Global Media Marketplace FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question about Travel South USA Global Media Marketplace and can’t find the answer here, please email us at [email protected] or contact Travel South USA at 404-231-1790.

What is the Travel South Global Media Marketplace?

Travel South Global Media Marketplace offers international journalists, influencers, and content creators a platform to connect with tourism leaders from all 12 Southern states. Featuring one-on-one appointments, curated networking, and bespoke media familiarization (FAM) tours, the event fosters meaningful relationships and authentic storytelling that showcase the South’s diverse destinations.

The Marketplace also celebrates excellence in travel journalism through the Travel South Media Ambassador Awards, presented by Miles Partnership, recognizing international media professionals who elevate the South’s global visibility. In 2026, the event will take place in Mobile, Alabama—a nearly 325-year-old city shaped by French, Spanish, and African influences, providing a vibrant cultural backdrop for this premier media gathering.

Who is eligible to attend?

Travel South Global Media Marketplace is an invitation-only event. First-time Supplier companies must be approved by their respective state tourism office as a destination marketing organization (DMO), attraction, hotel, or restaurant in the state and maintain a business address in one of the southern states in the Travel South USA region.

International Media are extended invitations at the discretion of Travel South USA and are subject to review by the Global Media Marketplace Task Force Committee. Only Media that meet the specific requirements outlined by the Showcase Planning Committee are considered. We invite media that write about the South from established global markets.

All attendees must be at least 21 years of age and an employee or contractor of the member organization and must receive income for his/her service and/or serve as a member of the organization’s governing body.

How is Travel South USA’s Global Media Marketplace different than other marketplace shows?

The southern state tourism offices own and produce the Travel South Global Media Marketplace. We consider it a primary marketing program designed to “showcase” tourism organizations state by state and connect with International Media to tell our stories worldwide.

Our Global is unique in that it specifically focuses on international travelers choosing destinations, attractions, and events in the Southeastern US featured in articles produced by media attending Media Marketplace and Media FAMs. Because only international business is what this event is all about, our international guests and suppliers focusing on global business, do not get lost among other competing groups.

When should I arrive and how long should I stay?

Those attending media pre-FAMS should arrive by Wednesday, April 22, 2026 and stay until Thursday, April 30, 2026. All delegates should plan to arrive by Monday, April 27, 2026 and stay until Thursday, April 30, 2026 to take full advantage of all the destination marketing and networking opportunities. 

What should I bring?

Travel South Global Media Marketplace is a “brochures only” Showcase. We strictly enforce no banners, backdrops, pop-ups, exhibits, posters, electrical, audiovisuals or similar decorations from being permitted in the booth. No table-top displays or custom draperies (including a table) may be used and will be cited for removal if in violation. You may bring a laptop computer or tablet. (Please note that electricity is not provided in the Supplier booths but is available in charging kiosks on the floor.)  

When should I register?

Delegates are encouraged to register early. Early-bird registration and pricing for Suppliers and Travel Service Providers begins online on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Standard registration pricing begins Monday, January 19, 2026. The deadline for appointment-taking registrations is Friday, April 3, 2026.

How Do Supplier POD Requests Work?

Our marketplace includes PODs featuring up to two southern travel suppliers enabling international media to learn more about the uniqueness and specialties of that particular region of the south. PODs can feature destinations in a city, state or a specific travel itinerary. This format works for the international media and suppliers since they get to discuss a wide range of story angles to inspire future travelers.

Early-Bird Supplier POD Pricing Begins October 15, 2025

$1,695 per person based on a Double Supplier POD*
$2,595 – Single Suppliers POD
Early Bird Registration Deadline is Monday, January 19, 2026

*Delegates whose POD partner registers after Crossover Day on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, will be charged standard POD pricing, even if they registered at the Early Bird rate.

Standard Supplier POD Pricing begins Tuesday, January 20, 2026

$1,795 per person based on a Double Supplier POD
$2,695 – Single Supplier, National Chains & Management Company Supplier POD

Space is Limited! Southern Travel Supplier PODS are limited so register early! 

Can I bring a guest/partner/spouse?

Travel South USA Global Media Marketplace is specifically designed for International Media and Public Relations Southern Travel Suppliers to conduct business and build relationships. Therefore, we do not offer day or event passes and we do not offer guest/ partner/spouse registrations. If anyone else in your organization wants to attend Global Media Marketplace, they need to be a registered delegate. 

