August 3-7, 2019

2301 S King Drive
Chicago, IL 60616

+1 312 791 7000

Education Sessions – North and South Buildings Level 4 and Level 5

Attendees can search education sessions by track, type, speakers or keywords and plan their Convention experience online with the assistance of the My Convention Planner tool. Sessions can easily be exported into your Outlook calendar for simple planning! Overflow viewing area is located on Grand Concourse Lobby.

Session Schedule

Industry Tool and Trend Sessions: The purpose of these sessions is to keep travel professionals up-to-date on trends and topics that shape the industry and leverage that knowledge to help them be more effective in their roles.

Committee Roundtable Sessions: Designed by the GBTA committees to create an opportunity for members of our industry to engage in learning and teaching amongst their own industry peers on hot and relevant topics.

Vertical Peer-to-Peer: Buyer-only sessions designed to create an opportunity for members of our industry to engage in learning and teaching amongst their own niche industry peers.

Strategic Meetings Management: Serving the business travel and meeting planning professionals with quality, skill based training in the area of strategic meetings management. This program is intended for mid-level meetings management and procurement professionals looking to either start an SMM program or advance their existing program. Over 50% of the GBTA membership has some level of engagement and/or oversight for meetings. At the end of this course, attendees will be able to:

1. Identify the benefits of a strategic meetings management program (SMMP).
2. Define the key attributes and components of a meetings management program.
3. Explain the importance of aligning strategic business goals and objectives to the meetings management program.
4. Effective identify all stakeholder and customers within an enterprise.

Hall A

            Monday, August 5                    2:30pm - 6:00pm

            Tuesday, August 6                    2:30pm - 6:00pm

            Wednesday, August 7               9:00am - 11:30am

Exhibitors may enter into the hall during the following days and times:

            Monday, August 5                    7:30am - 6:00pm

            Tuesday, August 6                    7:30am - 6:00pm

            Wednesday, August 7               7:30am - 6:00pm

Located on the Expo Floor.

Location: Expo Hall A

Exhibiting companies will have the opportunity to book a business lounge. Business Lounges are reserved, private meeting spaces for buyer and internal staff meetings that also have extended hours, outside the expo floor. Business Lounges are open the following hours:

Move-in Hours-

Saturday, August 3                8:00am - 6:00pm

Sunday, August 4                  8:00am – 12:30pm

Open Meeting Hours-

Sunday, August 4                  1:00pm – 6:30pm

Monday, August 5                 8:00am - 8:00pm

Tuesday, August 6                 8:00am - 8:00pm

Wednesday, August 7            8:00am - 11:30am

Exhibitors will have access to their Business Lounge beginning at 7:30am Monday – Wednesday to set up for their appointments each day. During Expo hours, access to the Business Lounges will only be available through the Expo floor (Hall A). During hours the Expo is not open, the only available entrance to the Business Lounges will be through the doors at Hall A. Proper credentials are required for access.

• 400+ exhibiting companies
• Discover GBTA Kiosk
  • GBTA Staff will man this desk to assist with any questions regarding the Expo or Convention.
  • Two (2) additional information kiosks on show floor.
• Innovation Row
• ICARUS Row
• GBTA Lounges
• Show Services Desks
  • Freeman Deco
  • Official AV Provider/Electric – Freeman AV
  • Lead retrieval
  • McCormick Place Internet
  • Floral
  • Others

• Expo raffle drawing cards are available to Buyer attendees/Direct members and are available for pick up at the Expo entrance and in all Buyer attendee/Direct member bags.
• You must be present to win.
• The Expo raffle drawing will take place at 11:00am on Wednesday, August 7 at the Expo entrance.

