Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The International Association of Movers Annual Meeting and Expo is a premier event for professionals in the moving industry.
Scheduled for October 21, 2026, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, this event will feature discussions on the latest trends and innovations in the sector.
Attendees will have the opportunity to network with industry leaders and gain valuable insights to enhance their business operations.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The International Association of Movers Annual Meeting and Expo takes place on October 21, 2026, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event gathers industry leaders and professionals from the global moving sector to discuss trends and innovations.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by the International Association of Movers (IAM), a key player in the moving industry.
- 4Entry: Registration is now open for participants interested in joining this pivotal industry event.
Why visit
Location: International Association of Movers Annual Meeting and Expo takes place in San Diego, USA.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will gain visibility among key decision-makers in the moving industry, showcasing their products and services to a targeted audience. This event gathers industry leaders and professionals from the global moving sector to discuss trends and innovations. Attendees include movers, logistics providers, and industry suppliers looking to network and enhance their operations.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Moving company executives and managers
Logistics and supply chain professionals
Industry suppliers and service providers
Regulatory and compliance officers
Marketing and sales representatives in the moving sector
Technology providers for logistics solutions
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Moving companies and van lines
Logistics service providers
Suppliers of moving equipment and materials
Technology firms specializing in logistics solutions
Consultants in the moving and logistics industry
Training and certification organizations
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Moving and storage services
Logistics and supply chain solutions
Packing materials and equipment
Transportation services for household goods
Technology solutions for the moving industry
Insurance and risk management services
Location & Facilities
Venue
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
San Diego, USA
Facilities
Parking
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego in San Diego 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: Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego in San Diego 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 Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
International Association of Movers (IAM)
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
San Diego, USA
Why it matters
On 2026-10-21 to 2026-10-21, International Association of Movers Annual Meeting and Expo in San Diego covering Moving and storage services, Logistics and supply chain solutions, Packing materials and equipment, Transportation servi gives technology 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.
San Diego International
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Baymont by Wyndham San Diego Downtown
budget
Downtown San DiegoApprox. 1.4 km from Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego to venueApproximate October 2026 nightly range; 2-star hotel with free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking and kitchen in rooms. Confirm rate and cancellation policy before booking.
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown
midscale
Downtown San DiegoNear Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego (approx. 1.5 km) to venueApproximate October 2026 nightly range; 3-star hotel with free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, paid parking, outdoor pool and fitness center. Rates can rise on downtown convention dates.
Hotel Z
midscale
Downtown San DiegoApprox. 870 m from Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego to venueApproximate October 2026 nightly range; 3-star, smoke-free, pet-friendly boutique hotel. Guest rating was strong at capture time, but confirm current rate directly.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Diego Mission Bay
midscale
Mission Bay10-15 min by rideshare to Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego to venueApproximate October 2026 nightly range; 3-star with free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool and hot tub. Not walkable to the venue.
Handlery Hotel San Diego
midscale
Hotel Circle / Mission Valley area10-15 min by rideshare to Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego to venueApproximate October 2026 nightly range; 3-star eco-certified hotel with paid parking, outdoor pool and hot tub. Budget for a short daily rideshare.
The Davis Downtown San Diego
upscale
Downtown San DiegoDowntown San Diego; short walk or rideshare to the venue to venueApproximate October 2026 nightly range; 4-star hotel flagged for an excellent downtown location in Google Hotels results. Confirm rate and room type directly.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi / rideshare
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from SAN to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forSan Diego International (SAN) to Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Use the airport taxi rank or designated rideshare pickup area. Traffic on Harbor Drive can add time during peak hours.
bus
Estimated costApprox. USD 2.50 one-way adult fare (PRONTO; confirm current fare)
Best forMTS Route 992 from SAN to downtown San Diego
Route 992 connects the airport with downtown. Pay with a PRONTO card or app, then walk or transfer to the Trolley for the venue.
tram / trolley
Estimated costApprox. USD 2.50 one-way adult fare (confirm current fare)
Best forSan Diego Trolley Green Line to Convention Center station
Convention Center station is a short walk from the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. Check MTS service hours before relying on late-night trolleys.
walking
Estimated costUSD 0
Best forDowntown hotels to Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Hotel Z is about 870 m away, Baymont about 1.4 km and Holiday Inn Express about 1.5 km; these are 10-20 min walks depending on pace and crossings.
parking
Estimated costApprox. USD 35-55 per day (confirm current rate)
Best forManchester Grand Hyatt San Diego and downtown garages
Hotel and venue parking is usually paid. Event valet or special rates may apply; check with the venue or hotel before arrival.
Weather
October in San Diego is mild and mostly dry, with daytime highs around 22-26 C (72-79 F), cooler evenings near the waterfront and occasional morning marine layer. Rain is uncommon but not impossible; pack a light layer.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
U.S. mobile networks use GSM/LTE/5G; check that your handset supports U.S. bands. eSIM plans from major U.S. carriers are widely available online and at SAN. Venue Wi-Fi is usually available for attendees, but confirm access with IAM registration. Bring a U.S. Type A/B power adapter if your plug is different.
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 standard for IAM sessions and the exhibition; a jacket is optional. Bring one smarter outfit for evening receptions or waterfront dinners.
Tipping
Restaurant bills usually do not include service. Tip 15-20% at sit-down restaurants and a few dollars per bag for hotel staff.
