The Annual Partner Meeting (APM), one of ConferenceDirect’s annual signature partner and associate events, recently posted record associate attendance in Philadelphia. Held March 16-20 at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown and Pennsylvania Convention Center, the event attracted more than 235 qualified ConferenceDirect associates, who met and conducted business during 4,618 trade show appointments. Total attendance was 955.   

What they’re saying: “We are thrilled by the record associate attendance at this year’s APM,” said Jerry Horan, president and CEO, ConferenceDirect. “This event underscores our dedication to fostering growth, education, and meaningful partnerships that fuel our collective success. A special thank you to the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, Pennsylvania Convention Center, and the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau for their outstanding partnership in making this event a success.” 

Event overview 

Guided by its three foundational pillars—Celebration, Education, and Networking—this year’s APM delivered an impactful experience for attendees, including:  

• Celebration. The event honored outstanding achievements within the industry, recognizing top-performing associates and partners for their contributions in 2024.  
• Education. Attendees benefited from a dynamic trade show, as well as expert-led breakout sessions covering key topics in event management and hospitality. Education sessions included content on utilizing AI to streamline administrative efficiencies.  
• Networking. APM facilitated high-value interactions, strengthening relationships among industry professionals and reinforcing ConferenceDirect’s commitment to collaboration and growth.  

Related: 2024 CD+FORUM CELEBRATES AND SHOWCASES CONFERENCE TECHNOLOGY IN ORLANDO 

4 Event Highlights  

• Keynote Speaker. TEDx speaker, Inc. columnist and global workplace performance expert Henna Pryor delivered an inspiring keynote session, offering insights on personal and professional growth.   
• Carbon Neutral Event. For the second year in a row, ConferenceDirect is purchasing carbon offsets to mitigate the carbon footprint of attendee travel. Evertreen will be planting trees in Brazil on behalf of ConferenceDirect to offset the carbon footprint of this year’s APM.  
• Temple University Outreach Program. APM included a community engagement initiative featuring a student workshop and a clothing drive. Students from Temple University's School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management participated in a Hospitality Industry Student Workshop led by ConferenceDirect Executive Vice President Brian Richey. Donations of new or gently used clothing were collected for the Professional Attire Clothing drive benefiting the Event Planning Association (EPA) Exchange Business Clothing Closet at Temple University. The EPA Closet provides students with free access to business-appropriate clothing for interviews, networking events, and professional settings.   
• Closing Party. The event concluded with a memorable celebration at the Philadelphia Art Museum, where attendees had the opportunity to run up the iconic Rocky Steps. 

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ConferenceDirect Annual Partner Meeting 2025: Need to know 

Location: Philadelphia Marriott Downtown & Pennsylvania Convention Center  

Dates: March 16-20 

Total Attendance: 955   

Total Trade Show Appointments: 4,618  

Photos: ConferenceDirect