Located in the Hall B Concourse

Saturday, August 3                9:30am - 5:45pm

Sunday, August 4                  8:30am - 5:45pm

Monday, August 5                 8:00am - 12:45pm

Tuesday, August 6                 8:00am - 12:45pm

Wednesday, August 7            8:00am - 12:30pm

• The order in which organizations select their booths for next year’s Convention is based on priority points. Suppliers should have received their appointment via email prior to Convention. However, they are welcome to stop by the 2020 Expo Selection Center to confirm or view their appointment time. Walk-in appointments are welcome starting at 10:00am on Wednesday, August 7.
• The Exhibitor Advantage Program are pre-selected marketing offerings that will allow a supplier’s organization to communicate with GBTA’s network of corporate travel professionals before, during or after Convention. These packages are available for purchase at a discount during Booth Selection and in the Expo Selection Center.
• Missed space selection appointment time – proceed to the 2020 Expo Selection Center (located in Grand Concourse Lobby) for assistance or call the Exhibits Team at +1 888 224 3675 or email sponsor@gbta.org..
• If you are a first-time exhibitor and would like to sign up to exhibit in 2020, stop by the 2020 Expo Selection Center on Wednesday, August 7 at 10:00am.

You must wear your GBTA Convention badge at all times to receive admittance to GBTA Convention and during the Welcome Kick-Off Sessions, Education Sessions, Kick-Start Sessions, Expo, Convention Arena, Center Stage and shuttle buses.

Badge sharing, splitting or reprints made outside of the official GBTA registration system are strictly prohibited. Any attendee found in violation of this policy will be removed from the Convention and all badges will be revoked.

GBTA Registration will be open in the following locations:

            McCormick Place - Main Registration Area (Hall B1 Concourse)

Saturday, August 3                7:30am - 6:00pm

Sunday, August 4                  7:30am - 6:45pm

Monday, August 5                 7:30am - 6:00pm

Tuesday, August 6                 7:30am - 6:00pm

Wednesday, August 7            8:00am - 1:00pm

            McCormick Place - Mobile Registration 

Saturday, August 3                7:30am - 6:00pm

Sunday, August 4                  7:30am - 6:45pm

Monday, August 5                 7:30am - 6:00pm

            Satellite Registration - Hyatt Regency McCormick Place (HQ Hotel)

Saturday, August 3                8:30am - 6:00pm

Sunday, August 4                  8:30am - 6:45pm

Monday, August 5                 7:30am - 3:00pm

            Satellite Registration (Welcome Reception)

Sunday, August 4                  6:30pm - 8:00pm

Press registrations are allowed at the GBTA Convention 2019 but must be approved by GBTA. For press inquiries please contact Colleen Gallagher at cgallagher@gbta.org or +1 703 236 1133. Press should submit their registration request online at http://convention.gbta.org/Register/PressRegistrationForm.

All Convention attendees must first register for the Convention prior to booking their housing. Accommodations will be available on a first come first serve basis at convention hotels.

Sponsor & Exhibitor Room Block Requests:

New for 2019, a room block will be defined as five (5) or more rooms. If you are a sponsor or exhibitor and need less than five rooms you will need to register each attendee first then through the registration confirmation email you will click the Housing Reservations button for a direct link to book a hotel. A block of rooms may be requested at convention.gbta.org/Attend/Housing-Details.

• GBTA hosted water cooler stations will be positioned throughout the convention center.
• GBTA will provide coffee on Monday and Tuesday morning for Education Session attendees on Levels 4 & 5 
• Concessions (for purchase) will be available during the Convention including Starbucks, Connies Pizza and McDonalds.
• Attendees who indicated the need for a specific meal due to dietary restrictions during the registration process will receive a specialized meal ticket at check in with their registration materials. These tickets can be handed to any banquet person during the Convention Arena luncheons to ensure dietary needs are met. If an attendee did not get tickets for their specific meal at check-in, please go to the Main Registration in Hall B1 Concourse for assistance.

Shuttle/Bus Pick-up/Drop-off at McCormick Place – South Building Level 1 Gates 1 - 3

See shuttle schedule provided onsite. 

Shuttles will be provided for the hotels as listed below with “yes” in the shuttle column. Hotels with “walk” in the shuttle column are within walking distance of the Center and no shuttle service will be provided.