Around the venue
The Manchester Grand Hyatt sits next to Seaport Village and the downtown waterfront. The Gaslamp Quarter and Petco Park are a short walk or rideshare away.
Meeting etiquette
Sessions generally start on time, and business cards are still useful for agent-to-agent follow-up. State your trade lanes and volumes clearly when introducing your company.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: SAN
Book into SAN for the shortest transfer to downtown. LAX is a secondary option but adds roughly 2-2.5 hours by road. Arrive the day before the meeting starts to allow for registration and badge pickup. October is a busy convention month in San Diego, so book flights and hotel together.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: San Diego International (SAN). Allow road or rail time to Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego: Downtown San Diego: Baymont by Wyndham San Diego Downtown; Downtown San Diego: Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown; Downtown San Diego: Hotel Z.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate in San Diego. Use the designated pickup area at SAN terminals; downtown rides are short. Approx. USD 18-30 from SAN to the venue and USD 8-15 for downtown hotel-to-venue trips. Confirm in-app fares before requesting.
Public transit: MTS Route 992 runs between SAN and downtown San Diego; the San Diego Trolley Green Line serves Convention Center station near the venue. Use a PRONTO card or app; adult single fare is approx. USD 2.50. Check MTS schedules for service hours.
Parking: Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego and nearby downtown garages offer paid parking, typically approx. USD 35-55 per day; valet and event rates may be higher. Confirm current rates with the venue or hotel before arrival.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Temperature: Daytime highs 22-26 C (72-79 F); overnight lows 14-17 C (57-63 F)
Seasonality: One of the drier months in San Diego. Morning marine layer is possible, and rain is uncommon but not impossible.
Packing: Pack light layers, a jacket for the evening sea breeze and comfortable walking shoes. Bring business casual clothing for sessions and one smart outfit for receptions. A reusable water bottle is useful for long days at the venue.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at International Association of Movers Annual Meeting and Expo usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Day 14
Confirm your IAM Annual Meeting registration and save the confirmation; check whether badges are mailed or collected at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego.
Day 13
Book a SAN airport transfer or check MTS Route 992 and Trolley Green Line schedules for the venue.
Day 12
Save your hotel confirmation and note the walking route to the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego.
Day 10
Review the IAM programme and mark sessions on international moving, customs and relocation management that fit your lane.
Day 9
Build a target list of agents and exhibitors by country or trade lane; request meetings before the show floor opens.
Day 8
Check passport validity and, if needed, ESTA or B-1 visa status for U.S. entry.
Day 7
Pack business casual clothing, comfortable shoes, business cards and a light jacket for waterfront evenings.
Day 5
Download the IAM app or save the schedule to your phone; note any reception or networking events.
Day 3
Confirm airport pickup or rideshare plan and allow 10-15 min from SAN to downtown.
Day 2
Check in for your flight and confirm the hotel address and parking cost if you are driving.
Day 1
Collect your badge, attend any first-time attendee orientation and keep the first afternoon free for meetings.
T-12
During the show: Keep a daily note of agent leads, lane coverage and follow-up actions for the week after the meeting.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2International Association of Movers Annual Meeting and Expo registration concourse
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
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 International Association of Movers Annual Meeting and Expo fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For International Association of Movers Annual Meeting and Expo, 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 Moving and storage services and Logistics and supply chain solutions solutions and benchmarking suppliers at International Association of Movers Annual Meeting and Expo in San Diego.
Min. budget
$500.00
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 Moving and storage services and Logistics and supply chain solutions products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,250.00
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 San Diego show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- Household goods (HHG) shipment
- Personal belongings moved from one residence to another, typically handled by a moving company under a bill of lading.
- Door-to-door move
- A move arranged from the origin residence to the destination residence, with origin agent, linehaul and destination agent coordinated under one contract.
- Origin agent
- The moving company that surveys, packs and loads the shipment at the origin.
- Destination agent
- The moving company that receives, customs-clears where applicable, delivers and unpacks the shipment at destination.
- Van line
- A network of moving agents operating under a common brand and linehaul system, often used for interstate and international household goods.
- Relocation management company (RMC)
- A firm that manages employee relocation programmes for corporate clients, including policy, supplier selection and expense tracking.
- Destination service provider (DSP)
- A local supplier that delivers services such as home search, temporary housing, immigration support and settling-in for relocating employees.
- Bill of lading (BOL)
- The transport document that serves as receipt, contract and, for certain shipments, title; it lists the goods and terms of carriage.
- Volume survey or cube sheet
- An inventory and measurement of household goods used to estimate weight or volume and price a move.
- Accessorial charges
- Charges for services beyond basic transport, such as stair carries, long carries, shuttle, crating or storage.
- Advance charges
- Funds paid by the shipper or origin agent to the destination agent before delivery, often to cover customs duties or destination services.
- Third-party service provider (TPSP)
- An outside supplier used by a mover or RMC to perform part of a move, such as packing, storage, customs brokerage or vehicle transport.
- Military move
- A household goods relocation under a government contract or tender, subject to specific packing, invoicing and inspection rules.
- Agency network
- The group of overseas partners a mover relies on for origin, destination and transit services.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- International Association of Movers Annual Meeting and Expo 2026
- International Association of Movers Annual Meeting and Expo San Diego
- International Association 2026
- International Association San Diego 2026
- Movers Annual Meeting 2026
- Movers Annual Meeting San Diego 2026
- Expo San Diego 2026
- San Diego USA
- Moving and storage services
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.