What is the Marketplace Lounge?

The Marketplace Lounge is an area for media and suppliers to use for meetings, conversation or simply getting yourself organized before your next appointment. Global Media Marketplace Sponsor booths are located in this area. Morning and afternoon food and beverage breaks are also located in this area as well. 

I don’t have a Travel South Showcase registration link, what can I do?

Contact [email protected] to have the information sent via e-mail. If you are new to Travel South Global Media Marketplace and did not receive an invitation e-mail, contact [email protected] with your name, title, and organization. A registration link will be sent once eligibility has been verified.

I can’t register online because I don’t have access to a current version of an internet browser or my company has controls on my computer that deny me access to the Travel South site, what do I do?

Ensure that all pop-up blockers have been disabled and discuss the situation with person in your company that handles technology issues. In select circumstances, the Travel South staff can manually enter your registration and appointment schedule, however, profile information about delegates, both tour operators and suppliers are only available online. 

Other suppliers in my state are receiving monthly updates and I have not received any emails from Travel South USA’s Global Media Marketplace, what should I do?

Most likely, Travel South USA’s Global Media Marketplace is not on your ‘safe’ email list. Simply make sure *@TravelSouthUSA.com and *@TeamEventManagement.com have been added to your safe list and confirm that both addresses have been white-listed with your email administrator. 

How are the Pre-Scheduled Appointments processed?

Beginning on Monday, March 16, 2026 and ending Friday, April 17, 2026, all registered appointment-taking delegates have the opportunity to research and request appointments through our online My Global Media Marketplace Portal with the organizations they most want to meet with during Marketplace. We ask that all media and suppliers complete a minimum of 40 appointment requests by 5:00 pm EST on Friday, April 3, 2026. Following our deadline, our automated scheduling system matches appointment requests and schedules nearly 100% of all mutually requested appointments and almost 90% of all media-requested appointments — giving you quality pre-schedule appointments.

Travel South USA Global Media Marketplace gives you the flexibility of requesting your appointments, allowing you to change and update your requests until 5:00 pm EST on Friday, April 3, 2026. Once again this year, you can see which companies have requested your organization, allowing you to continually update your requests to get more mutually requested appointments confirmed.

If you do not request appointments, we cannot guarantee you will have any pre-scheduled appointments during Global Media Marketplace so please submit your requests by the 5:00 pm EST Friday, April 3, 2026 deadline. Appointments submitted after Friday, April 3, 2026 cannot be processed. 

How are the appointments prioritized?

Our automated scheduling system matches appointment requests and schedules. Nearly 100% of all mutually requested appointments and 90% of all Media requested appointments are confirmed.  We instruct the computer-matching program to process appointments in the following order:

  1. Media & Supplier Perfect Match (Media & Supplier both request the other)
  2. Media Requests
  3. Supplier Requests 

How many Pre-Scheduled Appointments Periods are available this year?

This year, Travel South USA Global Media Marketplace will feature 1 full day of appointments. We have arranged our appointment schedule so that supplier PODs can receive approximately 25 pre-scheduled appointments. In order to receive pre-schedule appointments, suppliers must submit a minimum of 40 media requests prior to 5:00 pm EST on Friday, March 27, 2026.

How long do I have for each appointment during the pre-scheduled sessions?

You have 11 minutes to discuss business one-on-one and open doors for future international business in the pre-scheduled appointments. Media has 1 minute to move to the next appointment. 

What should I have available during appointments?

Each POD will have a draped table and signage. Pop-ups and/or backdrops are not permitted in the Marketplace. We recommend each POD partner have a one-page profile sheet of their destination. Each partner may also have a tablet or binder presentation to use during appointments. We do not allow giveaway items. You are welcome to give away USB ports with your destination’s photography, profile sheets, media kits, etc.

What is the appropriate dress code for Global Media Marketplace?

The dress code for the Global Media Marketplace is professional/casual business attire. Costumes are not allowed. Comfortable shoes are recommended. The attire for evening events is casual.

Is smoking acceptable?

Smoking is prohibited in the Global Media Marketplace Hotel, Marketplace, event venues, and all tours. There will be breaks throughout the day if you wish to smoke outside.