About the Event: The Annual Partner Meeting (APM) is one of ConferenceDirect’s signature annual partner and associate events. It connects our most valued Partners with our Associates in one convenient event. Partners attending have the opportunity to meet and conduct business with over 235 qualified ConferenceDirect Associates. Total attendance was 955.
Guided by its three foundational pillars—Celebration, Education, and Networking—this year’s APM delivered an impactful experience for attendees:
- Celebration: The event honored outstanding achievements within the industry and recognized top-performing associates and partners for their contributions in 2024.
- Education: Attendees benefited from a dynamic tradeshow and expert-led breakout sessions covering key topics in event management and hospitality. The education sessions included content on utilizing AI to streamline administrative efficiencies.
- Networking: APM facilitated high-value interactions, strengthening relationships among industry professionals and reinforcing ConferenceDirect’s commitment to collaboration and growth.
Event Highlights
- Keynote Speaker: Henna Pryor, a two-time TEDx speaker, Inc. columnist, and global Workplace Performance Expert delivered an inspiring keynote session, offering valuable insights on personal and professional growth.
- Carbon Neutral Event: To mitigate the carbon footprint of attendee travel, ConferenceDirect will purchase carbon offsets. Evergreen will plant trees in Brazil on behalf of ConferenceDirect to offset the carbon footprint of this year’s APM.
- Temple University Outreach Program: APM included a community engagement initiative featuring a student workshop and a clothing drive. Students from Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism, and Hospitality Management participated in a Hospitality Industry Student Workshop led by Brian Richey, Executive Vice President of ConferenceDirect. Donations of new or gently used clothing were collected for the Professional Attire Clothing drive benefitting the Event Planning Association (EPA) Exchange Business Clothing Closet at Temple University. The EPA Closet provides students free access to business-appropriate clothing for interviews, networking events, and professional settings.
- Closing Party: The event concluded with a memorable celebration at the Philadelphia Art Museum, where attendees could run up the iconic “Rocky Steps.”
Location: Philadelphia Marriott Downtown & Pennsylvania Convention Center
Dates: March 16-20, 2025
Total Attendance: 955
Total Trade Show Appointments:4,618
Quote: “We are thrilled by the record associate attendance at this year’s APM. This event underscores our dedication to fostering growth, education, and meaningful partnerships that fuel our collective success. A special thank you to the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, Pennsylvania Convention Center, and the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau for their outstanding partnership in making this event a success.”
- Jerry Horan, President & CEO, ConferenceDirect
In Attached Picture:
Left to right: Jerry Horan, President & CEO, ConferenceDirect; Maria Grasso, Chief Sales Officer, Philadelphia Visitors & Convention Bureau; Brian Chisolm, VP of Global Accounts & Team Director, ConferenceDirect; Brian D. Stevens,Executive Chairman, ConferenceDirect; Gregg Caren, President & CEO, Philadelphia Visitors & Convention Bureau; J.J. Wills, SVP Marketing Programs & Business Development; Brian Richey, Executive Vice President, ConferenceDirect
About ConferenceDirect
Founded in 1998, ConferenceDirect has grown globally into one of the largest and most respected meeting and event management firms. Leveraging our extensive experience, we collaborate with clients to reduce costs, increase revenue, minimize risk, and enhance attendee experiences. With over 18,000 contracts managed annually, serving more than 4000 global customers, and over 1000 events managed globally by our 120+ meeting professionals, ConferenceDirect Associates are meeting and event experts.
ConferenceDirect is a full-service global meetings solution company headquartered in Folsom, California. Our diverse portfolio of services includes Virtual/Hybrid Meetings, Site Selection and contract Negotiation, Conference Management, Housing and registration Services, Event Technology, Strategic Meetings Management Programs, Incentive Programs, Cruise Services, Experience Design, Green Meetings, Vendor Management, and Marketing Support. For more information, visit www.conferencedirect.com.
Mission Statement
ConferenceDirect partners with organizations to help them achieve their goals and create memorable experiences for their attendees. With proven global experience, professionalism, and innovative meeting solutions, our team is dedicated to your success. Signature Events
ConferenceDirect is committed to providing educational opportunities for our customers.
Signature events
Based on revenue qualifications, exclusive opportunities are available to our current customers for market-specific education.
CD Caring and Connecting
ConferenceDirect supports programs and organizations that impact wellness, corporate responsibility, and sustainability, including Corporate Social Responsibility, Diversity and Inclusion, Sustainability and Green Meetings, Human Trafficking Awareness, Healthy Eating and Menu Planning, Wellness Programs, and Associate Counsel.
