Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Business Planning, Forecasting & S&OP: Best Practices Conference is a premier event for professionals in demand planning and supply chain management.
Scheduled for October 20-23, 2026, at the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek, this conference will feature expert-led sessions, networking opportunities, and practical strategies to enhance forecasting and planning processes.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The Business Planning, Forecasting & S&OP: Best Practices Conference takes place from October 20-23, 2026, at Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek, Orlando, USA.
- 2Scale and Focus: This conference is designed for professionals in demand planning and supply chain management, featuring expert-led sessions and practical strategies.
- 3Organiser: The event is hosted by the Institute of Business Forecasting & Planning, known for its expertise in forecasting and planning.
- 4Entry: Registration is available online, with early bird pricing options.
- 5Location: Business Planning, Forecasting & S&OP: Best Practices Conference takes place in Orlando, USA. Venue: Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek. Scheduled 2026-10-20 to 2026-10-23.
Why visit
Attendees will gain valuable insights into the latest trends and practices in demand planning and S&OP. The conference offers networking opportunities with industry leaders and practitioners, expert-led sessions, and practical strategies to improve forecasting accuracy and operational efficiency. Dates and Venue: The Business Planning, Forecasting & S&OP: Best Practices Conference takes place from October 20-23, 2026, at Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek, Orlando,.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at this conference provides direct access to decision-makers in the demand planning and supply chain sectors. Buyer Authority: Attendees include supply chain leaders, demand planners, and executives looking to enhance their forecasting processes. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Companies offering demand planning software and tools, Consulting firms specializing in S&OP and forecasting, Technology providers showcasing AI and analytics solutions.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Demand planners and forecasting analysts from CPG, retail, food and beverage, and industrial manufacturers who compare statistical, machine-learning, and consensus forecasting approaches.
S&OP and Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process owners who run monthly consensus cycles and want maturity benchmarks against peer companies.
Supply chain directors and vice presidents evaluating planning suites, demand sensing platforms, and inventory optimisation modules for multi-site operations.
Data science and advanced analytics leads assessing AI/ML forecasting engines, forecast value added measurement, and model governance.
Supply chain technology and master data managers scoping planning system integrations with ERP, data lakes, and reporting stacks.
Finance and business planning partners who connect the demand plan to revenue, margin, and working-capital targets.
Consultants and systems integrators benchmarking planning methodologies, delivery approaches, and partner ecosystems.
Academics, trainers, and certification candidates in business forecasting, demand planning, and S&OP who attend to follow applied practice.
Retail and distributor planning teams working on short-lifecycle, promotional, and multi-echelon replenishment problems.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Demand planning and forecasting software vendors demonstrating statistical baselines, ML models, and consensus forecasting workflows.
S&OP and Integrated Business Planning platform providers showing process orchestration, scenario modelling, and cross-functional collaboration.
Demand sensing and analytics providers using POS, distributor sell-through, and syndicated data to adjust short-horizon forecasts.
Inventory optimisation and replenishment specialists covering multi-echelon networks, safety stock, and service-level trade-offs.
ERP and data platform vendors with planning modules plus integration, master data, and API tooling.
Consultancies and systems integrators delivering S&OP/IBP process design, planning diagnostics, and transformation programmes.
Training and certification bodies offering forecasting, demand planning, and S&OP qualifications.
AI/ML tool and service companies offering forecast accuracy benchmarking, override governance, and model monitoring.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Statistical and AI/ML demand forecasting software
S&OP and Integrated Business Planning (IBP) platforms
Demand sensing, POS, and syndicated data analytics
Inventory optimisation, replenishment, and multi-echelon planning tools
Supply chain planning suites and ERP-integrated planning modules
Scenario planning, simulation, and demand risk analytics
Master data management, data integration, and planning data platforms
Forecast accuracy measurement, FVA, and model governance tooling
Forecasting and planning training, certification, and advisory services
Location & Facilities
Venue
Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
Orlando, USA
Facilities
Parking
Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek in Orlando 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: Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek in Orlando 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 Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
Institute of Business Forecasting & Planning
Organiser
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Orlando, USA
Why it matters
Attending Business Planning, Forecasting & S&OP: Best Practices Conference on 2026-10-20 to 2026-10-23 in Orlando lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official 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.
Orlando International
Primary international gateway for Orlando and the shortest transfer to the Bonnet Creek resort district. Taxi or rideshare to the venue area is roughly USD 35-75. Allow extra time at peak check-in hours and on arrival day
Approx. 24 km
to venue
Approx. 25-45 min by road depending on traffic
by car
Orlando Sanford International
Secondary Orlando gateway north of the city, used mainly by some low-cost and European carriers. It is farther from Bonnet Creek than MCO, so expect a longer and more expensive ground transfer; confirm transfer options and live fares before booking
to venue
Approx. 50-70 min by road (estimate; confirm live routing)
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites - Waterpark by IHG
3-star
OrlandoGuest rating 3.8; amenities include breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, paid parking, outdoor pool, air conditioning, pet-friendly rooms, fitness centre, and a bar. Family-oriented property, so confirm quiet-room preferences at booking.
Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
Resort, 4-star class
Bonnet CreekVenue property and the shortest transfer to the session rooms; the Google Hotels grid showed it about 2.4 km from the cluster of nearby hotels. Approximate resort-tier October planning band - confirm conference rates directly with the hotel.
Grand Hotel Kissimmee at Celebration
3-star
Kissimmee / CelebrationGuest rating 3.7; part of the same wide hotel search around the Bonnet Creek venue cluster. Cheaper than the resort property but adds drive time each day; confirm parking and shuttle options.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi / rideshare
Estimated costApprox. USD 35-75 per vehicle
Best forOrlando International (MCO) to Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
Approx. 25-45 min by road depending on traffic; Primary international gateway for Orlando and the shortest transfer to the Bonnet Creek resort district. Taxi or rideshare to the venue area is roughly USD 35-75. Allow extra time at peak check-in hours and on arrival day.
taxi / rideshare
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forOrlando Sanford International (SFB) to Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
Sanford is the secondary Orlando gateway and noticeably farther north, so the transfer costs more and takes longer than from MCO. Pre-book or confirm an app quote before travelling.
shared shuttle
Estimated costApprox. USD 20-40 per person (estimate; confirm with provider)
Best forMCO to Lake Buena Vista / Bonnet Creek resort corridor
Shared shuttle operators serve the Disney-area and Bonnet Creek resort corridor and are cheaper than a private transfer but run on set schedules. Book in advance and check whether your hotel is on the route.
local bus
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forLYNX routes serving International Drive and the wider Orlando resort area
LYNX covers the International Drive corridor but does not run directly into the private Bonnet Creek resort complex, so the final leg is usually a short rideshare.
trolley
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forI-Ride Trolley along International Drive
Useful for attendees staying on International Drive who want to reach restaurants and shops in the evening; it does not serve the Bonnet Creek venue directly.
Weather
October is one of the more comfortable months in central Florida: warm, humid days around 28-30 °C and mild evenings around 19-21 °C, with a real chance of short, heavy afternoon thunderstorms. The Atlantic hurricane season runs to 30 November, so watch forecasts in the week before travel and build buffer time into arrival day. These are climatological planning bands rather than a forecast - check a live forecast before departure.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
US mobile networks (AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon) cover Orlando and the Bonnet Creek resort district well; visitors from outside North America should confirm roaming with their home operator or buy a prepaid SIM or eSIM, which can be picked up at MCO on arrival. Conference Wi-Fi is usually provided in session rooms - collect the network name and password at registration. US power is 120 V at 60 Hz with type A and B plugs, so bring a plug adapter for UK, EU, and Australian devices.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Business casual is the norm at planning and forecasting conferences; a jacket or light layer helps in heavily air-conditioned session rooms.
Tipping
Tipping is expected in the United States: around 15-20 percent at sit-down restaurants and a small tip for rideshare drivers and hotel staff. Check whether a service charge is already included.
Arrival and badges
Arrive early on day one for badge pickup and to get oriented in the Bonnet Creek resort complex, where walking distances between the hotel towers, meeting space, and parking are larger than at a downtown conference centre.
Driving and tolls
Traffic drives on the right. Central Florida travel relies on tolled expressways, so a rental car usually needs a toll transponder or a pay-by-plate arrangement; confirm this with the rental company.
Language and currency
English is the working language of the conference and the US dollar is the currency. Cards and mobile payments are accepted almost everywhere, including taxis and rideshare.
Sales tax
Displayed prices in Florida often exclude sales tax, which is added at checkout. Check hotel folios and restaurant bills for the final total.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: MCO
Book into Orlando International (MCO) when possible, since it is the shortest transfer to the Bonnet Creek venue; compare Orlando Sanford (SFB) only if the fare gap is material, as the ground transfer is longer and more expensive. Samples captured for this edition included a New York JFK nonstop of about 3 hours, a London LHR nonstop of about 9 hours 45 minutes, Tokyo NRT at about 16 hours with one stop, Sydney SYD at about 20 hours with one stop, and Dubai DXB at about 23 hours with one stop. Fares were not captured for these routes, so check live prices, and note that the cheapest booking window is usually about one to three months before departure. Allow a buffer on arrival day and confirm the October programme dates at ibf.org before ticketing.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Orlando International (MCO): Approx. 25-45 min by road depending on traffic; Orlando Sanford International (SFB): Approx. 50-70 min by road (estimate; confirm live routing). Allow road or rail time to Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek: Orlando: Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites - Waterpark by IHG; Bonnet Creek: Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek; Kissimmee / Celebration: Grand Hotel Kissimmee at Celebration.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft both operate at Orlando International (MCO), Sanford (SFB), along International Drive, and in the Bonnet Creek resort area, with airport pickup on the arrivals level. The MCO to Bonnet Creek trip typically costs about USD 35-75 depending on the time of day and demand. Expect longer waits right after large sessions end, and confirm the pickup point inside the resort complex with your driver.