McCormick Place has two (2) designated drop-off points during the convention for taxis and cars, both locations provide ramped curbs and automatic entry doors:

The FedEx Office Print and Ship Center is located inside McCormick Place in South Building, Level 2-5 Grand Concourse, in Hyatt Regency McCormick Place - 2^nd Floor and Marriott Marquis Chicago - 2^nd Floor.

The McCormick Place business center will be open during the convention with the following hours:

            Sunday, August 4                      8:30am - 3:00pm

            Monday, August 5                     8:00am - 5:00pm

            Tuesday, August 6                     8:30am - 5:00pm

            Wednesday, August 7                8:30am - 5:00pm

For FedEx Business Center needs on Saturday of Convention the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place will be open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM CST.

Located at Gate 4 in the South Building. Furs, laptops and other electronic items will not be accepted due to liability. The coat and bag check is $3 per item checked. Cash Only. The schedule is as follows:

Monday, August 5        7:30am - 6:30pm

Tuesday, August 6        7:30am - 6:30pm

Wednesday, August 7   8:00am - 5:00pm

Located in the South and North Building – Level 2.5 of the Grand Concourse

 Saturday, August 3            7:00am - 6:30pm
 Sunday, August 4              7:00am - 6:30pm
 Monday, August 5             7:00am - 6:30pm
 Tuesday, August 6            7:00am - 6:30pm
 Wednesday, August 7       7:00am - 5:30pm

Nearest Hospital - .8 Mi

Mercy Hospital and Medical Center
2525 S Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60616
+1 312 567 2000

Nearest Hospital with Trauma Center - 6.2 Mi

Northwestern Memorial Hospital
251 East Huron Street
Chicago, Illinois 60616
+1 312 567 2000

Nearest Pharmacy - .9 Mi
Walgreens
316 W Cermak Road 
Chicago, Illinois 60616
+1 312 791 0392

If an emergency occurs, immediately call McCormick Place Security at: 312-791-6060 or “6060” from a house phone 

They will contact the City of Chicago 9-1-1 Center via their direct line. McCormick Place Fire Safety and Security Officers are trained to handle emergencies and will also respond to the incident.

If you choose to call “9-1-1” yourself, be sure to call McCormick Place Security at the above number, immediately thereafter.

General information you will need when reporting the incident:

1. What is the nature of the emergency?
2. Where is it located? If inside an exhibit hall, report the number near the top of the closest column

If the emergency involves someone who is ill or injured:

1. State the overall condition of the ill or injured person.
2. State the gender and approximate age of this person.

SPECIFIC EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

For McCormick Place Emergencies: 312-791-6060 or “6060” from a house phone             

MEDICAL EMERGENCY

1. Don’t Panic!  It can cause an ill or injured person to become more excited.
2. Notify Security immediately by calling the appropriate number above.
3. If you cannot leave this person, yell loudly, “Help… Medical Emergency!” and give your location. 
4. If the person is conscious, ask if he (she) would like you to help him (her).
5. Do not move the person unless his/her life is in further danger.
6. Only perform first aid techniques in which you are trained.
7. Try to avoid any blood exposure.  If exposed, advise the EMS personnel.
8. Attempt to keep the ill/injured person calm, warm and re-assured.
9. Protect the person’s privacy, and try to avoid letting him/her see any injury.
10. Avoid giving the ill/injured person anything to eat or drink.
11. Once help arrives, lend assistance only if needed or asked.
12. If an AED is needed, there are 92 at McCormick Place, most located in public spaces throughout these facilities. Once the door of an AED cabinet is opened, a signal will be transmitted to our Security Control Center, and in-house emergency personnel will be dispatched at once.

FIRE ALARM, FIRE AND / OR SMOKE SITUATION  

1. If you hear a fire alarm, see a fire or smell smoke, immediately call Security at the appropriate number above, or by two-way radio. They will notify the Chicago Fire Department, if needed.  If you call “9-1-1”, be sure to call McCormick Place Security immediately thereafter. McCormick Place has certified fire personnel on-duty who can quickly handle this situation.
2. If an evacuation is needed, the Chicago Fire Department and/or Security will make an announcement over the building’s P.A. system. They have specific plans, depending on the situation, to inform and direct all building occupants in a calm and clear manner. If it is deemed necessary to evacuate the building, specific instructions will be given by McCormick Place Management. However, if a “clear and present danger” exists, begin evacuating those in danger to a safer location…as you report the emergency to McCormick Place Security. 
3. Once outside the building, DO NOT RE-ENTER under any circumstances until you are told it is safe to do so. If you believe someone is still in the building, immediately notify the Fire Department or your Supervisor.

