Question: "Why is the supplier lounge set up outside marketplace?"
Answer: The supplier lounge can get pretty loud with people reconnecting with each other and chatting on their cell phones between appointments. In an effort to limit the amount of interruptions on the marketplace floor, the lounge is set up outside of marketplace. You might notice that even the announcements we make during the appointment sessions are very limited.

Question: "Why do US-based 'receptive operators' attend Go West?"
Answer: International Tour Operators are savvy business people. In many cases, they employ local companies (receptive tour operators) in specific markets who speak the language, hold solid connections, source local product and have pre-existing relationships with suppliers.

Question: "Why is there an hour of 5-minute speed appointments at the very beginning of marketplace 1?"
Answer: This was an experiment we started a few years ago and people have reacted very positively to it. The speed session provides suppliers an opportunity to introduce themselves to operators they didn't get an appointment with and to ask them if they have any open appointment slots.

Question: "Why are the appointment sessions 12 minutes long?"
Answer: 12 minutes seems to be the magic number. It provides enough time to introduce yourself, conduct business and even sign contracts. Last year, 70% of our registrants said 12 minutes was perfect, so we'll keep it there unless that number drops.

Question: "How can I bring Go West Summit to my destination?"
Answer: Ask your local Destination Marketing Organization (i.e. Convention & Visitor Bureau) and state tourism office to contact Go West to request an RFP.

Question: "The 'Ask the Tour Operator' educational session was great, but why not provide an 'Ask the Supplier' session so we can learn from those that do it best?"
Answer: That's a great idea! We're working on getting this done for 2012.

Question: "Why is it so important to keep the registrants together for meals, activities, and accommodations?"
Answer: Ask any supplier this question and you can expect one common theme in their answers: Value. Suppliers are looking to meet with as many operators as possible and one of the best ways to do this is to keep everyone together as long as possible. Suppliers have the opportunity to communicate with each and every attending operator if they use the online tools we provide, work the marketplace floor and utilize all activities, events or chance encounters.