The Direct Response Forum's annual two-day event is unique.  It's not your typical conference, driven by underlying sales or marketing motives. There is no expo or exhibit hall and attendees are encouraged to spend 'down time' between sessions talking informally with their peers, building relationships that last beyond the closing session.  The purpose of this event is to cultivate a learning environment where knowlegeable professionals network and share information without the distractions of overt sales and marketing activities.  Merchant attendees come away from the forum with:

• Lasting relationships with experts that can be leveraged beyond the two days spent together at the forum
• Practical information to improve payment processes in their respective organizations
• An opportunity to exchange strategies and tactics with other merchants and card company representatives in a neutral venue
• A renewed enthusiasm for the world of CNP payments

Non-merchant or associates (acquirer, card company and service provider representatives) also benefit from the forum's no-sales approach.  Through the DRF, merchants are able to voice their opinions and questions about industry trends and engage in dialogue with a broad range of stakeholders in the CNP processing arena.  Associate attendees often ask us the following questions:

Can I attend the forum? Yes, as long as you meet our requirements for associate attendees.  You can review the associate profile, and registration fees for associate attendees at our Forum Fees document.  You may also find it helpful to review our Forum Attendee Guidelines.

Can I present? You are invited to submit your session concepts for consideration.  The Call for Presentations is posted mid-December and final session slections are made by mid-February.  The forum draws speakers from a wide range of organizations and perpectives.  Our Speaker Guidelines document will provide you with more details.  

Can I sponsor the forum? Sponsors are invited to support the DRF by invitation only.  At this time we are not soliciting additional sponsorships.

Can I have a booth or set up a marketing display? No, there is no expo or exhibits at the DRF.  You may participate in the educational process a the forum if at least one of your merchant customers is attending the forum, but you may not actively promote or sell services at the event.