Small Market Meetings Conference 2023
When it comes to meeting destinations, think small for big results!!
Cedar Rapids, Iowa : September 27-29, 2023
SMMC 2023 OFFICIAL HOTEL:
DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex
350 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, PH: 319-731-4444
Please Note: For overflow hotel information please view our CONFERENCE HOTEL information below for complete details
Conference Benefits
Meet New Meeting Planners.
Network with Your Peers.
Speakers with Cutting Edge Topics.
Sales Sessions for Your Destination Partners.
The Small Market Meetings Summit is a gathering of destinations, hotels, conference centers and meeting planners looking for small to medium size conferences and everything in between. Meet in a relaxed setting with an evening reception, meals, educational seminars and marketplaces.
Marketplace sessions are 6 minutes long where Meeting Planners and Travel Industry delegates participate in one-on-one discussions for potential business opportunities. Network with meeting planners and travel industry from around the country that can increase your knowledge and business.
Conference Schedule
Cedar Rapids, Iowa : September 27-29, 2023
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
1:00 PM : Conference Registration
Welcome to Small Market Meetings Conference, meet the staff that will take care of you for the next three days.
Keynote Address
A motivational kickoff that will give you great ideas for setting up your meeting.
6:30 PM : Sponsored Dinner & Entertainment
Today's Reception & Entertainment is hosted by the Cedar Rapids Tourism and the Eastern Iowa Airport with surprises in store for our guests.
Thursday, September 28, 2023
8:00 AM : Sponsored Breakfast
Start your day with colleagues in an atmosphere designed to boost the thought process for a great day.
Education Seminars
Seminars about the current topics and challenges for Meeting Planners & Travel Industry relating to Conferences & Conventions.
10:00 AM : Marketplace I
Meeting planners and industry delegates meet for one-on-one discussions for potential business opportunities.
1:00 PM : Sponsored Lunch
This luncheon features entertainment and information from a new meeting destination.
2:00 PM : City Sightseeing Tours
Enjoy a tour of our host city—experiencing it like no other. Travel Industry joins with Meeting Planners for further time to solidify relationships.
6:00 PM : Sponsored Dinner
Friday, September 29, 2023
8:00 AM : Sponsored Breakfast
Start your day with colleagues in an atmosphere designed to boost the thought process for a great day.
Education Seminars
A topic that is always of great interest to meeting planners.
10:00 AM : Marketplace II
Meeting planners and industry delegates meet for one-on-one discussions.
1:30 PM : Closing Lunch
The Closing Luncheon is designed to review the information and contacts you have collected and discuss this NEW Meeting Market. This luncheon features entertainment from our 2024 Conference Host destination...Greater Zion Utah! The unique natural setting of Greater Zion helps your entire event – meetings, training sessions, incentive trips, conventions, trade shows, social events, etc. – come to life.
3:00 PM : Shuttles Depart
Important note: The start and ending times of the Conference Schedule are fixed times and travel plans may be made accordingly. The above listing of individual events are subject to change. Official delegates will receive their final schedule 2 weeks prior to the Conference. If there is a specific question regarding scheduling, please reach out to Ben at 800-628-0993 for assistance.
SCHEDULE REVISED: 06/23/2023
FAQ HELP CENTER
Welcome to our Help Center. Whether it’s registration, travel, conference planning or something else – you’ll get answers here. Not finding what you're looking for? Just call 800-628-0993 or contact our team...
Registered, Have Questions >
Inquiry Before Registering >
FAQ HELP CENTER
Welcome to our Help Center. Whether it’s registration, travel, conference planning or something else – you’ll get answers here. Not finding what you're looking for? Just call 800-628-0993 or contact our team...
Registered, Have Questions >
Inquiry Before Registering >
IMPORTANT CONFERENCE TIMELINE
IMPORTANT CONFERENCE TIMELINE
NOW — Travel Industry Make Hotel Reservations.
NOW — Meeting Planners Make Hotel Reservations through SMMC Office.
September 1 — Request Email Link for Profile Details
September 7 — Last Link for Profiles live and Completed
September 8 — Appointment Selection Begins
September 15 — Appointment Selection Ends
September 15 — Travel Information to SMMC office
September 16 — Registration after this date can limit appointment opportunities. Call our TEAM MEMBER at 800-628-0993 for details how best serve last minute registrants.
CONFERENCE HOTEL
CONFERENCE HOTEL
Hilton Cedar Rapids, PH: 319-731-4444
350 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Meeting Planner — Room and tax included in registration fee for September 27 & 28 ONLY. Incidentals are not included. A valid credit card and id will be requested upon check in. Reserve room nights thru the SMMC office ONLY, including pre or post nights to receive your meeting planner rate by contacting our Team at 800-628-0993. Call with any questions. Unless otherwise notified Hosted Meeting Planners rooms will be the Hilton Cedar Rapids.