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL INCIDENT 

1. Follow the same instructions as given above in Steps 1- 4 for the “FIRE ALARM, FIRE or SMOKE SITUATION”.
2. Otherwise, keep away from the area of any hazardous spill or leak so that you are not injured or harmed in any way. Many situations involving hazardous materials may not be easily seen or have any odor associated with them.  Just because they could not be seen or smelled does not mean the situation is not dangerous.

BOMB THREAT CALL

1. A bomb threat should ALWAYS be taken seriously.
2. Remain calm and attentive. Keep the caller on the phone as long as possible.
3. Use a “bomb threat checklist”.   If one is not readily available, ask the caller what the bomb looks like, when it will go off, and where/why it was placed.
4. Listen for identifying characteristics and distinguishing background noises and write them down, as well as the caller’s responses.
5. If your phone has “Caller ID”, write down the number or “display” words.
6. If there is someone else in the room, silently notify them of the call by pointing at the words “bomb threat” in your notes. Do not stop talking to the caller. The second person should call or locate Security immediately by land-line telephone or person-to-person contact. CELLULAR PHONES OR TWO-WAY RADIOS MUST NOT BE USED. They could accidentally detonate the device if within range or frequency.
7. When the caller has hung up, notify McCormick Place Security and Show Management of the situation, again by a “land-line” telephone or person-to- person contact.
8. Remain calm and wait for a follow-up threat from the caller.
9. Do not tell anyone else about the threat.

SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE OR OBJECT

1. If for some reason an envelope, package or object appears suspicious as a possible explosive device, DO NOT MOVE OR TOUCH IT!
2. Immediately notify McCormick Place Security.  Describe the object and why you feel it is suspicious. DO NOT USE A CELLULAR PHONE OR TWO-WAY RADIO.  Use a land-line telephone or person-to-person contact. This reduces the risk of the device being accidentally activated.
3. Facility staff and McCormick Place Security will clear the immediate area of people until proper authorities arrive and take control of the situation. If the facility deems it appropriate to evacuate the building, Show Management will be notified and appropriate steps will be taken.

SUSPICIOUS INDIVIDUALS

Pay attention to your surroundings. Alert McCormick Place Security immediately if you encounter anyone:

1. Photographing, videotaping or sketching areas not commonly recorded in this manner - such as air intakes, corridors, exits, security checkpoints, etc. 
2. Monitoring or asking unusual/specific questions about the event or facility operations, personnel, deliveries, security, etc.
3. Attempting to obtain or steal an event or facility ID badge/pass.
4. Entering or attempting to enter a “restricted” area.
5. Carrying and/or leaving a “suspicious” package or container.
6. Making threatening remarks about the event or our facility.
7. Behaving in a disruptive or an offensive manner.

In general, anyone whose conduct appears “out-of-place” with regard to the event or convention industry.  

At McCormick Place, the safety of our visitors has always been of paramount importance.

McCormick Place has been built using the highest standards of safety and fire-resistive construction.  Both facilities are equipped with sophisticated fire detection and protection systems and computerized alarm systems.  The Hyatt Regency - McCormick Place Hotel and our new Conference Center are also equipped with comparable alarm systems.  When an alarm is activated, the system will automatically transmit a signal to Chicago's "9-1-1 Center", the City’s emergency communications center.  This will initiate an immediate response from the Chicago Fire Department. 

In addition, we remain in constant communication with designated high-ranking officials from both the Chicago Police Department and Chicago Fire Department, making us an integral part of the City’s emergency response team.

