Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

Join the largest gathering of IBM Power professionals at POWERUp 2027 from April 26 to 29 in Denver, CO, featuring over 300 sessions and 100 speakers.
Dates
26–29 Apr 2027
City / country
Denver, CO, United States
Venue
Sheraton Denver Downtown
Time
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Event overview
POWERUp 2027 is where IBM professionals come together to connect, solve problems, and advance their careers. This four-day conference offers practical knowledge, networking opportunities, and a chance to engage with industry leaders.
Attendees can expect a diverse range of sessions covering the latest in IBM Power technology, hands-on learning, and valuable discussions. Common Annual Conference and Expo - POWERUp takes place in Denver, CO, United States.
TL;DR
POWERUp 2027 is COMMON's annual conference for the IBM i and IBM Power community, running 26-29 April 2027 at the Sheraton Denver Downtown in Denver, Colorado. Attendees include IT managers, developers, and decision-makers in the IBM i community.
Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience of IBM i professionals. This is a chance to engage directly with decision-makers and demonstrate how their solutions can address the challenges faced by attendees. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Vendors offering IBM i solutions and services, Companies providing training and educational resources, Technology providers specializing in IBM Power systems.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Denver, CO, United States
Sheraton Denver Downtown in Denver, CO 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: Sheraton Denver Downtown in Denver, CO 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 Sheraton Denver Downtown for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Event days & opening times
General admission
Super Early Bird rate for 2027 members with hotel
General admission
Super Early Bird rate for 2027 members without hotel
Who runs the show
Tim Rowe and
Organiser
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
On 2027-04-26 to 2027-04-29, Common Annual Conference and Expo - POWERUp in Denver, CO covering IBM Power systems and solutions, IBM i software and applications, Training and educational resources for IBM i, Consulti gives energy 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.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
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

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Denver International
to venue
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Sheraton Denver Downtown
USD 219–289 / night
Host hotel and conference venue in one, so sessions and the expo hall are an indoor walk away. Best choice if you want to minimize daily transit and can book early.
Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center
USD 235–305 / night
Full-service property about a 10-15 minute walk from the Sheraton Denver Downtown, with quick access to the 16th Street Mall shuttle.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Denver Downtown Convention Center
USD 205–265 / night
All-suite layout suits teams sharing accommodation or attendees who need a work area; walkable to the Sheraton.
Holiday Inn Express Denver Downtown by IHG
USD 175–220 / night
Captured amenities include free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, paid parking, fitness center and restaurant, with an excellent location score in the hotel capture. Good value if breakfast and walkability matter more than full service.
Hampton Inn & Suites Denver-Downtown
USD 180–228 / night
Captured amenities include free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, paid parking, indoor pool and fitness center; walkable to the Downtown convention core.
The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa
USD 295–420 / night
Historic Downtown property roughly a 10-minute walk from the Sheraton; a premium option for attendees combining the conference with a longer stay.
Hilton Garden Inn Denver/Cherry Creek
USD 165–210 / night
Captured amenities include paid breakfast, free Wi-Fi, paid parking, indoor pool, hot tub and fitness center. About 2 miles from the venue, so plan a daily rideshare or bus.
Courtyard by Marriott Denver Cherry Creek
USD 158–205 / night
Cherry Creek hotel with a paid breakfast option in the capture; a quieter base if you prefer to stay outside the Downtown core.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
commuter rail (RTD A Line)
The A Line runs directly between the airport and Union Station in about 37 minutes; from Union Station it is roughly a 15-20 minute walk to the Sheraton Denver Downtown. Buy the airport pass at station machines or via the RTD app.
bus or light rail (RTD local)
Useful for reaching Cherry Creek hotels or restaurants outside walking range. Light rail serves the Downtown loop and suburbs; the 16th Street Mall shuttle covers the free Downtown spine.
taxi
Roughly 35-50 minutes depending on I-70 and Peña Boulevard traffic. Taxi pickup is outside the Jeppesen Terminal; confirm the flat or metered rate with the driver before departure.
rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Follow airport signage to the designated rideshare pickup zone at the Jeppesen Terminal. Surge pricing is common during morning arrival banks and on conference move-in days.
rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
The practical option if you stay in Cherry Creek and commute to the Sheraton each morning; the trip is about 2 miles and should take 8-15 minutes outside peak traffic.
shuttle (16th Street MallRide)
Free shuttle along the 16th Street Mall connecting Union Station, the Downtown core and the convention district; useful for the walk from Union Station on arrival day.
walking
Flat Downtown route with sidewalks; the simplest option if you arrive on the A Line with light luggage and the weather is dry.
self-parking
The Sheraton Denver Downtown offers on-site parking at hotel-set rates. A car is not needed if you stay Downtown, since sessions, hotels and restaurants are walkable or on the free MallRide.