Public transit: Orlando's LYNX bus network and the I-Ride Trolley serve the International Drive tourist corridor and connect parts of the resort area, with approximate single-ride fares around USD 2 and a small day-pass premium. Neither runs directly into the private Bonnet Creek resort complex, so most conference attendees use rideshare, a shuttle, or a rental car for the final leg. Confirm current routes and fares with LYNX and I-Ride and allow extra journey time.
Parking: Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek has on-site parking for guests and day visitors, and resort self-parking fees commonly apply and are settled at the property. Confirm the current daily rate, gate access, and whether conference attendees receive validation or a reduced event rate with the venue or the organiser before you drive.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Temperature: Approx. 19-30 °C (about 66-86 °F) across the day, with the warmest hours in the afternoon and humid conditions throughout. This is a climatological planning band, not a forecast - confirm the live outlook before travel.
Seasonality: October sits late in the Atlantic hurricane season (June to November), and short, heavy afternoon thunderstorms are common in central Florida. Build buffer time into outdoor transfers and arrival day, and monitor forecasts in the week before departure.
Packing: Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for warm, humid days; a light jacket or sweater for heavily air-conditioned session rooms; comfortable walking shoes for a large resort property; a compact umbrella or rain shell for afternoon storms; and a US type A or B plug adapter for devices from the UK, EU, or Australia. Business casual covers sessions and evening networking.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Business Planning, Forecasting & S&OP: Best Practices Conference usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Day -14: Register and review the programme at ibf.org, then pick the tracks that match your role: demand planning and forecasting, S&OP/IBP, or supply chain analytics.
T-2
Day -14: Book your room early. The Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek is the venue property, with 3-star options in Lake Buena Vista, Celebration, and Kissimmee a short drive away.
T-3
Day -13: Book flights into Orlando International (MCO) rather than Sanford (SFB) unless the fare gap is material, and allow an approximate 25-45 minute ground transfer to Bonnet Creek.
T-4
Day -12: Check whether you need a US visa or ESTA and start the application now; request an invitation letter if your embassy asks for one.
T-5
Day -10: Download the conference app or agenda PDF and shortlist the practitioner case studies from CPG, retail, and industrial planning teams.
T-6
Day -7: Write down the questions you want answered: forecast accuracy benchmarks, override governance, planning system integration, and AI model deployment.
T-7
Day -7: Set up a note or lead-capture method for the solution showcase so vendor conversations turn into follow-ups.
T-8
Day -5: Check the October Orlando forecast and pack for warm humid days plus heavily air-conditioned session rooms.
T-9
Day -3: Confirm your airport transfer and save the venue address for rideshare pickup and drop-off.
T-10
Day -2: Download your registration confirmation and carry photo ID for badge pickup.
T-11
Day -1: Arrive early enough to collect your badge and settle in; registration desks are busiest on the first morning.
Day 0
Wear business casual, carry a charger and business cards, and block time in the exhibit hall between sessions.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Business Planning, Forecasting & S&OP: Best Practices Conference registration concourse
Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
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$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Business Planning, Forecasting & S&OP: Best Practices Conference fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where does this IBF conference take place?
The event is set for October 2026 at the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek in Orlando, Florida; the hotel and flight samples captured for this listing were priced around 20-23 October 2026. Confirm the final dates, session times, and registration window at ibf.org.
Who attends this event?
The audience is planning and supply chain professionals: demand planners, forecast analysts, S&OP and IBP process owners, supply chain directors and vice presidents, supply chain analytics and data science leads, consultants, and planning faculty and certification candidates.
Is the conference open to the public or is it a business event?
It is a business-to-business conference for planning and supply chain practitioners and solution providers rather than a consumer event. Registration categories, group rates, and any member or team discounts are set by the organiser, so check the current fees on ibf.org before booking travel.
What topics are covered in the programme?
Expect demand planning and forecasting methods, S&OP and IBP process design, forecast accuracy and FVA measurement, demand sensing, inventory and replenishment optimisation, AI/ML forecasting, and practitioner case studies from CPG, retail, and industrial planning teams.
