FAQ
Why should I attend the 2009 MWAA 7th Annual Conference in suburban Chicago -Lombard, IL?
If you want to spend three days developing your merchant services business, learning how to make more money, eating great food, enjoying your favorite beverage with friends and networking with the bankcard industry, the MWAA in Lombard next July is the place for you. People who come to the MWAA conference tell us we have the best managed regional show in bankcard. They say it is the best use of their hard-earned money and limited time for networking. We work really hard to deliver more value for the MLS, attendees and exhibitors.
I sell bankcard services to merchants for a living. Why should I take two or three days for the MWAA conference when I won't get paid for this time?
Well, it's really a bargain. As an MLS your advance registration is very inexpensive. If you drive in early Wednesday morning, stay a couple of nights at the hotel, that will be $330 plus tax. If you bring an industry buddy, share gas expenses and a room, you will have spent about $250 total each. Your meals, drinks and entertainment are all included in the MWAA conference fee. For that $250 you get some great ideas on how to sell better, some very solid information on how to make more money with new bankcard products and services and a lot of great contacts with people in our industry. Even if you learn tips and techniques that help you sell just five new accounts, you will have paid back the money you spent two or three times over. You might also win a great prize. And on top of that you will have had a great time with some very fun people. And who couldn't use a little more fun?
What are the steps to get registered? What about the registration codes?
First, if you qualify as an MLS or Attendee, you will need the registration codes for these two categories to complete the registration. We send out the registration codes to people who have previously attended the MWAA conference as MLS or Attendees. If you got an email from us, you should have the registration code in the email. If you didn't get an email with the registration code for your MLS or Attendee status, you must send us an email request by clicking on Contact Us at left. Please put registration code request in the subject line. Once you have the registration code, complete the registration. If you are an exhibitor, you do not need a registration code to register.
Second, after registering for the show, click Hotel and Travel Arrangements at the left. Here you will request a room from the special MWAA room block at the hotel. We recommend you plan to arrive on Tuesday night, July 21st, so you can take advantage of the Field Guide Seminar on Wednesday during the day. Once you have done these two things you only need to make your personal travel plans. Lombard is a very accessible suburb of Chicago and is served by all modes of transportation so you can drive, fly or take the train. You can easily get to Lombard from either O'Hare or Midway airport.
How do I know whether to register as an attendee or a vendor/exhibitor?
This is an important question. You can get complete information about our policies by clicking on MWAA Policies at left. To summarize, there are three important points. One: if you plan to solicit business or recruit agents or employees, you will have to register as an exhibitor/vendor. Second: any company that has exhibited at the MWAA show is considered an exhibitor/vendor from that point forward.
Third: exhibitor/vendors are not just companies that sell terminals or software. Any company that solicits, sells or recruits is a vendor. An attendee is anyone who is not an MLS and not a vendor/exhibitor. Attendees come to the conference to learn, observe, network and discuss industry trends. Attendees may not conduct business, solicit or recruit at the conference. Since a major part of our support comes from exhibitor/vendor fees, we have to carefully enforce these rules. Again, please check our complete rules under MWAA Policies.
Can I bring my spouse and kids to the conference?
Certainly you can bring your family to stay with you in the hotel. Please be aware of these stipulations for guests at the MWAA conference, however: We have visitor passes for spouses or an adult child who is not active in the industry. The first adult family member guest you bring to the conference is free. If you plan to bring more than one guest into the show, the charge is $100 per person per day, which covers the cost of food and beverages. We do not allow anyone under 18 in the exhibit space or in the meeting rooms. Also, since we serve alcoholic beverages during the receptions, younger patrons will be asked for ID.
What is the appropriate attire for the MWAA conference?
We ask people to wear "business casual." We have a relaxed professional atmosphere. There is no need for men to wear ties.
If you have further questions that we have not covered here, please Contact Us.
MWAA website sponsored by
