Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Arizona Wedding Show is Arizona's largest wedding expo, held twice a year at the Phoenix Convention Center. This event connects engaged couples with top wedding professionals, offering a unique opportunity to compare services, gather ideas, and book vendors.
With over 175 exhibitors, attendees can explore the latest trends, enjoy runway fashion shows, and take advantage of exclusive show-only specials. Arizona Wedding Show takes place in Phoenix, United States.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The Arizona Wedding Show takes place on January 9-10, 2027, at the Phoenix Convention Center.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is Arizona's largest wedding expo, featuring over 175 wedding professionals.
- 3Organiser: Produced by Kim Horn, a Master Wedding Planner, the show connects couples with top vendors.
- 4Buyer Authority: Engaged couples and their families attend to explore options and make informed decisions.
- 5Entry / Access: Tickets are available online for $12-$18, with early registration discounts.
Why visit
The Arizona Wedding Show is Arizona's largest wedding expo, held twice a year at the Phoenix Convention Center. Engaged couples and their families attend to explore options and make informed decisions.
Why exhibit
Meet qualified buyers and partners including Wedding and reception venues,. Engaged couples and their families attend to explore options and make informed decisions.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Engaged couples in the early shortlisting phase, typically 6-18 months from their wedding date
Couples who already booked a venue and are now selecting photographers, florists, DJs and catering add-ons
Parents and family members helping to fund or co-plan the wedding and comparing packages alongside the couple
Bridal party members and maid-of-honour groups gathering ideas for showers, dresses and reception decor
Couples planning destination or Arizona desert weddings who need local vendor contacts
Same-sex couples looking for inclusive-friendly venues, officiants and photographers
Recently engaged attendees who come for inspiration before setting a firm date or budget
Budget-conscious couples comparing package pricing in person instead of booking from directories
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Wedding and reception venues, including ballrooms, resorts, ranches and desert estates, presenting capacity, dates and per-head packages
Bridal salons and menswear shops showing gown silhouettes, suit fits and trunk-show samples
Wedding photographers and videographers with sample albums, highlight reels and coverage packages
Caterers, cake designers and dessert vendors offering tastings and per-guest menu pricing
Florists and event decorators presenting ceremony arches, centrepieces, tablescapes and rental inventory
DJs, live bands, string quartets and MC services demonstrating reception entertainment formats
Wedding planners and day-of coordinators selling full-service and partial planning tiers
Officiants, hair and makeup artists, transportation and photo-booth vendors rounding out the supplier list
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Bridal gowns, veils, accessories and bridesmaid dress collections
Menswear, suits, tuxedos and groom-party outfitting
Wedding and reception venues with capacity, date availability and catering-inclusive packages
Catering menus, cake designs, dessert tables and tasting appointments
Wedding photography, videography, drone coverage and photo-booth services
Floral design, ceremony arches, centrepieces and event decor rentals
Wedding planning, day-of coordination and destination wedding services
Reception entertainment including DJs, live bands, string ensembles and lighting
Hair, makeup and beauty styling for the couple and wedding party
Invitations, stationery, signage and calligraphy
Transportation, limousines, shuttles and guest logistics
Officiants, ceremony extras and favour or gift vendors
Location & Facilities
Venue
Phoenix Convention Center
33 South 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Facilities
Parking
Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Phoenix Convention Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
General admission
Early Online Admission
12General admission
Day of Show Online Admission
15General admission
Two-Day Early Online Admission
15General admission
Two-Day Day of Show Online Admission
18
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Phoenix, United States
Why it matters
On 2027-01-09 to 2027-01-10, Arizona Wedding Show in Phoenix covering Bridal gowns and menswear for all wedding styles, Catering services including cakes and menu tastings, Photography and v gives food buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Phoenix Sky Harbor
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Hotel San Carlos
3-star
Downtown Phoenix630 m from Phoenix Convention Center (approx. 8-minute walk) to venueUSD 105–132 / night
Historic downtown property and the closest captured option to the hall; free parking is unusual for the district, useful if you drive from the airport.
Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Downtown
3-star
Downtown Phoenix680 m from Phoenix Convention Center (approx. 9-minute walk) to venueUSD 105–132 / night
Breakfast-inclusive chain option with a bar and restaurant on site; convenient for a two-night show weekend without needing a car.
Valley Inn Downtown Phoenix
2-star
Downtown Phoenix970 m from Phoenix Convention Center (approx. 12-minute walk) to venueUSD 160–216 / night
Budget-tier property with free parking, but the captured nightly band ran higher than nearby three-stars, so compare total cost including parking before booking.
FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel
4-star
Downtown PhoenixApprox. 1.5-2 km from Phoenix Convention Center (short rideshare or 20-25 minute walk) to venueUSD 160–197 / night
Four-star design property rated 4.2 in the hotel capture and flagged as discounted versus its usual rate; distance to the hall was not captured, so budget for a short rideshare.
Downtown Phoenix mid-tier chain hotels (Renaissance, Hyatt Place, Residence Inn cluster)
3-4 star
Downtown Phoenix coreTypically 400-1200 m from Phoenix Convention Center to venueUSD 130–210 / night
Directional band for the wider downtown cluster rather than a single quoted property; January is peak Phoenix season, so book refundable rates early.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Valley Metro Rail (light rail)
Estimated costApprox. USD 2.00 one-way, approx. USD 4.00 all-day pass (estimate; confirm fares with Valley Metro)
Best forDowntown Phoenix stations to Phoenix Convention Center
Light rail runs through downtown Phoenix with stops within a short walk of the convention centre. Buy a fare at station machines or via the Valley Metro app and validate before boarding.
PHX Sky Train
Estimated costFree between terminals and the 44th Street station
Best forPhoenix Sky Harbor terminals to 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station
Automated airport train connecting terminals; at 44th Street you transfer to Valley Metro Rail for the downtown run to the convention centre district.
taxi / rideshare
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from PHX to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forPhoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) to Phoenix Convention Center
Roughly 8 km airport-to-downtown transfer, typically 15-25 minutes depending on traffic. Pick-up areas at PHX are signed by terminal; confirm the rideshare zone before exiting baggage claim.
rideshare short hop
Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forDowntown Phoenix hotel to Phoenix Convention Center
Worth it only in summer heat or with heavy display materials; hotels inside a kilometre are usually faster on foot than waiting for a car in downtown traffic.
Valley Metro bus
Estimated costApprox. USD 2.00 one-way local fare (estimate; confirm fares and routes with Valley Metro)
Best forDowntown Phoenix local bus routes to the convention centre district
Local bus routes serve downtown streets around the hall, but frequencies are lower than light rail; check the current timetable before relying on a bus for a timed entry slot.
walk
Estimated costFree
Best forDowntown Phoenix hotels to Phoenix Convention Center
Captured hotels sit 630-970 m from the hall, roughly 8-13 minutes on foot. Downtown blocks are short and shaded in parts, and January daytime temperatures suit walking.
parking (self-drive)
Estimated costApprox. USD 12-25 per day depending on garage and event rate (estimate; confirm posted rates)
Best forPhoenix Convention Center parking garages and nearby lots
Several garages serve the convention centre district and event-day pricing may apply; arrive early on show mornings because nearby lots fill quickly.
Weather
Phoenix is a Sonoran Desert city, and late January is one of the most comfortable windows of the year: expect bright, dry days with afternoon highs typically around 18-21 C (65-70 F) and overnight lows near 6-9 C (43-48 F). Rain is uncommon but not unheard of, and the desert cools sharply after sunset, so a light jacket is useful for the walk back to a downtown hotel. January is peak visitor season in the Phoenix metro, which is why hotel rates run higher than in summer. Treat these as climatological bands, not a forecast, and check a local forecast in the week before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Phoenix is well covered by US mobile networks (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) with 5G in the downtown core, and Phoenix Convention Center exhibitor packages typically offer wired or Wi-Fi internet as a paid booth service. International visitors should sort connectivity before landing: either an eSIM data plan activated pre-trip or a prepaid US SIM bought at the airport, since roaming charges from non-US carriers can be steep. US power is 120 V at 60 Hz with Type A and B plugs, so travellers from Europe or Asia need a plug adapter and often a voltage converter for appliances that are not dual-voltage. Download offline maps and your ticket QR code before entering the hall, as dense booth crowds can slow mobile data.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Dress and show floor tone
Phoenix is a casual-dress city and the Arizona Wedding Show is a consumer planning event, so smart casual is the norm for visitors; exhibitors usually wear branded or business-casual attire. A light layer matters in January because the desert cools quickly after sunset.
