RBMA Suitcasing and Outboarding Policy

RBMA is committed to protecting the investments of our exhibitors and sponsors and supporting their success at our conferences. As such, the RBMA Suitcasing and Outboarding Policy will be strictly enforced. Suitcasing and outboarding create an unfair competitive advantage for those who have not invested in an exhibit or sponsorship, undermining the value and experience of our exhibitors and sponsors.

What Are Suitcasing and Outboarding?

Suitcasing refers to non-exhibiting/non-sponsoring companies or individuals who register as attendees with the intent to solicit business in the exhibit hall aisles, session rooms, or common areas.

Outboarding refers to non-exhibiting/non-sponsoring companies or individuals who host meetings, events, demos, etc., outside of the exhibit hall in hospitality suites, restaurants, or nearby public places and encourage conference attendees to leave the event to participate in their activities.

No Suitcasing / Outboarding Policy

All attendees are welcome in the exhibit area; however, any attendee found soliciting business or conducting commercial activity in the aisles, another company’s booth, or public spaces (including hotel guest rooms, hospitality suites, restaurants, or other public gathering areas) will be asked to leave immediately and will forfeit any registration or event fees paid.

Please report any violations to RBMA Show Management at the Registration Desk. Any meetings, off-site events, or activities directed toward RBMA registrants by exhibitors and/or registrants during show hours must be authorized by RBMA.

What RBMA Show Management Will Do

RBMA Show Management will address all complaints regarding suitcasing or outboarding. If Show Management determines that suitcasing or outboarding is taking place, the offending party will be asked to leave the premises immediately (with no refund), and a notification letter will be sent to the company’s leadership. Additional consequences may include being barred from future events as an attendee or exhibitor.

If you suspect suitcasing or outboarding, please file a complaint at registration@rbma.org or visit the registration desk.

By attending an RBMA Conference, you agree to uphold these policies to foster a safe, respectful, and productive environment for all participants.