2025 Exhibitor FAQs

The 2025 GFOA Annual Conference will take place June 29–July 2 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. Exhibit hall show days are June 29–July 1. Exhibits are located in Hall E.

The 2025 GFOA Annual Conference exhibit hall hours are:*

Sunday, June 29 - 9:30am–1:30pm & 4:45pm–6:00pm. Staff can access the exhibit hall starting at 8:00am.

Monday, June 30 - 11:00am–4:30pm. Staff can access the exhibit hall starting 1 hour prior to the hall opening.

Tuesday, July 1 - 10:00am–2:00pm. Staff can access the exhibit hall starting 1 hour prior to the hall opening.

*Hours are subject to change

Load In

Friday, June 27 - 12:00pm–5:00pm, by appointment only

Saturday, June 28 - 8:00am–5:00pm

Load Out

Tuesday, July 1 - 2:00pm–5:00pm

Wednesday, July 2 - 8:00am–12:00pm

*Hours are subject to change

▪ 3 complimentary badges (exhibit hall only) per 10’ x 10’ booth

▪ Company name listed on the 2025 conference website and mobile app with URL hyperlinked

▪ Conference registration available at a discounted fee

▪ Back drape and side rails in show colors *

▪ 7” x 44” two-line identification sign *

▪ Attendee list with name, employer, city, and state or province provided on May 30, 2025.

*Island booths do not have pipe and drape or identification sign.

The Freeman Exhibitor Service Kit will be available by March 2025. You must create an account with Freeman to access the order forms.

No, floor covering can be ordered through the Freeman Exhibitor Service Kit. GFOA requires all booths be carpeted or have floor covering. Booths without floor covering two hours prior to the show opening will automatically have carpet installed by the decorator at the exhibitor’s expense.

No, electricity can be ordered through the Walter E Washington Convention Center's exclusive contractor, Hi-Tech Electric. Details and ordering will be available for all service contractors by March 2025.

Public space in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center have basic WiFi. A dedicated wired internet connection and booth WiFi can be ordered through Walter E. Washington Convention Center's exclusive contractor, SmartCity. Details and ordering will be available for all service contractors by March 2025.

All food and beverage orders must go through Aramark the official catering partner of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Details and ordering will be available for all service contractors by March 2025.

Decorator, Shipping, and Audio/Visual Rentals: Freeman

Electric & Rigging: Hi-Tech Electric

Internet: SmartCity

Food and Beverage: Aramark

Lead Retrieval: ExpoLogic

Hotel Booking: Connections Housing

Details and ordering will be available for all service contractors by March 2025.

Events DC requires all convention contractors to obtain a Right of Entry permit issued by Events DC as a condition of performing installation and dismantling, audiovisual, production, video, rigging, security, transportation management, medical, floral, labor, or other professional convention and exposition services in Events DC’s venues. This includes exhibitor appointed contractors (EACs). All contractors must apply (submit application) with the required documentation and be approved for a Right of Entry permit to render services at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Download the ROE overview and form here.

Documentation must be submitted no later than 30 days prior to move in. Once submitted, application submissions will receive a response in 3-5 business days regarding approval or to request additional information for the application. Right of Entry permits are valid for the current calendar year.

GFOA does not provide attendee contact information. Please be aware that we have received reports of unauthorized companies contacting exhibitors claiming to provide attendee lists. These companies are not affiliated with GFOA.

Exhibitors will have the option to purchase lead retrieval to capture attendee data from ExpoLogic. Exhibitors and Sponsor will receive an early attendee list on May 30, 2025 that includes name, title, organization, city, and state or province.

Badge registration for Sponsors and Exhibitors will be available in March 2025.

Yes, additional exhibitor badges will be available for $340 each before May 16 and $540 after May 16. Exhibitor badges grant access the to exhibit hall only. Exhibitor/Delegate badges will be available for $670 each*. Exhibitor/Delegate badges grant access to the exhibit hall, all general education sessions, and delegate lunches.

Some sponsor levels include additional discounts on exhibitor/delegate badges, please refer to your contract for details. Exhibitor and Sponsor badging will become available in March 2025.

Visit our Sponsorship Opportunities page to find out more about getting your company noticed beyond the Exhibit Hall floor. Sponsorship options available starting January 2025.

Hospitality events cannot conflict with any GFOA session or conference-related event. (Please note that GFOA’s Evening Exhibit Hall Hours will take place on Sunday from 4:45 pm to 6:00 pm and GFOA’s Closing Event will take place on Tuesday from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.)

Open nights to host a hospitality events are:

Saturday, June 28, 2024, after 5:00 pm.

Sunday, June 29, 2024, after 6:00 pm.

Monday, July 1, 2024, after 5:30 pm.

Connections Housing is the ONLY official housing company for this event and will not contact attendees directly to make a reservation. Booking through GFOA’s official housing provider will ensure you receive the GFOA discounted rate, are working with a reputable company, and that credit card information is secure. Click here to access the housing reservation portal.

No, GFOA block hotels are within walking distance of the convention center and the Marriott Grand Marquis is connected by a pedestrian bridge on the Lower Level.

Learn more about the public transit and parking options available near the convention center here.

Please contact exhibit@gfoa.org with exhibit and sponsorship questions.