Weather
Late April in Denver is spring in transition: average highs near 16-18 C (60-65 F), lows near 1-4 C (34-39 F), strong sun at 1,609 m (5,280 ft) altitude and a realistic chance of a late-season snow shower. Plan layers, a compact rain shell and sunscreen; check the forecast in the final 72 hours before travel, as April storms can affect flights into DEN.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
US mobile networks (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) provide strong 5G coverage across Downtown Denver and at Denver International. International visitors should arrange a travel eSIM or local prepaid SIM before arrival, since some roaming plans throttle data. Power is 120 V at 60 Hz with Type A/B plugs, so European and Asian visitors need a plug adapter and, for sensitive electronics, a voltage converter. Hotel Wi-Fi is typically free in lobbies and included with many room rates; confirm whether the venue provides attendee Wi-Fi in session rooms and the expo hall.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Mile-high altitude
Denver sits at about 1,609 m (5,280 ft). Expect shortness of breath on stairs and a dry throat for the first day; drink more water than usual and moderate alcohol intake on arrival night.
Tipping
Restaurant servers typically receive 18-20 percent before tax, bartenders USD 2-3 per drink, and hotel housekeeping USD 2-5 per day. Tipping is expected rather than optional in sit-down service.
Business dress
Business casual is the norm at IBM i community events: collared shirts, jeans or chinos, and comfortable shoes for the walk between hotels and the Sheraton. Formal suits are rare outside vendor executive meetings.
Weather etiquette and layers
Locals dress in layers because spring mornings are cold and afternoons warm quickly. Carry a light rain shell and sunglasses; the high-altitude sun burns faster than visitors expect, even on cool days.
Getting around Downtown
Downtown Denver is compact and walkable, and the free 16th Street MallRide shuttle connects Union Station with the convention district. Keep right on escalators, and queue rather than crowd onto the shuttle at peak times.
Local food and drink culture
Denver has a dense craft brewery and brewpub scene, and many conference conversations move to taprooms after sessions. Reservations are advisable for dinner during large conventions, since Downtown restaurants fill quickly when a citywide event is running.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: DEN
Book into Denver International (DEN), the city's main airline gateway and a United hub with heavy Southwest, Frontier and Delta service. Captured Google Flights searches for the 26-29 April 2027 window showed nonstop service from London LHR at roughly 9 hr 50 min to 9 hr 55 min and from Tokyo NRT at about 10 hr 35 min, New York JFK nonstops at roughly 4 hr 37 min to 4 hr 44 min, and Sydney SYD requiring at least one connection via Vancouver. Fares were not captured for these dates, so compare live prices before booking. Google Flights flagged late December to late March as the usual cheaper booking window for the New York route, and marked current JFK prices high while London and Tokyo were listed as typical. Arrive a day early if you are flying long-haul: late-April snow in Denver can delay inbound aircraft.
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Denver International (DEN). Allow road or rail time to Sheraton Denver Downtown; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Sheraton Denver Downtown: Downtown Denver (host venue): Sheraton Denver Downtown; Downtown Denver: Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center; Downtown Denver: Embassy Suites by Hilton Denver Downtown Convention Center.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft both operate across Denver, including from Denver International Airport. At DEN, follow signage from the Jeppesen Terminal to the designated rideshare pickup zone rather than the taxi curb. Typical trips: DEN to Downtown roughly USD 45-70 depending on surge and traffic, and Downtown to Cherry Creek roughly USD 10-16. Conference weeks and late-April weather can trigger surge pricing, so check the fare estimate before confirming and allow 35-50 minutes from the airport.
