All Delegate Events
Friday, Jan. 6
7-10 p.m.
"Kick it up in Cowtown!" Evening Event at the Fort Worth Stockyards
Sponsored by Fort Worth CVB, Stockyard Station, Fort Worth Herd and Championship Rodeo at Cowtown Coliseum
It’s time to Cowboy Up in the Stockyards National Historic District! Experience authentic Western nightlife, Texas-style barbeque, Stockyards Championship Rodeo, country western dancing and more. You won’t want to miss the special appearance by the Fort Worth Herd and a surprising sweet treat experience, all in a motorcoach friendly area. So get ready and dust off your cowboy boots for a night to remember in Fort Worth!
Saturday, Jan. 7
9:30 a.m.
Opening Ceremony
Sponsored by Grapevine CVB, Team Texas and Texas Musical Drama
Join your 2012 ABA Marketplace Trail Boss, Steve Haddad, as he kicks off the week with a celebration as big as Texas itself! Experience “Texas” the musical, an ABA Top 100 event, with live music, dancing, cowboys and a few surprises mixed in. If you feel the urge to get out of your seat and yell “yee-haw!” we won’t stop you! Welcome to Texas y’all!
Noon-5:30 p.m.
Networking Floor Reception
Sponsored by ABC Companies, Motor Coach Industries, Prevost and Setra from Daimler Buses North America
Spend your afternoon on the exhibit floor networking with your peers enjoying munchies, drinks and the exhibitors.
7 p.m.
Dine Around
Sponsored by Grapevine CVB
View the Dine Around Guide to select your dining option.
Private Dine Around buses will utilize the Group Tour Lobby for pick up and drop off. Please make your attendees aware of this. To reserve a private bus for your event, or if you have questions about private Dine Around transportation, please contact Debbie Travis at debbie@attbus.com.
Special Wine Tour
No visit to Grapevine is complete without visiting some of our seven award-winning wineries. Grapevine Wine Tours offers daily lunch and dinner excursions to the wineries on their eye-catching 25-passenger tour bus, led by a professional guide. ABA guests can choose from two options for the January 7 dine-around:
1. Take the full Saturday evening dinner tour, beginning with a 6:15 pm pickup at the Gaylord Texan. You'll enjoy tastings at three wineries, including a delicious dinner at the third stop. $89.50 per person.
2. Join the tour at the second stop, beginning with a 7:00 pm pickup at the Gaylord. You'll visit two wineries and enjoy the same delicious dinner. $79.50 per person.
Sunday, Jan. 8
12:30-2 p.m.
All-Delegate Lunch (Click here for Invitation)
Sponsored by Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB
Come Listen to the Music on Sunday January 8th at Branson’s much anticipated show and luncheon, where for the eighth year running you’ll be up close and personal with a host of world-class performers. See first-hand America’s live music show capital showcasing Branson’s fabled hospitality with a dazzling glimpse at the surprising diversity of Branson’s music, attractions, amenities and more. “Branson. It’s Your Show.”
7-10 p.m.
"Dallas Rocks the House" Evening Event at the House of Blues (Click here for Invitation)
Sponsored by Dallas CVB and House of Blues Dallas
The Dallas CVB and The House of Blues invite you to Rock the House with us as we welcome you to Victory Park in downtown Dallas. The very large and unique House of Blues Dallas opens all three floors and all music rooms for ABA delegates including the exclusive and private member only Foundation Room. Explore Gospel singers, an ultra lounge dance club and the best of live music from the 70’s, 80’s and more while sampling delicious and hearty House of Blues specialties from the Deep South. If you’re looking for serious fun, a unique venue and ready to Rock the House, make plans now to join us in Dallas!
9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
Hard Rock Foundation Afterglow
Sponsored by Hard Rock International
The annual Hard Rock 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 the local Hard Rock across the street from the House of Blues event, and don’t miss one of the best parties of the week!
Monday, Jan. 9
12:30-2 p.m.
All-Delegate Lunch (Click here for Invitation)
Sponsored by Group Sales Box Office/BestOfBroadway.com
Group Sales Box Office/BestofBroadway.com, your #1 source for group discount tickets for Broadway and beyond, is proud to sponsor the Best of Broadway luncheon for the 18th consecutive year. Whether you're booking a Broadway show, off Broadway event, NYC attraction, restaurant or Broadway Workshop, you will receive unparalleled customer service and super savings. Please be our guest for the ultimate Broadway experience. This is the single event at Marketplace that you won't want to miss!
7-10 p.m.
"Halftime Extravaganza!" Evening Event at Cowboy Stadium
Sponsored by Grapevine CVB, Team Texas, Texas Tourism, and Cowboys Stadium
It's game time! Team Texas invites you to be part of the show! This will be a halftime show like none you have ever experienced before. Get out of the stands and get onto the field at Cowboys Stadium, the largest stadium in the NFL and home of "America's Team," the Dallas Cowboys. Just like the Cowboys' mascot "Rowdy," we will get a little bit rowdy on the field for this halftime extravaganza. Experience the rush of running onto the field on game day, and you can do your own touchdown dance in the end zone! So come on out and cheer for your favorite Team Texas players!
9:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
"Marketplace Gives Back in Overtime" Event
Benefits GRACE
The game is not over! Be a MVP (Most Valuable Philanthropist) and continue to have fun after the “Halftime Extravaganza!” Evening Event. MVPs will have “overtime” access to the exclusive VIP Miller Club Lounge at Cowboys Stadium. Join us for music, dancing, karaoke, and fun as we raise money to “raise the roof”. Access to the “Marketplace Give Back in Overtime” event is a $25 cover charge. LET’S RAISE THE ROOF!
Tuesday, Jan. 10
12:30-2 p.m.
"Music City - The Road to 2014" All-Delegate Lunch
Sponsored by Nashville CVB
Please join us as Nashville prepares for the return of ABA to Music City for a “record” 6th time. Great Southern food, even better hospitality and the best entertainment provided by Nashville recording Artist Phil Vassar. An award-winning artist, Phil Vassar has had success as a singer and a songwriter. Known as country music’s “piano man”, Vassar is an extraordinary, high energy entertainer with a true gift for engaging his audiences. Join us for a rockin’ good lunch!
7-11 p.m.
"Welcome to Wonderland" Evening Event (Click here for Invitation)
Sponsored by Visit Charlotte and the North Carolina Division of Tourism
It’s getting late so save the date! Take a journey down the rabbit hole to experience the wonders of North Carolina. We’re all mad here for the engaging new attractions, sizzling culinary scene and limitless group tour possibilities you’ll soon find when you step through the looking glass in 2013.
Upon entering Wonderland, you’ll nibble, nosh, sip and savor tasty delights during a reception and seated dinner. Guests are encouraged to look the part, so allow the Cheshire Cat, Queen of Hearts, Mad Hatter, Alice or any mixed matched, upside down costume to inspire your attire. The tea party - emphasis on party - begins promptly at 7pm and directly you will be directed in the right direction. The revelry continues with mingling and dancing sure to leave you curiouser and curiouser about the fun to be had during the 2013 ABA Marketplace in Charlotte, NC.
Can’t make it? Then off with your head!
10 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
New York Auction
Sponsored by Destinations of New York State
