R -- Seminar, Conference, and Trade Show Management Support Services

1.0 INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE OF PARTNERSHIPS Through this Request for Information (RFI), the General Services Administration (GSA) Office of Governmentwide Policy (OGP - hereafter also referred to as �sponsor�) seeks one or more partners (hereafter referred to as �partners�) to assist in developing and delivering seminars, conferences, and trade shows (in conjunction with conference proceedings) or portions thereof � at no cost to the Government sponsor, GSA/OGP. The ultimate objective of these partnerships is to provide high-quality events (e.g., seminars and conferences) that meet the sponsor�s educational and emerging as well as ongoing policy management needs - as well as enhance the effectiveness of and opportunities for communications between the Federal government and the business communities with which it interacts. OGP currently has at least one such partnership, and does not reimburse the partner for any services rendered or expenses incurred. In keeping with this scenario, the partners identified through this RFI will not be reimbursed by OGP for any services rendered or expenses incurred in conjunction with this RFI. It is anticipated that the primary source of funding for the partner services and expenses will be afforded through the fees which each partner collects in conjunction with the events that this RFI covers. Partner services and expenses may include - but are not limited to - event production and delivery, and related items and activities (e.g., session presenters, lodging, meals, meeting and/or exhibit space, audiovisual support, Internet access, signage, special networking events for participants). The cost of such services and expenses may be recouped through revenues collected through - but not limited to - attendee registration, industry showcase sponsorships, and collaborative opportunities with other partners. This no-cost (to the Government sponsor) funding model serves the interests of both parties. The Government sponsor retains control of the event�s message and content, while the partner retains control of their revenues. As with all the events and associated activities which this RFI covers � including the extent of the revenues collected � the Government sponsor is ultimately responsible for go/no-go decisions. The no-cost mechanism specific to each individual event will be mutually agreed upon by the Government sponsor and the partner in writing at the onset of that event�s planning.