Travel Industry — Hotel room reservations, taxes and incidental charges are your responsibility. In order to secure the Industry Rate of $179 per night contact the Conference Hotel ASAP and reference the Small Market Meetings Conference for your discounted rate. No Room Block Code is necessary.
August 18, 2023: Rooms at the Conference Hotels are sold out under our conference rate. Rack rate rooms are available but we suggest that you select our overflow hotel where shuttle service to and from the conference is available.
Overflow hotel: The Hotel at Kirkwood Center, 7725 Kirkwood Boulevard SW Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404 319.848.8700 Rate $179.00 319-848-8700 or 877-751-5111 and ask for the Small Market Meeting Conference 2023 room block. No Room Block Code is necessary.
CONFERENCE AIRPORT & SHUTTLES
CONFERENCE AIRPORT & SHUTTLES
Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)
Shuttle service provided complimentary by CEDARD RAPIDS CVB to Conference Hotel — September 27 at 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Travel time from Airport to Conference Hotel is approximately 15 minutes. Please allow time when planning air reservations for flight, baggage pickup and transit to the hotel.
Return shuttle service to the Airport — September 29 departs at 300 PM. To ensure proper transportation, baggage check in and of course TSA, please make departing flights for after 4:30 PM.
Alternative Transportation Services — All major rental car agencies service the Airport areas. Car ride sharing is also available however we recommend pre booking to ensure the best option and price. If you need help in choosing alternative transportation, please Contact our Team at 800-628-0993.
CONFERENCE MARKETPLACE
CONFERENCE MARKETPLACE
Meeting Planners and Travel Industry delegates meet for one-on-one discussions for potential business opportunities and appointment generated marketplace. Network with meeting planners and travel industry from around the country that can increase your knowledge and business.
For ease, the Meeting Planner is seated in a booth and the Travel Industry will move between appointments. Appointments will be at 6-minute intervals.
CONFERENCE INCLUDES
CONFERENCE INCLUDES
EVERYONE ENJOYS....
RECEPTION & ENTERTAINMENT — Start the Small Market Meetings Conference (SMMC) off with great food & entertainment from our HOST
MARKETPLACE SESSIONS — Business starts here. Delegates come together to begin or enhance business relationships.
DINING EVENTS — Meal functions bring together all guests of the Small Market Meetings Conference to meet new friends and develop relationships. ALL Conference delegates are welcome, there are no Meeting Planners only events at the SMMC.
TRAVEL INDUSTRY INCLUDES.....
MARKETING — Digital Delegate Registry to follow up with all attendees.
MEETING PLANNER INCLUDES.....
TRAVEL REBATE — Meeting planners completing Conference functions, including all Appointment Sessions, will be eligible for a transportation rebate. CALL OUR TEAM FOR DETAILS
HOTEL — Room and taxes for September 27 and 28 are included.
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Conference Details
Handouts, Swag & Merch
The standard question for the travel industry: What can I handout? The answer simple … and not so simple. For the Travel Industry and the Marketplace Floor: One 8 ½ x 11 printed sheet that the planner can place in their portfolio. For Sponsors with Booths in...
Dress for Success
You never get a second chance to make a first impression. ~ Saying by Will Rogers and many others! There are three things to consider when dressing for success at the Conference. Your Feet, your feet, your feet! The number one rule at the Conference is that it is...
Legal Details
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS. Group Travel Family Conference is committed to providing all of our delegates with exceptional and vetted Conference experience. Space is limited and standards of conference appointment scheduling happens weeks prior to the Conference...
New Delegate Orientation
We have all been there. The new person in the room. The first timer. The great thing about our Conference is the friendly, open welcome that all delegates give to one another. Travel Industry and Travel Planner alike all want the Group Travel Industry to succeed and...
Guide to a Perfect Appointment
Bags are packed and you are ready to hit the road of discovery. At the Conference you will be meeting with the best of the best in the group travel industry. After you have submitted your appointment request, we take all requests from all delegates and complete your...
Profiles: An Important PreCon Prep
It seems like just another part of your check list for Conference attendance, but completing your Profile is much more than that. For the Travel Planner your profile gives important details about not only the demographics of your followers (group size, age, number of...
Sponsorships
Small Market Meetings Conference is now taking limited sponsorship requests. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity. What Industry Leaders are saying about Small Market Meetings Conference
“It is the best way to reinforce all the hard work we do in our one-on-one with meeting planners. I have been charged to increase our sales and can meet that goal with just this one Conference. Small Market Meetings staff does a great job helping us create the right impression.” Jacqueline Grena- Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office
Sponsorships are available for all budget price points – and can be tailored to meet your needs. Starting at $1,500 to $15,000! Reinforce your destination while at the conference by with stepping stones, branding marketplace with your logo, mobile ap ads and sponsorship and even do a full court press with marketplace booths or meal functions sponsorship including speaking time.
Sponsorships can extend beyond the Conference. Engage the meeting planners with pre / post emails or social media posts.
Contact Jennifer 800-628-0993 today!