Tipping and payments
US tipping norms apply: 15-20 percent at restaurants, a dollar or two per drink at bars, and small amounts for hotel housekeeping. Cards and mobile wallets are accepted almost everywhere downtown, but carrying some cash helps for parking kiosks and small vendor deposits.
Punctuality and appointments
Vendor appointments, tastings and venue tours run on fixed time slots, so arrive a few minutes early. Queues at registration are longest in the first hour after doors open, and arriving early leaves the quieter afternoon for one-to-one conversations with photographers and venues.
Arizona time and heat etiquette
Arizona does not observe daylight saving, so Phoenix stays on Mountain Standard Time year-round; double-check meeting times if you are calling from a state that shifts. Even in January, carry water for walking between hotels and the hall, since desert air is dry.
Etiquette at a wedding planning show
Ask before photographing an exhibitor's sample album, gown or tablescape, and give vendors your wedding date and budget when you request a quote so their pricing is realistic. Providing an email address means you will receive follow-up marketing, so use the address you actually monitor.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: PHX
Book into Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) rather than Phoenix-Mesa Gateway (AZA) unless the fare difference is substantial, since PHX is about 8 km from downtown and connects to Valley Metro Rail via the free PHX Sky Train. January is peak season in the Phoenix metro, so fares and hotel rates rise; booking six to ten weeks out and travelling midweek usually lowers costs. Allow a buffer on departure day, as return security queues at PHX can be long on Sunday afternoons after a weekend event. Sample round-trip bands shown on this listing are approximate planning estimates, not live fares.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX). Allow road or rail time to Phoenix Convention Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Phoenix Convention Center: Downtown Phoenix: Hotel San Carlos; Downtown Phoenix: Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Downtown; Downtown Phoenix: Valley Inn Downtown Phoenix.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft both operate across the Phoenix metro, including pick-up zones at Phoenix Sky Harbor terminals and the downtown convention centre district. Typical airport-to-downtown trips run an approximate USD 20-30 and 15-25 minutes outside rush hour, while short hops between downtown hotels and the hall sit around USD 8-15. Surge pricing is common during large conventions and evening events, so compare both apps or walk if your hotel is inside a kilometre. Confirm your exact pick-up point on the app map, since the convention centre has multiple entrances on different streets.
Public transit: Valley Metro Rail is the practical transit backbone for the show, connecting downtown Phoenix with the wider metro and, via the free PHX Sky Train, with the airport at the 44th Street station. Downtown rail stops are a few minutes on foot from Phoenix Convention Center, and an all-day pass costs an approximate USD 4 (single ride approx. USD 2; confirm current fares with Valley Metro). Local bus routes also serve downtown streets, though frequencies are lower. The system is light-rail and bus rather than a metro subway, so plan for surface stops and walking; check the live timetable before relying on a timed connection to a tasting or venue tour.
Parking: Phoenix Convention Center is served by several downtown parking garages and surface lots within a few blocks, with event-day rates typically in the approximate USD 12-25 range depending on garage and duration (confirm posted rates on arrival). Arrive 30-45 minutes before doors open on show mornings, as nearby lots fill quickly during large events. If your hotel charges for parking, walking or light rail is usually cheaper than moving the car. For exhibitors unloading samples or display materials, ask the organiser about designated load-in access and short-term staging before driving into the district.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: January 2027
Temperature: Typical January range in Phoenix: afternoon highs around 18-21 C (65-70 F), overnight lows around 6-9 C (43-48 F). Climatological band, not a forecast; check the local forecast before travel.
