STAFDA convention hotel sell-outs, booth registration taking time
Important registration news about STAFDA’s 41st Annual Convention and Trade Show in Austin Nov. 12-17.
The Specialty Tools and Fasteners Distributors Association (STFDA) reports that convention hotels in Austin are filling quickly and the demand for booth space is 45 percent ahead of last year at this time.
Booth demand at all-time high
STAFDA booth registration, which opened June 26 was 45 percent ahead of last year’s 2016 Atlanta Convention opening day. The overwhelming demand is unprecedented and because of this, assigning booths has been a slow and tedious process; booth numbers are being posted as they are assigned. Currently, the interactive map shows exhibitors that booked through Tuesday, June 27. STAFDA staff is working with Freeman to reconfigure sections of the hall to maximize visibility for all exhibitors. Booth assignments will continue to be made based on a date/time stamp.
Hotel reservation challenges
The Hilton Garden Inn sold out in in 4.5 hours and the JW Marriott is sold out on Tuesday night, November 14, however, they still have availability on the front end of the convention.
STAFDA and the JW Marriott are working together to fill as many reservations for November 14 as possible. Members who want that evening are encouraged to email info@stafda.org their name and JW confirmation number. After STAFDA’s group cut-off date of October 18, STAFDA will email the hotel regarding those who want November 14 and it will accommodate as many as possible. There will be cancellations/changes between now and October 18 so don’t despair, but please have a back-up plan for November 14 at the Austin Hilton or elsewhere just in case.
The Hilton Austin is about 60 percent sold out as of this report, so please contact that property for reservations. Additionally, STAFDA has secured 100 more rooms at the Courtyard/Residence Inn, which is across the street from the Austin Convention Center. The rate is $229/night and a weblink will be posted to the members-only section of STAFDA’s website as soon as it’s available.
Questions? Please contact STAFDA staff at info@stafda.org or call 800/352-2981.
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