MP11 Website ~ Frequently Asked Questions

Who attends the Marketplace Conference?

The key decision-makers from more than 230 Food, Drug and Mass retail companies, representing over 150,000 retail outlets, and who purchase over $500 Billion Dollar annually come to Marketplace to see the latest products and services from over 450 exhibitors covering over 344 product categories. For more infor ...

What Categories are on display at Marketplace?

There are 344 specific categories on display at Marketplace that fall into general categories: Baby Care, Consumables (drinks & snacks, pet food, tobacco, etc.) Cosmetics and Fragrances, General Merchandise (apparel, small appliances, consumer electronics, giftware, housewares, jewelry, toys, etc.), Health Care/OTC, Home Health Care, Household Products, Merchandise Programs, Personal Care/HBC, Photo, Seasonal (holiday items, garden, summer and winter goods, etc.), and Services.

Can I attend the conference if I am not a member?

• Retailers - Yes, a number of retail companies who are not eligible to be members attend Marketplace to find new products and services each year (Amazon.com, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Dollar General, 7-Eleven Hawaii and more)
• Suppliers – Yes, but most exhibitors do join to take advantage of Member Prices and valuable member services.

Can I attend Marketplace without a booth?

All Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) manufacturers and service companies must have a booth in which to conduct business. Only retail buyers can attend without a booth. The only exceptions are Press/Media companies and Manufacturers’ Reps who are working with an exhibitor(s).

When are booths assigned?

Initial booths assignments are normally released in early-February. After that, booths are assigned as available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Are booths assigned by priority points?

No; however consideration is given to when your contract was received by NACDS, your booth size, your preferences, and the number of years a company has been exhibiting at Marketplace.

Are show badges included with my booth?

No, there is a registration fee for each person who will be working in the booth during Exhibit Hall hours.

Is there a fee to participate in the Meet the Market Program?

There is no additional fee for exhibitors to participate in the Meet the Market Program. It is included in your booth fee; however a supplemental form must be completed to enroll.

Can any exhibitor participate in the Meet the Market Program?

No, the Meet the Market Program is open to new exhibitors, and past exhibitors with new products and services.

Can I participate in the Meet the Market Program if I am not an exhibitor?

No, Meet the Market is a value-added program open to new exhibitors and past exhibitors with new products and services; but you must be an exhibitor to participate.

How do I schedule my Meet the Market appointments?

You don’t. NACDS does the scheduling. We carefully match you and participating retailers based on the categories submitted on your Meet the Market participation form.

Do I need to set booth appointments in advance of the conference?

Yes, Marketplace is an appointment-based show. A number of tools are available to help you in booking exhibit hall appointments in advance:

• Once you have completed your individual registration, the online Directory allows you to access the contact information of all attendees
• Read the First-Time Exhibitor tips

How do I reserve a hotel room?

The confirmation page on a registration order, along with the emailed confirmation, contains a link to “Create Hotel Reservation”.

What is the dress code at Marketplace?

The dress code for the event is business casual for all meetings, social events and business programs.

I require a Kosher, Diabetic or Vegetarian Meal, how do I arrange for this?

Please send your request for a Kosher, diabetic or vegetarian meal to Sally Cranney, Director of Meetings & Special Events for NACDS at scranney@nacds.org.

How do I get to the Colorado Convention Center?

The Colorado Convention Center is located at 700 14th Street, Denver, CO  80202. For directions please log onto www.denverconvention.com/attend-an-event/getting-to-the-center. Parking information can be found at www.denverconvention.com/attend-an-event/parking/