FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question about Travel South USA International Showcase 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 USA International Showcase?

Travel South USA International Showcase is a boutique travel show sponsored in part by the Rhythms of the South Alliance and Brand USA. This event specifically targets International Buyers and US Receptive Tour Operators booking travel for international guests that want to visit the Southeast. The show features pre-scheduled appointments with buyers and operators in pod style format, allowing suppliers to group together to better promote their region, for example international buyers could meet with Memphis's Graceland, a Beal Street blues music venue and a mouthwatering barbeque restaurant all at the same time, or how about a Cajun cooking dining joint, Mardi Gras World and a New Orleans jazz hot spot. Now these are the type of packages buyers and operators want to buy. 


Who is eligible to attend?

Travel South Showcase 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. National organizations are extended invitations if they maintain a regional office in the south or more than 75% of the business is in the south.

Professional Tour Operators (Buyers) are extended invitations at the discretion of Travel South USA and are subject to review by the Showcase Task Force Committee. Only Buyers who meet the specific requirements outlined by the Showcase Planning Committee are considered. We invite senior level personnel, such as owners and senior management as well as product development managers, charter tour planners, outside sales representatives and group tour specialists.

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 International Showcase different than other marketplace shows?

The southern state tourism offices own and produce the Travel South USA International Showcase. We consider it a primary marketing program designed to “showcase” tourism organizations state by state and connect International Buyers and US Receptive Tour Operators with Sellers to bring more visitors to the south. 

Our International Showcase is unique in that it specifically focuses on international travelers choosing destinations, attractions and events in the Southeastern US referred to them by International Buyers and US Receptive Tour Operators.  Because only international business is what this event is all about, our international guests and suppliers focusing on international business, do not get lost among other competing groups.


When should I arrive and how long should I stay?

You should plan to arrive by Monday, December 4, 2023 and stay until Thursday morning, December  7, 2023 to take full advantage of all the destination marketing and networking opportunities.


What should I bring?

Travel South International Showcase is a "brochures only" Showcase. We strictly enforce no banners, backdrops, pop-ups, exhibits, posters, electrical, audio visuals or similar decorations from being permitted in the booth. No table-top displays or custom draperies (including 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 International Buyers, US Receptive Tour Operators, Suppliers and Travel Service Providers begins online Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Standard registration pricing begins Tuesday, September 5, 2023. The deadline for appointment taking registrations is Friday, November 3, 2023. Space is limited so please register as soon as possible.
 


How Do Supplier POD Requests work?

Our marketplace includes PODs featuring up to three southern travel suppliers enabling international buyers 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 buyer and supplier, since they get to discuss a wide range of options, such as hotels, restaurants, attractions and tours, in a given area for their travelers.  


Early-Bird Supplier POD Pricing Begins May 3, 2023

$1,295 per person based on a Three Delegate Suppler POD*
$1,595 per person based on a Two Delegate Supplier POD*
$2,395 - National Chains & Management Company Supplier POD
Early Bird Registration Deadline is Monday, September 5, 2022

*Delegates that have registered but have not secured partners to share a two or three person POD by Crossover Day on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 will be charged a supplemental fee equal to the standard POD pricing based on the number of delegates in your POD. 


Standard Supplier POD Pricing begins Tuesday, September 5, 2023

$1,395 per person based on a Three Delegate Supplier POD
$1,695 per person based on a Two Delegate Supplier POD
$2,495 - National Chains & Management Company Supplier POD

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


Can I just register for one day, a specific event and can I bring a guest/partner/spouse?

Travel South USA International Showcase is specifically designed for international buyers and southern travel suppliers to conduct business and build relationship. 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 International Showcase, they need to be a registered delegate.


What is the Marketplace Lounge?

The Marketplace Lounge is an area for buyers and suppliers to use for meetings, conversation or simply getting yourself organized before your next appointment. International Showcase Sponsor and Travel Service Provider booths are located in this area. Morning and afternoon food and beverage breaks 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 Showcase 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 on-line because I don’t have access to a current version of an internet browser or my company has controls on 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 on-line.


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

Most likely, Travel South USA’s International Showcase 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 Wednesday, October 4, 2023 and ending Friday, November 4, 2023, all registered appointment-taking delegates have the opportunity to research and request appointments through our online My International Showcase Page with the organizations they most want to meet with during Marketplace. We ask that all buyers and suppliers complete a minimum of 40 appointment request by 5:00 pm EST on Friday, November 4, 2023. Following our deadline, our automated scheduling system matches appointment requests and schedules nearly 100% of all mutually requested appointments and almost 90% of all buyer requested appointments — giving you quality pre-schedule appointments.

Travel South USA International Showcase gives you the flexibility of requesting your appointments, allowing you to change and update your requests until 5:00 pm EST on Friday, November 4, 2023. Once again this year, you can see which companies have requested your organization, allowing you to continually update your requests in order to get more mutually requested appointments confirmed.

If you do not request appointments, we cannot guarantee you will have any pre-scheduled appointments during International Showcase so please submit your requests by the 5:00 pm EST Friday, November 4, 2023 deadline. Appointments submitted after Friday, November 4, 2023 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 Buyer requested appointments are confirmed.  We instruct the computer-matching program to process appointments in the following order:
  1. Buyer & Supplier Perfect Match (Buyer & Supplier both request the other)
  2. Buyer Requests
  3. Supplier Requests


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

This year, Travel South USA International Showcase will feature 2 full days of appointments. We have arranged our appointment schedule so that supplier PODs can receive approximately 30 pre-scheduled appointments. In order to receive pre-schedule appointments, suppliers must submit a minimum of 40 buyer requests prior to 5:00 pm EST on Friday, November 4, 2023.


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

You have 14 minutes to discuss business one-on-one and open doors for future international business in the pre-scheduled appointments. Buyers have 1 minute to move to the next appointment.


What should I have available during appointments?

Each POD will have a draped table, flower arrangement, 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 appropriate dress for International Showcase?

Dress for the International Showcase 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 International Showcase hotel, Marketplace, event venues, and all tours. There will be breaks throughout the day if you wish to smoke outside.