In certain circumstances, as with any facility, an emergency requiring evacuation may occur.  McCormick Place has highly trained Security and Fire Safety personnel, which includes many active or former members of the Chicago Police and Fire Departments.  Should an emergency occur, we will consult with the organizer of each event to determine appropriate actions.

If the emergency is minor, such as a small fire, the Security and Fire Safety staff may insist that visitors in the immediate area move to a safer location within the same building.  If the emergency is greater, the Chicago Fire Department or our own Security and Safety personnel will advise the guests in the facilities over the public announcement system or other means, and most likely have the guests move to another hall or building, until the emergency is resolved.

Since McCormick Place is a complex of interconnected buildings, evacuation to the outside is not always necessary. However, if conditions warrant this, guests will be directed over the public announcement system to exit from the closest "Emergency Exit" and distance themselves from the building.  Doors marked with illuminated signage stating "Stairs" also serve as emergency exits.  Even in the event of a power failure, all of the emergency systems, including fire alarm systems, will run on emergency power.  At any time, if guests feel the need to exit the building, they can do so through the closest “Emergency Exits” which will remain illuminated for greater visibility and accessibility. 

Adjacent to McCormick Place are many open parking lots, roadways and grass areas that can serve as temporary safe areas in which to meet and wait until the emergency is over.

McCormick Place is working with each event to tailor-make an emergency plan suitable for each; however, in general, the easiest way to access these safe areas is:  

To claim an item that you have lost while at McCormick Place, please send an email message to lost and found at: lostandfound@mccormickplace.com. McCormick place will hold lost items for 90 days. Please include the following information in your email message:

1. The date of the loss.
2. The name of the show you attended.
3. A brief description of the lost property.
4. A brief description of the location you believe you may have lost the item.
5. Your name, phone number, an alternate phone number and mailing address.

If we recover your property, we will contact you within 48 hours during the standard business work week (Monday through Friday). If not, this report will be kept on file and checked against what was turned in.

For wheelchairs, mobility scooters, power chairs and oxygen equipment rentals, contact our preferred service partner, Scootaround Mobility Solutions at +1 888 441 7575 or visit https://locations.scootaround.com/McCormickPlace

The listed vendors have previously provided services at the Convention Center facility. This list is for informational purposes only and is not intended and should not be construed as an implied endorsement, referral or statement of a vendor’s current ability to provide services. You are encouraged to perform your own due diligence to determine the ability of any vendor to provide requested services. The information is updated periodically and subject to change.

The Information Desks at McCormick Place are the checkpoints for information about events in the facility and available at McCormick Place, located in South Building, Level 1

• Phone Charging Stations – North Building, Level 2 and Level 1 at Gate 4
• ATM’s – South Level 2.5 in the Convenience Center or North Level 2 near McDonalds
• Lactation Suites – Level 2 near the Gift Shop and South Level 2.5 across from Starbucks
• Chicago Visitor Information - South Building, Level 1 at Gate 4 and Level 2.5 and North Building, Level 2
• Starbucks – In Concourse of West Building, Level 2.5 of South Building and Level 3 show floor of North Building
• Shoe Shine Service – Level 2.5 in Grand Concourse
• 24 Hour Convenience Center – South Building Level 2.5

Events in the North and South Buildings designate Lot A as the primary parking location.

Lot A – 2301 South Prairie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616 - The parking rate is $23 for up to 16 hours and $36 from 16 to 24 hours. There are no in-and-out privileges. Overnight parking is available in Lot A only. Lost tickets will pay the $36 (overnight) fee per day.

* Credit Cards are accepted at the parking pay stations.

A limited number of prepaid guaranteed parking spaces are available at the rate of $36 per day by advance order of an Attendee & Exhibitor Parking Permit. This permit allows access to the garages with in-and-out privileges. Parking spaces are guaranteed even if lots fill to capacity. Learn more at mccormickplace.clickandpark.com.

Access the agenda, speaker details, expo floor plan, news, photos, attendee messaging and more! Download the app from iTunes, the Google Play store, or at gbta.org/mobile. Available July 2019

Using advanced planning tools, attendees can plan and customize their Convention experience.