Seasonality: January is one of the cooler and comparatively wetter months in the desert calendar, but rainfall is still light and usually short-lived. Expect dry, sunny days overall, chilly evenings, and low humidity; a light jacket and a compact umbrella cover the realistic worst case. January also falls in Phoenix's peak visitor season, which affects hotel availability and rates.
Packing: Typical January range in Phoenix: afternoon highs around 18-21 C (65-70 F), overnight lows around 6-9 C (43-48 F). Climatological band, not a forecast; check the local forecast before travel. January is one of the cooler and comparatively wetter months in the desert calendar, but rainfall is still l
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Arizona Wedding Show usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm the exact Arizona Wedding Show dates and door times on arizonaweddingshow.com and buy the early online ticket tier rather than paying day-of pricing.
T-2
Agree your wedding budget range and guest count with your partner and anyone contributing funds, so vendor conversations have a fixed frame.
T-3
Write a one-page brief: wedding date or target month, ceremony style, must-have vendors and the two or three decisions you most want to close at the show.
T-4
Shortlist the vendor categories you still need (venue, photographer, florist, catering, DJ) and mark which ones you will actively compare at Phoenix Convention Center.
T-5
Collect inspiration photos for florals, tablescapes and gown silhouettes into a single phone album to show exhibitors.
T-6
Check hotel rates for downtown Phoenix and book a refundable rate roughly two weeks out; properties within about a kilometre of the convention centre make the day walkable.
T-7
Plan the airport transfer: PHX Sky Train plus Valley Metro Rail into downtown, or a rideshare from Phoenix Sky Harbor taking roughly 15-25 minutes.
T-8
Download the Valley Metro fare information and load a transit pass or rideshare app before arrival so you are not sorting payments at the station.
T-9
Prepare a quote sheet with columns for vendor name, package inclusions, deposit amount, cancellation terms and follow-up date.
T-10
Charge your phone and pack a battery pack, since you will photograph displays and take notes through the day.
T-11
Check the Phoenix forecast a few days before travel; January days are mild but evenings near 6-9 C call for a jacket.
T-12
Confirm whether your chosen sessions, tastings or fashion shows need separate sign-up with the organiser before you travel.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Phoenix Convention Center
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Arizona Wedding Show registration concourse
Phoenix Convention Center
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Phoenix Convention Center
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$210.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$360.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
USD 12 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 12 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Arizona Wedding Show fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Arizona Wedding Show, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Bridal gowns and menswear for all wedding styles solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Arizona Wedding Show in Phoenix.
Min. budget
$600.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Bridal gowns and menswear for all wedding styles products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,700.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Phoenix show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is the Arizona Wedding Show and who is it for?
It is a consumer wedding planning show held at Phoenix Convention Center in downtown Phoenix, aimed at engaged couples and the family members helping them plan. Exhibitors span venues, bridal salons, photographers, caterers, florists, DJs, planners and other wedding suppliers, so attendees can compare several vendors in one visit.
When does the show take place?
The edition is scheduled for January 2027 at Phoenix Convention Center. Exact dates and door opening times should be confirmed on the organiser site, arizonaweddingshow.com, before you book flights or hotels.
Where is the show held and how do I get there?
Phoenix Convention Center sits in downtown Phoenix, roughly 8 km from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). The PHX Sky Train connects the terminals to the 44th Street station, where Valley Metro Rail continues into downtown; taxis and rideshares take about 15-25 minutes depending on traffic.
How much are tickets?
Captured ticket pricing shows USD 12 for early online admission and USD 15 for day-of-show online admission, with two-day passes at USD 15 early online and USD 18 day of show. Buy online in advance to pay the lower tier, and confirm current pricing on the organiser ticket page before purchase.
Is the show open to the public or trade only?
