rate.
  • To qualify for early-bird registrations, all registration invoices must be registered by September 15, 2026. Regardless of registration date, payment will be required within 30 days of invoice.
  • All delegates must be at least eighteen (18) years of age. No one under 18 years of age is permitted at any function, including the Networking and Business Floors without prior consent.
  • Name badges are required for participation in all events. Admittance to any function requires the appropriate badge. Badges may NOT be transferred, exchanged or shared. Badges may not be altered or defaced in any way. Violators are subject to badge confiscation. There is a $100 replacement fee for a lost badge.
  • Requests for delegate name changes and additions must be made in writing or through the online registration system.
  • No displays, banners, pictures, booth decorations or giveaways of any kind will be permitted without written consent from ABA. Acceptable presentations may include presentation notebooks, profile sheets, a limited number of brochures, self-contained device with headsets.
  • Hosted functions will be available only to companies registered for ABA’s Marketplace and must be operated within the guidelines set by ABA. Hospitality functions and any other function, gift or service involving delegates will not be permitted during ABA’s Marketplace without written approval from ABA. No food, beverage or gift shall be sold or distributed other than through ABA designated sponsors.
  • Delegate agrees to indemnify and hold harmless ABA against all claims of damages, losses and charges of any kind, including but not limited to personal injury or illness, resulting from participation in ABA’s Marketplace.
  • ABA is not liable for any financial losses or loss of property resulting from participation in ABA’s Marketplace.
  • All delegates must comply with all ABA policies at all functions. ABA Policy prohibits harassment or discrimination so that ABA may maintain a pleasant working environment for its employees and members, free of any intimidation or hostility. Any violation of this policy will be addressed immediately and may result in termination of attendance privileges.
  • The dress code for the event is business casual. Costumes and jeans are not permitted on the Business floor.
  • Any photographs or film coverage of delegates by ABA, during ABA’s Marketplace may be used at the discretion of the American Bus Association in future publications or videos.
  • No alcohol is permitted on the Business Floor during appointment times.
  • No refunds will be issued if a participant fails to obtain a valid passport or is denied entry into Canada for any reason. 
  • In the event that Marketplace is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the control of ABA, such as Acts of God, war, acts of terrorism, government regulations or orders, disaster, strikes, civil disorder, curtailment of transportation facilities, or pandemics, to the extent that it makes it illegal, impossible or impracticable for ABA to provide the Marketplace event, ABA reserves the right to offer a full or partial refund of funds paid, depending on the circumstances of the cancellation, or to apply the funds paid to a future Marketplace event.
  • Cancellation requests must be written and will be sent a cancellation verification via email which must be responded to via email by a company representative.  When the cancellation verification is received by ABA the registration will be cancelled and a cancellation confirmation will be sent to the delegate. Appointments, the Marketplace Passport and Marketplace services are no longer available to cancelled delegates.
  • No refunds will be given for onsite cancellations, late arrivals, unused services, unattended events, or early departure.  It is your responsibility to submit your cancellation request early enough so that it is received in the ABA office by the below dates.  
  • Cancellation between April 7– September 15, 2026 | No Cancellation Fee
  • Cancellation September 16, 2026 – January 5, 2027 | A 50% refund will be granted.  If registration fee has not been paid, the company will be responsible for the 50% payment.
  • No refunds will be granted after January 5, 2027.  If registration fee has not been paid, the company will be responsible for 100% of payment.

View Full Terms & Conditions

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