Start Planning>>

GBTA will provide wireless internet access in all areas including the Exposition.

Marketing Organizations

It has come to our attention that representatives from various scam marketing organizations have contacted our convention attendees and exhibitors offering “Attendee list of GBTA-2019 with their complete contact information including email and phone numbers” with the scam companies representing themselves as an approved vendor working on behalf of GBTA.  No outside entity has been provided, or is authorized to sell any information related to our vendors, attendees, exhibitors, or other information.
 
As you know, GBTA is one of the leading business travel associations in the country and, as such, hosts our annual convention which attracts thousands of participants each year. This event, known as the GBTA Convention 2019, is our showcase of the business travel market’s latest products and services and an important source of cutting-edge information.  GBTA owns various trademarks which represent our Association which are registered with the United States Patent & Trademark Office (“USPTO”).  Be assured, we take this matter very seriously and, in our opinion, the activities of these scam marketing firms violate GBTA’s rights under the U.S. Trademark Statute, the Lanham Act, and, many state laws. 
 
GBTA is pursuing all state and federal consumer protection laws to keep our participants, members and exhibitors safe from consumer fraud and telemarketing (and web) scams, available to ensure that rights in our Marks, and the privacy of our participants are protected.

If you would personally like to take action, you may report the spam addresses to two of the largest domain name hosting services: GoDaddy https://supportcenter.godaddy.com/abusereport or ENOM http://www.enom.com/help/abusepolicy.aspx. If you receive any of these types of solicitations, please forward them to Ed Barrett, ebarrett@gbta.org, so we can respond appropriately and immediately.
 

The only Authorized Housing Vendor for GBTA Convention 2019

onPeak is the exclusive official provider of housing for GBTA Convention 2019. No other companies or providers have authorization or permission from GBTA to serve as official providers and work with GBTA on housing arrangements, including room blocks. onPeak researches the properties to make certain that Convention attendees will be adequately accommodated. The room block is established to ensure that rooms meet onPeak standards and are offered at a discounted price. You may receive solicitations via email, phone, fax, or letter from other companies and housing providers. If you are contacted by any company other than onPeak offering housing in Chicago, please note that these companies are not authorized to represent GBTA, nor do they have access to officially contracted GBTA 2019 room blocks or rates in Chicago. These unauthorized companies may falsely use GBTA's logo and claim to be affiliated with or working on behalf of GBTA, and often don't deliver on promises to customers. When customers arrive, reservations are non-existent, or the hotels are not conveniently located. Sometimes the rooms have been cancelled and hefty cancellation fees have been placed on the customer's credit card. If any of these companies contact you directly about reservations for GBTA, do not book with them and contact onPeak or GBTA immediately. Booking with them puts you at risk, and GBTA cannot be held responsible. Note - GBTA nor onPeak will not ask for you to fill out a paper form to collect credit card information to secure hotel rooms, all credit card information is gathered online via the GBTA Convention 2019 housing portal. These companies' practices make it more difficult for GBTA to meet our room block commitments and expose us to penalties and increased room rates for our events. GBTA is financially liable for all contracted rooms, whether the hotel sells them or not. This is why we ask that you always book your rooms under the GBTA block. We work diligently to give all attendees the best overall experience at our Convention and ask for your continued support. If you are contacted by any company other than onPeak offering housing in Chicago, please forward the emails or correspondence to onPeak or GBTA. If you have any questions, please contact the GBTA Housing Center at gbtaconvention@onpeak.com.

GBTA Convention participants may not organize or sponsor any activities that conflict with the official GBTA program or sponsored events during official convention hours. The scheduling of product presentations or hospitality activities during any GBTA official Convention events such as the Welcome Kick Off Session, Expo, Education Sessions, annual business meeting, center stage, convention arena, luncheons, the GBTA Awareness 5K Run/Walk or any convention kick start events is strictly prohibited. Under no circumstances should sales or any other type of individual gatherings, take place during official GBTA Convention events that involve multiple buyers (Direct members/travel managers) from multiple companies.  Our partners have made significant investments in specific parts of the GBTA Convention and we want all delegates to be able to enjoy this annual, one-of-a-kind experience without distraction. GBTA will have final approval on the allocation of any requested convention center space, hospitality suites or hotel space within the designated GBTA hotel blocks. Suites must be operated in good taste and may only be operated outside of official Convention and Expo activities. Loss of priority points, ejection from the exposition floor, and a minimum financial penalty of $2,500 can occur if any exhibitor, sponsor, or supplier company is found in violation of any rules.

