Limitless Networking

Host City

Captivating, Colorful, and Cosmopolitan

More than just the nation's second largest financial center, the Queen City's changing face will surprise you. As a magnet for progressive growth and smart development these days, the city finds itself welcoming more and more new faces—both visitors and residents alike. So meet Charlotte, North Carolina and explore all the wonderful and unforgettable attributes it has to offer. You'll be a fan of this winning city in no time.

All-Delegate Marketplace Events

• Wednesday, Jan. 7
  DINE AROUND CHARLOTTE
  Sponsored by Visit Charlotte
  

  From traditional Southern fare such as sugary sweet tea, fried chicken, or buttery collard greens to international dishes like Thai hot pots, Japanese sashimi, or a big fat Greek salad, Charlotte’s culinary scene is a Southern dining experience like none other.  Influenced by a top-ranking culinary institute- Johnson & Wales University- Charlotte boasts hundreds of unique, independently-owned restaurants just waiting to whet your appetite.  Don’t forget to end the meal with a flavorful Charlottini or a robust glass of wine straight from one of our North Carolina vineyards.  Bon appétit! 
  

• Thursday, Jan. 8
  ALL-DELEGATE LUNCH AND ABA ANNUAL MEETING
  Sponsored by Philadelphia & the Countryside
  

  Don’t miss the Thursday all-delegate luncheon presented by Philadelphia & the Countryside - ABA’s 2011 Marketplace host city! Where you’re at liberty to experience everything from cheesesteaks to soft pretzels, chips to TastyKakes, history to gardens and so much more.  Join us for an afternoon full of beauty, excitement, and entertainment straight from the birthplace of our Nation.
  

• Thursday, Jan. 8
  HERE'S LOOKIN AT YOU...NORTH CAROLINA
  OPENING CEREMONY
  Sponsored by North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development

Dress to impress and display your best “Bling” as Charlotte and the State of North Carolina roll out a true southern style red carpet welcome.  Sneek a peek and experience just a handful of the 800+ movies that have been filmed across the beautiful home state of the Queen City …. “North Carolina”.   Get a taste of the culinary fare that depicts each of the three regions: The Coast (east of I-95), The Piedmont (west of I-95 and east of I-77), and The Mountains (west of I-77). North Carolina is full of exciting surprises, and as Forrest Gump would say “…like a box of chocolates, you never know what your gonna get”.



• Thursday, Jan. 8
  MARKETPLACE GIVES BACK EVENT
  Polish up your bowling shoes for a late evening event at the Bowling Lanes as we unite to raise money for breast cancer research.
  

• Friday, Jan. 9
  SIGHTSEEING TOURS
  Sponsored by Visit Charlotte
  
  Check out Charlotte and the surrounding regions best attractions on one of ten spectacular Sightseeing Tours.  Visit the Billy Graham Library, a beautiful facility dedicated to the life of the beloved evangelist, and the stunning Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens.  Sip fine wines from North Carolina vineyards and sample famous North Carolina barbeque.  Learn all about NASCAR by visiting race shops and PIT Instruction & Training.  Step back into time as you visit Historic Brattonsville, a Revolutionary War historic site and also the movie location for “The Patriot.”  Concoct your own coffee beverages at the East Coast Barista and Coffee School and feast on your own hand-made chocolate treats at City Sweets.  Shoot hoops at the home of the Charlotte Bobcats and zip-line over the world’s largest artificial whitewater river at the U.S. National Whitewater Center.  Load up on souvenirs at SouthPark or Concord Mills Mall.  Or stretch your legs and create your own itinerary walking through Center City Charlotte.  There’s much to discover in one of the country’s most beautiful and diverse cities!
  
  



• Friday, Jan. 9
  PURE CAROLINA
  EVENING EVENT
  Sponsored by Arts & Sciences Council of Charlotte-Mecklenburg
  
  From historical to hip, down home to urban chic, Charlotte is the vibrant gateway to the Carolinas. An engaging metropolis; we’re home to a diverse community of artists, innovators, and creators.  Celebrate the opening of ABA’s 2009 Marketplace with a Pure Carolina experience showcasing the diverse culture life of the Carolinas. From Action & Adventure, Arts & Culture to the Culinary Arts, the evening will charm you with the pure spirit of the Carolinas including an exclusive preview of new and expanded museums and performance centers opening in Charlotte’s Center City in 2009 and 2010.  Come early and stay late to take it all in.
  
  




• Saturday, Jan. 10
  ALL-DELEGATE LUNCH
  Sponsored by Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB

Come Listen to the Music at Branson’s much-anticipated show and luncheon, where for the fifth year running you'll be up close and personal with a host of world-class performers. See first-hand America's live music capital offering a dazzling glimpse at the surprising diversity of Branson's music, attractions, amenities and much more. Remember, “Someone you love is always playing in Branson”.