It is a public consumer wedding show, not a trade-only fair. Couples, family members and friends can attend with a ticket; businesses that want to exhibit should apply through the organiser rather than attend as buyers.
Can I bring my partner, parent or bridal party?
Yes. Tickets are sold per person, so each guest needs their own admission. Bringing the people who share the decision, such as a partner or a parent contributing to the budget, makes it easier to compare quotes on the spot.
What should I bring to the show?
Bring your wedding date (or target month), an approximate guest count, a budget range and any venue shortlist. A phone note or small notebook for quotes, plus inspiration photos for florists and photographers, keeps comparisons consistent across booths.
Can I book vendors on the day?
Many exhibitors take bookings and deposits at the show, but policies vary by vendor. Ask each supplier what the retainer amount is, whether it is refundable and what the cancellation terms are before paying anything.
How do I compare photographer or venue quotes fairly?
Ask for the same scope from every vendor: hours of coverage, number of delivered images or guests included, travel fees, overtime rates and what is excluded. Package pricing can hide add-ons that only show up in the contract, so request a written quote you can take away.
Is parking available at Phoenix Convention Center?
Yes, the convention centre district has parking garages and surface lots; rates are set by the operator and are typically charged per entry or per day. Confirm current rates and the closest garage entrance for your hall on the venue or organiser site before driving in.
How do I exhibit at the Arizona Wedding Show?
Exhibitor applications, booth options and floor details are handled by the organiser. Use the contact or exhibitor section of arizonaweddingshow.com to request current booth pricing and availability rather than relying on second-hand figures.
What is the weather like in Phoenix in January?
January is mild and dry in Phoenix, with typical afternoon highs around 18-21 C (65-70 F) and overnight lows near 6-9 C (43-48 F). Desert evenings cool down quickly, so bring a light jacket even though daytime walking between downtown hotels and the hall is comfortable.
Glossary
- Bridal expo (wedding show)
- A consumer event where engaged couples meet many wedding vendors in one hall, compare packages and collect quotes; the Arizona Wedding Show at Phoenix Convention Center follows this format rather than a trade-only model.
- First-time visitor rate
- The share of attendees who have not previously attended the show; the organiser reports 97% first-time visitors for this event, which is why exhibitors usually see new faces rather than repeat walk-bys.
- Save the date
- A pre-invitation card or digital note sent months ahead so guests can hold the wedding date; stationery exhibitors at the show typically price these separately from the main invitation suite.
- First look
- A planned moment where the couple sees each other in wedding attire before the ceremony, usually staged so a photographer can capture reactions away from guests.
- Day-of coordinator
- A planner hired to run logistics only on the wedding day, such as vendor arrivals, timeline and ceremony cues, rather than full planning from the engagement onward.
- Retainer (booking deposit)
- The upfront payment that reserves a vendor's date and turns a quote into a contract; couples comparing quotes at the show should ask what portion is refundable.
- Tasting
- A scheduled sampling session with a caterer or cake designer to finalise menu items and flavours, often included in a package after the contract is signed.
- Tablescape
- The full styling of a reception table, covering linens, chargers, glassware, centrepieces and place settings; florists and decor renters at the show display sample tablescapes.
- Escort card
- A card that tells each guest which table they are seated at, distinct from a place card that marks the individual seat.
- Site visit (venue walkthrough)
- An in-person tour of a venue with its coordinator to check capacity, ceremony and reception layouts, load-in access and rain or heat contingencies before signing.
- Package versus à la carte pricing
- A package bundles coverage hours, deliverables and extras at one price; à la carte pricing itemises each element so couples can compare vendors on like-for-like scope.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Arizona Wedding Show 2027
- Arizona Wedding Show Phoenix 2027
- Phoenix United States
- Wedding Expo Phoenix 2027
- Bridal gowns and menswear for all wedding styles
- Catering services including cakes and menu tastings
- Photography and videography services for weddings
- Wedding planning services and coordination
Trust footer
Sources
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References
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Publishers
0
Date checked
1
Arizona Wedding Show
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Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.