Which airport should I fly into for the Bonnet Creek venue?
Orlando International (MCO) is the primary gateway and the shortest transfer to the Bonnet Creek resort district. Orlando Sanford International (SFB) is a secondary, farther-north airport used by some low-cost and European carriers and needs a longer, more expensive transfer.
How do I get from MCO to the venue?
Taxis and rideshare from MCO to the Bonnet Creek area typically run about USD 35-75 with an approximate 25-45 minute road transfer depending on traffic. Shared shuttle services also serve the Lake Buena Vista and Bonnet Creek resort corridor; these are approximate figures, so confirm live fares before travel.
Where should I stay near the venue?
The Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek is the venue property. Alternatives used by attendees include the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Lake Buena Vista, the Holiday Inn & Suites Orlando SW in the Celebration area, the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites - Waterpark, and Grand Hotel Kissimmee at Celebration. Approximate October planning bands are USD 100-180 per night for 3-star rooms and USD 200-330 for the resort; confirm live rates.
What is the dress code and what is the weather like?
Business casual works for sessions and evening networking. October in central Florida is warm and humid, roughly 19-30 °C across the day, with short afternoon thunderstorms possible, so pack a light layer for air-conditioned meeting rooms and an umbrella.
Is parking available at the venue?
Yes, the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek has on-site parking for guests and day visitors, and resort self-parking fees commonly apply. Confirm the current daily rate, gate access, and any conference validation with the venue or organiser before you drive.
Do I need a visa, and can I get an invitation letter?
Most international attendees need a US visa or, if eligible, travel under the Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA. Organisers commonly issue invitation letters for visa interviews, so request one after registering and confirm current requirements with the US embassy or consulate in your country.
Can I attend sessions remotely or get recordings?
No streaming or on-demand option is confirmed in the sources for this listing, so ask the organiser directly whether sessions are recorded or streamed before deciding not to travel.
How many days should I plan for the trip?
Plan for arrival the day before the opening session if you are flying into MCO, two to three full days on the programme, and a buffer on departure day. Badge pickup and the exhibit hall are busiest on the first morning, so an early arrival on day one helps.
Glossary
- S&OP (Sales and Operations Planning)
- A recurring management process that balances demand, supply, and financial plans; at this conference it appears as monthly cycle design, meeting cadence, and maturity benchmarking.
- IBP (Integrated Business Planning)
- The extension of S&OP into a financially aligned planning cycle spanning demand, supply, inventory, and strategy, usually paired with planning platform selection and supply chain analytics.
- Demand planning
- Building a unit-level forecast by item, customer, and location by blending statistical baselines with commercial and market intelligence.
- Statistical baseline forecast
- A forecast produced from historical demand patterns, trend, and seasonality before human overrides or machine-learning adjustments are applied.
- Consensus forecast
- The single demand number agreed across sales, marketing, finance, and supply chain inside the S&OP cycle.
- Forecast value added (FVA)
- A measurement that compares a forecast against a naive benchmark to show whether a process step, model, or human override actually improved accuracy.
- Forecast accuracy and error metrics
- Measures such as MAPE, weighted MAPE, and bias used to score forecast quality at SKU, customer, and aggregate level.
- Demand sensing
- Using short-cycle signals such as POS data, distributor sell-through, and incoming orders to adjust the near-term forecast inside the planning horizon.
- Forecast bias
- A systematic tendency to over- or under-forecast, tracked separately from random error because it drives excess inventory or service failures.
- Multi-echelon inventory optimisation (MEIO)
- Setting safety stock and replenishment rules across plants, distribution centres, and stores as one network rather than site by site.
- Scenario planning and what-if simulation
- Modelling alternative demand, supply, and cost assumptions to test how resilient a plan is before the number is committed.
- CPFR (Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment)
- A retailer-supplier collaboration model for sharing forecasts, promotions, and replenishment plans.
- AI/ML forecasting
- Machine-learning models that combine internal demand history with external drivers such as promotions, weather, and economic signals to improve accuracy at scale.
- Planning data platform and master data
- The integration and master data layer that supplies clean item, customer, and hierarchy data to forecasting and S&OP systems.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Business Planning, Forecasting & S&OP: Best Practices Conference
- Business Planning, Forecasting & S&OP: Best Practices Conference 2026
- Business Planning, Forecasting & S&OP: Best Practices Conference Orlando
- Business Planning, Forecasting & S&OP: Best Practices Conference Orlando 2026
- Business Planning
- Business Planning 2026
- Business Planning Orlando
- Business Planning Orlando 2026
- Forecasting
- Forecasting 2026
10 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.