Public transit: The Regional Transportation District (RTD) runs Denver's transit network. The A Line commuter rail connects Denver International Airport with Union Station in about 37 minutes, with an airport day pass around USD 10.50. Local bus and light rail trips run about USD 3.00 per single ride or roughly USD 5.50 for a local day pass. In the Downtown core, the 16th Street MallRide shuttle is free and links Union Station, the shopping district and the convention area; from Union Station the Sheraton Denver Downtown is a 15-20 minute walk. Fares and schedules change, so confirm on the RTD site or app before travel.
Parking: The Sheraton Denver Downtown has on-site parking at hotel-set rates; Downtown Denver garages generally run roughly USD 30-45 per night, with event-day surcharges when other citywide conventions are in town. Reserve a space with your room if you plan to drive, and confirm whether the rate includes in-and-out privileges. Most attendees do not need a car: sessions, hotels and restaurants are walkable, and the free 16th Street MallRide plus RTD light rail cover longer hops. Accessible parking spaces are available at the venue; ask the hotel directly about van-accessible spaces and elevator routes to the meeting space.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: April 2027 - late-spring conditions in Denver, Colorado, with warm sunny afternoons, cold mornings and a real chance of snow showers.
Temperature: Approx. 1-18 C (34-65 F): average lows near 1-4 C (34-39 F) and average highs near 16-18 C (60-65 F). These are climatological averages for late April, not a forecast; check the 10-day outlook before packing.
Seasonality: April is one of Denver's wetter months, with roughly 60 mm (about 2.4 in) of precipitation across the month, falling as rain or occasionally as heavy, short-lived snow. Storms arrive quickly in the afternoon, and the high-altitude sun returns just as fast. Snow that falls in April usually melts within a day or two but can still disrupt flights into DEN.
Packing: Bring layers you can add and remove through the day: a warm mid-layer for 34-39 F mornings, a light jacket or rain shell for afternoon showers, and short-sleeve shirts for 60-65 F afternoons. Pack sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen because of the 1,609 m altitude, plus lip balm and a refillable water bottle. Comfortable walking shoes matter for the Downtown walk between hotels and the Sheraton. Add a Type A/B plug adapter and, for sensitive electronics, a voltage converter for US 120 V power.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Common Annual Conference and Expo - POWERUp usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
reserve a Downtown Denver hotel, prioritizing the Sheraton Denver Downtown or a property within a 15-minute walk.
download the conference schedule and shortlist sessions by track - development, system administration, Db2 for i, security, management.
list the three vendor categories you must evaluate in the expo hall and identify the booths to visit.
prepare two or three real questions from your own environment (a slow query, a backup window, a security finding) to bring to speakers and vendors.
check passport validity and, for international travel, confirm ESTA approval or B-1 visa status.
arrange ground transport - RTD A Line ticket planning from DEN or a rideshare and parking budget.; confirm who covers your production systems while you are out and brief them on escalation paths.
pack layers, a rain shell and comfortable walking shoes; late April in Denver swings between warm afternoons and cold mornings.
schedule any team split across tracks so two people are not in the same session.
load the schedule, session notes and your vendor shortlist onto a device you will carry on the floor.
check in for your flight and confirm the hotel reservation and parking rate.
arrive early enough to collect your badge before day-one sessions and walk the route from your hotel to the Sheraton Denver Downtown.
confirm your registration category (member or non-member) and check whether your early-bird tier has lapsed before paying.; book the flight into Denver International (DEN) and leave a buffer on arrival day; late-April snow delays are possible in Denver.
Registration and hall orientation at Sheraton Denver Downtown
Supplier meetings and product demos
Final negotiations and follow-up
Common Annual Conference and Expo - POWERUp registration concourse
Sheraton Denver Downtown
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Sheraton Denver Downtown
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget

Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
USD 1695 / per person
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 1695 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Use this quick check to decide whether Common Annual Conference and Expo - POWERUp fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Common Annual Conference and Expo - POWERUp, what is your primary role on the show floor?
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 IBM Power systems and solutions and IBM i software and applications solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Common Annual Conference and Expo - POWERUp in Denver, CO.
Min. budget
$3,085.00
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 IBM Power systems and solutions and IBM i software and applications products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$13,882.00
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 Denver, CO show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
1 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
1
References
1
Publishers
0
Date checked
COMMON
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.