FAQ

Below are some of our most frequently asked questions regarding the Event Solutions Idea Factory.

How long has the Idea Factory been held?
Since 1997.

How many people attend the Conference & Tradeshow?
We are expecting 8,000+ attendees for the Event Solutions Idea Factory and Catersource Conference & Tradeshow combined.

What is the difference between Event Solutions Idea Factory and Catersource registration?
The Idea Factory registration rate is lower than the Catersource rate and does not include Catersource classes, but you have the option to purchase an Extended Education Pass if you’re interested in attending the catering-focused classes as well.

What is included with the full registration fee?
For a complete list of what is included in your full registration package click here.

When does the Idea Factory start and end?
The Idea Factory runs Sunday, March 10, 2013 through Wednesday, March 13, 2013.

Where are the classes held?
All educational classes will be held at the Mirage.

How do I pick the sessions I want to attend?
Pre-selection of sessions is not necessary. You may attend any sessions of your choice, all sessions have open seating. Your Conference badge is your admission to all Idea Factory sessions.

Are there recordings available of the sessions?
Yes. Most Idea Factory sessions held at the Mirage are recorded and offered for sale at a discount on-site at the Conference Store. You may also purchase these recordings when you register for an even greater discount.

What is the dress code for the Conference?
Business casual is the norm.

What Certificates are offered at the Conference?
Certified Meeting Planning (CMP) credits are pre-approved for some classes. Please see education section to determine which are pre-approved.

When is the Tradeshow?
The 2013 Tradeshow will take place on Tuesday, March 12 from 11:00am - 6:00pm and Wednesday, March 13 from 9:00am - 2:00pm.

Where is the Tradeshow held?
The Tradeshow is held in the Las Vegas Convention Center North Halls, 3150 Paradise Road. We will have complimentary transportation taking attendees door-to-door from the Mirage to the Tradeshow. During Tradeshow hours, the education at the Mirage is placed on hold and other education and demonstration sessions are taking place at the Tradeshow – you can learn and shop at the same time!

What is an alumni?
If anyone from your company has attended an Event Solutions or Catersource annual educational conference during any of the last five years, then anyone who registers for 2013 from your company is deemed an alumni and entitled to a $50 discount. If you did not receive your alumni discount code, please email us.

I don’t know if my company is an alumni?
All alumni companies will receive an email giving them instructions on how to register. If you are unsure if your company has been to an Event Solutions or Catersource show or not, call us at 877.932.3632 or email us.

What if I have two discount codes?
You can only use one discount code, multiple discounts do not apply.

If I decide to add more attendees from my company after I register, will my registration price drop?
Yes, the more people you bring, the lower your price per person becomes until you reach the lowest possible price.

If I register before the December 21 price increase, will that hold the lowest rate so I can add more attendees later?
Yes, if you register even one person before December 21, all additional attendees registered after that date will keep the same early-bird rate schedule even though the deadline has passed.

If you have already registered and would like to add an attendee at the early bird rate, you can contact the registration help desk at 877.932.3632 to update your registration.

What happens if I can’t attend after I register, or I need to cancel one of my people coming…what do I do?
You must email all cancellation requests to registration, we will process the request and email you when it has been processed. Refund requests before February 1, 2012 will be processed minus a $50 administration fee. No refunds will be issued after February 1, 2013 but you may transfer your paid registration the 2014 Event Solutions Idea Factory.

I’m already registered but I need to change the credit card that I used…what do I do?
Email registration with all the information including company name, name, address, email, phone number and credit card with expiration date.

I’m already registered but I need to change the name of an attendee to someone else…what do I do?
You can visit the registration site and update your registration at any time.

How can I apply for a credit I have from past conferences?
Anyone that has a credit to be applied should email registration. These registrations will have to be done manually.

I’m registered – can a guest of mine just attend a few sessions?
No, everybody who attends sessions must have a Conference badge.

I’m registered - can my guest attend the parties?
Yes, you can buy extra tickets for the optional events for your guest, however, the complimentary events that go along with the Conference are only open to full Conference attendees.

I’m registered – can my guest attend the Tradeshow?
Yes, guests can get a Tradeshow Pass at the Las Vegas Convention Center or register for one ahead of time via online registration. See pricing info here.

Can I just go to the Tradeshow? How much does it cost? How do I get a pass?
A Tradeshow Floor Pass for the Idea Factory Tradeshow is $29, $39 or $49 depending on the date you register. You can register for a tradeshow pass through our registration system.

Which hotels are available?
Most attendees stay at the official Conference hotel which is The Mirage. It offers maximum convenience, extreme networking, morning coffee and pastries and the fullest Conference experience. We have a large block of rooms at the Mirage available to attendees of the Conference for only $161/night, double occupancy. Use the link provided on the Hotel page to book your room and get this special rate. Perfectly located right on the strip, the Mirage is convenient to restaurants, shopping, nightlife, shows and all the city has to offer.

Door-to-door bus service from The Mirage to off-site events and the Tradeshow will be provided for attendees of the 2013 show.

How do I get to The Mirage from the airport?
Most use taxis. The fare is usually between $15.00 to $19.00. Depending on traffic you should be able to get to the hotel in less than 30 minutes.

Can I take my own video of the Conference?
Yes and no. Attendees may take video at all optional events, Tradeshow and Xperience Room presentations. Attendees cannot record any of the educational sessions. There are no restrictions on taking of photos, except politeness and correct timing.

Can I buy event tickets when I get to the Conference?
All paid events have limited numbers of tickets available and they are on a first come, first served basis. If there are any tickets left, they will be sold on-site. If you really want to go to one of these events – you should buy them when you register!

I have special dietary needs or religious observances I need to follow, is there food I can eat during the breakfasts, lunches and optional events to meet my needs?
Please address any specific concerns or questions to us via email.

I have special dietary needs or religious observances I need to follow, can I attend the events for a discount since I won't be eating?
Unfortunately not. There are no discounts available for event pricing.

Can my children attend with me?
Everyone that attends must have a paid Conference badge. All Tradeshow floor attendees must be 18 years of age or older.

I’m in a wheelchair…do you offer assistance?
Las Vegas is ADA compliant so there will be handicapped access to everything at The Mirage and the Las Vegas Convention Center.

I’m having trouble registering online…can you help me?
You can call us, 877.932.3632, between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm CST, Monday through Friday.

I’ve registered already but I want to add event tickets to my registration…what do I do?
You can go back on-line and check the button to change your registration. You can then add event tickets and pay for them on-line.

Can I buy a ticket for just one session?
No, you can buy a full Conference package and the Extended Education Pass, but individual classes are not for sale.

Do I have to pay a deposit?
Yes – when you register on-line, you have the option to pay a 50% deposit or full payment. If you use the 50% deposit the remainder of the payment will be due February 1, 2013.

When is my full payment due?
Payment is due in full February 1, 2013.

When is the cancellation deadline?
All refund requests must be made in writing by February 1, 2013. If you cancel after that date and you would like a credit for your company’s future use at the 2014 Idea Factory, please email us.

What is the best way to get around Las Vegas?
Door-to-door bussing will be available to Idea Factory events including the Tradeshow. Other options include taking the Monorail or a taxi. The Mirage is walking distance to some of the most popular spots on the Strip!

What can I expect at the ticketed events?
All of our optional events offer another great way to network and continue your learning experience. Each event demonstrates some of the newest ideas, products, and concepts in the catering and event industry. Come alone or with a friend to any of these optional events, experience new ideas and share your thoughts with fellow attendees.

If you have any other questions that are not answered here, please contact us via email or call 877.932.3632.