"Suitcasing"/soliciting is prohibited. Suitcasing is the act of soliciting business in the aisles of the Expo, public spaces in, around, and outside the convention center, in another company's booth, in indoor or outdoor public spaces in any convention hotel including the hotel lobbies, foyers, or walkways to the convention center (excluding the use of approved hospitality suites and business lounges). GBTA recognizes that suitcasing may also take the form of commercial activity conducted from a hotel guest room or hospitality suite; a restaurant, club, or any other public place of assembly. For the purposes of this policy, suitcasing violations may occur at venues other than the exhibitor's booth and at other events. Violations of this provision by an exhibitor, sponsor, non-exhibitor, or attendee will constitute a breach of the contract and the violating attendee/exhibitor/sponsor/non-exhibitor or group will immediately cease and desist unauthorized activities. Attendee will remove any equipment or materials contained in the Expo or elsewhere and forfeit all payments to GBTA pursuant to this contract. Additional fees will be charged to the attendee for each violation, and a loss of priority points will occur. Additionally, attendee will be responsible for any damages to GBTA.

The GBTA Awareness 5K Run/Walk will be held on Sunday, August 4 from 7:00am – 10:00am.

• Advance registration is recommended through the registration system. Onsite registration is available.
• All funds collected go directly to ECPAT USA.

• Which hotel is HQ?
  • Hyatt Regency at McCormick Place
     
• Where can I find a list of the hotels and room rates?
  • On the convention web page at convention.gbta.org/Registration/Housing-Details
  • Hotel addresses and distance to McCormick Place can be found in the GBTA Convention 2019 mobile app
     
• My preferred hotel is sold out. How do I get on the waitlist for any sold out hotel?
  • If your preferred hotel(s) is sold out, you must first book a room at an available hotel and then select the waitlist option at your preferred hotels. You will not be able to waitlist yourself unless you have a confirmed reservation at an available hotel.
  • onPeak (GBTA’s Official Housing Provider) will contact you should room(s) become available at the waitlisted hotel(s).
     
• How do I change my hotel room? I don’t like it…
  • Please visit the Housing Desk located by registration in the Hall B1 Concourse

• Can I sit in on a Convention Arena even if I do not eat?
  • Seats are only available at the lunch tables in the back of the room.

• Is there reserved seating at the Convention Arena sessions?
  • If you have not been invited or purchased a table, there is no reserved seating. Seating is available on a first come first serve basis.

• What does the Fast Pass provide?
  • Fast Pass tickets provide early access to the GBTA Convention Arena and Center Stage sessions. Fast pass ticket holders will have early admittance to avoid the lines and find seating faster. Fast Pass tickets do not provide assigned or reserved seating. Doors open for Fast Pass holders 15 minutes prior to all published entrance times.  Fast Pass entrances are designated with a red carpet.

• What is the Shuttle Schedule/what route is my hotel on?
  • See the Convention Onsite Program or consult one of the schedules we’ll provide. These are posted at each hotel and where the shuttle drops off passengers and near registration. A shuttle route listing will also be provided in the mobile app.

• Is there a message center?
  • There is no “message center”

• How many attendees do we have?
  • We are expecting approximately 7,000 attendees

• How many exhibitors do we have?
  • 400+ exhibiting companies

• What are the Dates for GBTA Convention 2020?
  • July 25-29, 2020
• Where is the Convention located?
  • Colorado Convention Center – Denver, CO
• When will registration/housing open?
  • December 2019
• When will exhibitor housing requests open?
  • December 2019

• What events are scheduled for 2019 or 2020?
  • Check online at gbta.org/events