In This Issue

Reserve your room now at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront to take advantage of the VAR rate!

700 Aliceanna Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
(800) 228-9290

• Airport: Baltimore Washington International [BWI]
• Driving Directions
• Parking: $21/day onsite or $36/day valet

Make your hotel reservation now...  

Internet & Electrical Connectivity Information

Electricity is NOT included in your exhibitor package.  If you require electricity at your booth, you must complete the Marriott Exhibit A/V Form and fax to the attention of Matthew Wood at (410) 895-1959.  Be certain to include your booth number so the Marriott may coordinate with Exhibits, Inc.  Additional equipmet [LCD screens, PCs, projectors, etc.] are also available through the Marriott.  See the Marriott Equipment Rental Form for pricing and availability.

Internet is available through hardwire only for exhibits, and is available through the same Marriott Exhibit A/V Form.

Marriott A/V and Equipment Forms...  

2008 Convention Attendee Info

Registrants to Date: Registration opens May 8

The pre-registrant list will be made available to all exhibitors 30 days prior to the convention.  This is a perfect opportunity to reach out to existing clients who will be in attendance as well as to identify some important contacts you want to be on the lookout for.  You can invite your clients to dinner at one of the many great restaurants in the Baltimore Harbor area!  Check out this article on pre-show promotion from TSAE for more ideas about maximizing your pre-show play. 

The post-registrant list will be made available within 30 days following the convention. 

Go to VAR's Convention & Expo Website...  
Print version of exhibitor schedule... 
 Subscribe to the VAR Convention & Expo RSS feed...

Back to top

Don't go nameless or hungry!  Here's your exhibitor paperwork resource so you can cover all your bases.

Each booth space includes: 2 complimentary registrations, 2 tickets for each of the Expo Hall lunches, and 2 complimentary drink tickets for the Expo Hall Reception.  Additional booth workers may attend at a cost of $100 per person. 

1.  The SUPPLEMENTAL CONTRACT must be completed for all booth workers to ensure nametags and tickets.

2.  Materials handling [drayage] is provided by Exhibits, Inc.  All advanced shipping MUST go through Exhibits, Inc.  DO NOT SHIP ITEMS DIRECTLY TO HOTEL.  There is no available storage space for these items and no guarantee that they will be there when you arrive.  You may also order additional booth items through Exhibits, Inc .

3.  Shipping from the show is the responsibility of each vendor.  You may pre-arrange for Exhibits, Inc . to transport your items back to Richmond, VA.  Other shipping needs must be taken care of prior to the show.  You may visit UPS.com to set up a pick-up time from the Marriott anytime after 3 p.m. Saturday, September 27.  SAVE ON AIR SHIPPING!  Register your UPS account number with VAR and receive 10% off Next Day Air packages, 10% off 2nd Day Air A.M. and 20% off Worldwide Express packages.  Email Amanda@VARealtor.com to secure your discounted shipping rate!  (Account numbers must be registered by September 1, 2008 to be eligible for discounts.)

4.  Electricity and Internet is outlined in the sidebar.  For complete pricing, please review the Marriott Exhibit A/V & Equipment Form.  Electricity and internet must be arranged directly with the Marriott prior to the event to ensure connectivity.

Visit the Exhibitor Home Page...

Back to top

Game Day at the Diamond: VAR's 2008 Expo Theme!

This year, as we look out the windows of our rooms in the Marriott, we cannot help but be excited by the sight of Camden Yards, home of the Baltimore Orioles Major League Baseball team!  In keeping with the Perfect Opportunities diamond theme, the 2008 trade expo will reflect the spirit of a different diamond, one that will offer attendees a chance to participate in some fun and games to break up meetings and continuing education classes.  Exhibitors: get out your sports memorabilia and get ready to help our tradeshow attendees run the bases - or at least through the aisles - of this year's expo!  Need some great ideas for your booth?  Think about:

• Baseball caps with your company's name
• Games you can play in your booth - that's always a surefire way to draw a crowd!
• Team uniforms, umpire outfits, fan gear
• Foam fingers, pom poms, sports-themed give-aways
• Baseball or other sports ball-shaped cookies
• Cracker Jacks or sports-trivia fortune cookies

Google search for baseball theme ideas... 

Back to top

Stay up to date on the convention and other hot topics with VARbuzz!

Join the conversation at VARbuzz, the official blog of the Virginia Association of REALTORS®!  With contributing authors drawn from VAR membership and staff, this blog has everything you want to know about the issues Virginia REALTORS® are talking about.  Want to look up-to-date and industry savvy?  These topics will give you great ways to start conversations with VAR members at your booth.  See something you think is particularly interesting or thought provoking?  Take a moment to weigh in on a post with your comment.  VARbuzz will feature posts on convention, as well as link to the VAR convention website.

Back to top