What is the deadline to register for the conference?
There is not a deadline to register for the conference, however this conference sells out every year so make sure to register early. Early bird registration ends on September 28, 2018. Full registration information can be found on the
Registration & Hotel page.
Do I have to register in advance?
What does my registration fee include?
Registration for the VCOS Symposium in the Sun includes:
- 3.5 days of conference education
- Access to the Exhibit Hall
- Vendor Venue on Friday
- Lunch and Networking Reception on Saturday
Will I receive a confirmation of my registration?
Confirmations are sent via email for all registrations.
Will I be refunded if I have to cancel my registration?
All cancellations are subject to a $75 administrative fee. No refunds are made on or after October 9 or for no-shows. Find full cancellation and refund details on the
Registration & Hotel page.
Can I transfer my registration to another member of my department/staff?
Yes, registration may be transferred to another person in your organization by written request to the IAFC prior to October 9. After this date, all changes must be made onsite. Additional charges may apply. Find full transfer details on the
Registration & Hotel page.
When does onsite registration open?
Onsite registration for attendees opens on Wednesday, November 7 at 3 PM in Salon A-C.
What hotels have been reserved? What are the rates?
Can I make my hotel reservations now?
VCOS SUN registration is required prior to making hotel reservations. Registration and Housing information can be found on the
Registration and Hotel page.
I have been contacted by a company trying to get me to book hotel rooms - is this legitimate?
The Hilton Clearwater Beach is the only hotel with a block that Symposium in the Sun has contracted with. We have received reports that companies are posing as the official housing vendor for Symposium in the Sun and may contact you offering housing for your trip. They are not endorsed by or affiliated with the IAFC and entering into financial agreements with such companies can have costly consequences.
A hotel poacher/pirate is any unaffiliated hotel or third-party housing company that acts as an official housing company and solicits business from Symposium in the Sun participants. When individuals book hotel accommodations through poachers or pirates the consequences can be costly; event participants may be left without hotel rooms when they arrive at the event and incur fraudulent charges on their credit cards. Please report any questions or concerns to conferences@iafc.org
What are the booth rules for VCOS Symposium in the Sun 2018?
Please view the
Booth Rules and Regulations for information on booth height regulations, what is considered a booth violation, booth backwall height allowance, banners, balloons, smoke/fog machines and information on many other items and what is and is not allowed.
If you have any questions about the design of your booth please contact:
Shannon Gilliland Tel: +1 703-537-4838 Email:
sgilliland@iafc.org
Who are the event contacts for VCOS Symposium in the Sun 2018?
The VCOS Symposium in the Sun event contacts are listed below:
VCOS Registration and Housing Customer Service:
800-310-7554
240-439-2554 (International)
VCOS@experient-inc.com
Exhibit and sponsorship sales, and event operations can be found on the contact page.
How do I make hotel reservations or a room block?
What is included with my booth space?
Your booth comes with 1 draped table and 2 chairs. Electric and internet is not included with your booth space but may be ordered through the VCOS Order Form. Exhibitor Kit Information
VCOS Symposium in the Sun 2018 Event Schedule
The 2018 VCOS Event Schedule can be viewed here.
How do I register my booth staff?
ACCESS the exhibitor registration page.
For questions regarding registration please contact the registration department at email: VCOS@experient-inc.com or +1 800-310-7554
Is Insurance Required?
All exhibitors are required to submit a certificate of insurance. Please email your insurance forms to Shannon Gilliland Tel: +1 703-537-4838 Email: sgilliland@iafc.org
Note: If you are using an EAC to set up your booth we still need a certificate of insurance from the company exhibiting
When can I move in to set-up my booth?
Wednesday, November 7, 1 - 5 PM (Move-In)
Can I carry my booth items/products in myself?
You may carry your items in if you can carry them in by hand.
Can I sell my products/service at the show?
You may sell your products and/or services at the event. You will be responsible for any applicable taxes.
I'd like to join the IAFC and register for the conference. What do I do?
Choose the option that's easiest for you:
I'm a member of the press – do you have press registration?
The IAFC conference is a private event and the IAFC reserves the right to request (additional) credentials from any member of the media wishing to attend.
All members of the press should register in advance. Register online today. Please send all press requests to Jim Philipps at Jphilipps@iafc.org.
Where will the conference be held?
The conference is held at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Hotel. Registration is located in Salon A-C.
Hilton Clearwater Beach
400 Mandalay Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-298-1486
When does the IAFC annual conference officially begin?
Symposium in the Sun begins on Thursday, November 8, 2018 at 8:00 AM.
Will transportation be provided during the conference?
Visit Clearwater offers a free shuttle between all IAFC contracted hotels and the Hilton Clearwater Beach. Shuttle schedule can be viewed on the Travel page.
I am a presenter for Symposium in the Sun, where can I go to find information?
Symposium in the Sun Presenters will use the presenters' corner to find the latest information for the sessions. .
Where are the networking events being held?
- Welcome Reception, 5:30 - 7 PM, Thursday, November 8, 2018. Flamingo Deck.
- Lunch on the Beach, 11:45 - 1 PM, Saturday, November 10, 2018. Flamingo Deck.
- Roundtable Networking Event, 8 PM, Saturday, November 10, 2018. Waters Edge Ballroom.
What are the Exhibit Hall hours?
- Thursday, November 8, 2018, 7 AM - 5 PM
- Friday, November 9, 2018, 7 AM - 5 PM
- Saturday, November 10, 2018, 7 PM - 2 PM
Does Symposium in the Sun have a conference app?
Navigate Symposium in the Sun like a pro with the mobile app. Go to your device's app store or Google Play and search for IAFC Conferences.
Where can I find session information?
Will internet be available during the conference?
The Symposium in the Sun does not have internet in the meeting rooms. Internet is available complimentary in all guest rooms at the Hilton Clearwater.
Will I receive credit for the sessions I attend?
The IAFC provides certificates of attendance to all Symposium in the Sun participants. Certificates of attendance will be available post conference.
What's the dress code?
Business casual is appropriate for conference events.