• Saturday, Jan. 10
  PARTY WITH THE BEAST OF THE SOUTHEAST
  EVENING EVENT
  Sponsored by Lowe's Motor Speedway
  

  Whoever said that motorcoaches and race tracks don’t go together?  You’ll see how they come together as you arrive in true racing fashion at “The Beast of the Southeast”… Lowe’s Motor Speedway!  Experience firsthand the thrill of racing around the 1.5 mile oval, the out-of-control action of “the Dirt Track”, and have your breath taken away as you witness the spectacle of top-fuel drag racing at the “Bellagio of Drag Strips”.  You will also enjoy various hands-on racing activities at the “Infield Extravaganza”.  Finally, the night will end with a blast as you enjoy a spectacular fireworks display from the Grandstand!

  




• Saturday, Jan. 10
  NEW YORK AUCTION HOSPITALITY SUITE
  Sponsored by Destinations of New York State

Join the New York State Sales team for the 25th annual fun auction.  Hundreds of great auction items are up for bid, so grab your New York bucks and come be a part of the fun.




• Sunday, Jan. 11
  NETWORKING FLOOR RECEPTION
  Sponsored byABC Companies, Daimler Buses North America, Motorcoach Industries, Prevost
  

The Marketplace Networking Floor Reception is open all afternoon to all delegates. This popular reception gives delegates the chance to network, visit the booths, and make business contacts in an informal environment.



• Sunday, Jan. 11
  PRODUCT PAVILION

The Networking Floor is expanded on Sunday to include ABA's new Product Pavilion, renamed from The MARKET in 2008. The Product Pavilion offers attendees the opportunity to view the industry's latest offerings from product and service providers on the exhibit floor, making it a show-within-a-show at Marketplace and a one-day, one-stop shop for operators and associates. The Product Pavilion is a unique opportunity to build business relationships, conduct one-to-one business appointments, view the newest innovative engineering technologies, learn about the latest industry trends and network -all under one roof.




• Sunday, Jan. 11
  FOUNDATION LIVE AUCTION

The ABA Foundation is planning its largest and most dynamic Live Auction ever, which will take place at 4:00 pm. As a prominent feature right on the main show floor, the ABA Foundation Live Auction will provide all delegates with the unique opportunity to bid on everything from a brand new state- of-the-art motorcoach donated by ABC Companies to elaborate all-inclusive vacations at destinations across North America.


• Sunday, Jan. 11
  DINE AROUND CHARLOTTE
  Sponsored by Visit Charlotte
  

  From traditional Southern fare such as sugary sweet tea, fried chicken, or buttery collard greens to international dishes like Thai hot pots, Japanese sashimi, or a big fat Greek salad, Charlotte’s culinary scene is a Southern dining experience like none other.  Influenced by a top-ranking culinary institute- Johnson & Wales University- Charlotte boasts hundreds of unique, independently-owned restaurants just waiting to whet your appetite.  Don’t forget to end the meal with a flavorful Charlottini or a robust glass of wine straight from one of our North Carolina vineyards.  Bon appétit! 

  
  


• Sunday, Jan. 11
  FOUNDATION AFTERGLOW
  Sponsored by Hard Rock International
  

  The annual Foundation Afterglow is a fundraiser for the ABA Foundation and supports the motorcoach, travel and tourism industry by hosting the George T. Snyder Jr. Scholarship Fund.  Tickets are $35 in advance, and $45 at the door. Join the fun at a favorite local spot, and don’t miss one of the best parties of the week!

  



• Monday, Jan. 12       
  ALL-DELEGATE LUNCH
  Sponsored by Group Sales Box Office
  

  Back for the 14th straight year, Group Sales Box Office brings you the annual Best of Broadway Luncheon. In the past we have had the best that Broadway has to offer and some special surprises as well.  This year, Group Sales Box Office will continue the tradition of bringing Broadway’s hottest musicals to Marketplace.  It’s your chance to get an exclusive sneak peek of what’s happening on Broadway. This is the single ABA event you can’t afford to miss.

  



• Monday, Jan. 12       
  A SNEEK PEEK AT MARKETPLACE 2010
  EVENING EVENT
  Sponsored by Capital Region: Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, Gaylord National AND National Harbor
  

  The Capitol Region partners join together Monday night to give you a taste of what’s in store next year. Marketplace 2010 will give you the opportunity to experience the newest and most dynamic destination on the East Coast: National Harbor. The expansive National Harbor waterfront with its marinas and piers, designed to accommodate concerts, dinner cruises and other signature events, will offer a ferry service across the Potomac to Georgetown and Alexandria, Va.  National Harbor will be brought to life with food, fun and entertainment as we prepare you for Marketplace 2010.  

Ph: (800) 283-2877 Fax: (202) 898-1575 Send us an e-mail at meetingsdept@buses.org

700 13th Street NW, Suite 575 Washington, DC 20005 © 2007 American Bus Association

We would like to thank our sponsors who will make Marketplace 2009 such a success: