Frequently Asked Questions

What is IMPACT 2009?
IMPACT is Schwab’s annual conference held exclusively for independent investment advisors—the industry’s premier event. It is an invitation-only event for both attendees and exhibitors. In its 19th year, IMPACT 2009 is expected to draw approximately 1,300 registered investment advisors (RIAs) and feature over 250 exhibiting companies.

Who attends IMPACT?
Primary attendees are RIAs who custody assets at Charles Schwab. IMPACT delivers compelling speakers, relevant and timely educational sessions, unique networking opportunities, and access to industry exhibitors.

What is a Platform Participant Exhibitor?
A Platform Participant Exhibitor is a firm that is participating in one or more of the following Schwab product platforms: Managed Account Select®, Managed Account Access®, Mutual Fund OneSource®, Alternative Investment Source, Turnkey Asset Management Programs (TAMP) and Schwab Performance Technologies®. 

How much is it to exhibit at IMPACT?
The cost to exhibit at IMPACT is $10,000 to $12,500 depending on a company’s participation on a Schwab product platform. Exhibitor fees include two full conference registrations.

How can my company exhibit at IMPACT?
Exhibiting at IMPACT is by invitation only. Companies that target RIAs and can be defined as mutual funds, managed accounts, mutual funds/managed accounts, technology, research, investment tools or media may be considered as a prospective exhibitor. Register here. If approved, a confirmation will be forwarded electronically.

How do I find out about remaining sponsorship opportunities?
For information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Joe Pellissier.

What do I get as part of my exhibitor package?
Exhibitor packages include:

  • 10’x10’ booth space (unless otherwise indicated)
  • Two complimentary conference registrations
  • Opportunity to purchase up to four additional conference registrations
  • Opportunity to list executives attending IMPACT in the onsite program guide
  • 8’ back drape
  • 3’ side rail
  • Carpet
  • 6’ table (optional)
  • Wastebasket (optional)
  • Two chairs (optional)
  • One-time use of pre-conference attendee list of opt-in attendees only
  • Opportunity to purchase post-conference attendee list of opt-in attendees only

Can I purchase a double booth?
Double booths are available to Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Premier and Marquee sponsors only.

Are there any restrictions on promotional items distributed at my booth?
Promotional items may not exceed $25 in value.

Can I hold a raffle?
Yes, however restrictions do apply. IMPACT 2009 must approve all raffles in advance. Raffle drawings may not be held on The Expo floor. Raffle prizes may not exceed $100 in value and must be either mailed or given to winners off of The Expo floor.

Are there any restrictions regarding my booth space?
Booths may not exceed 8 feet in height. All booths must fit within the allotted exhibit space. All booth properties taller than 4 feet must reside in the back 5 feet of the booth space. Decorations, display components or promotional items may not extend outside of the allotted exhibit space.

Who is on the pre- and post-conference mailing lists?
The mailing list contains the name, company name and mailing address of advisors who did not opt-out of having their name on the published IMPACT mailing list.

What can I send to advisors on the mailing list?
You may send information pertaining to your company, products or services. 

Can I use or mention IMPACT or Charles Schwab on my direct mail piece?
The use of Charles Schwab in marketing collateral is prohibited. Exhibitors who wish to reference IMPACT must have their direct mail piece approved by IMPACT 2009 prior to production or mailing of the piece.

How can I increase my company’s visibility as an exhibitor?
For information on available sponsorships and marketing promotional opportunities, please contact Joe Pellissier.

What is the cancellation policy if one of my employees needs to cancel his or her conference registration?
A full refund, minus a $75 cancellation fee, will apply to an individual registration. There are no fees for substitutions; however, IMPACT 2009 must receive the request in writing.

What is the cancellation policy for canceling our entire booth?
Cancellations prior to July 15, 2009, will receive a full refund less $250.  Exhibitors who cancel their registration after July 15, 2009, will be entitled to a refund of one-half of all fees paid by the Exhibitor as of the date of cancellation. The Exhibitor shall not be entitled to any refund for cancellation notices received on or after August 14, 2009.

What are The Expo hours?
Sunday, September 13
6:30pm – 8:30pm

Monday, September 14
7:00am – 8:00am
9:30am – 4:00pm
5:15pm – 7:00pm

Tuesday, September 15    
7:00am – 8:00am
9:30am – 4:15pm

Wednesday, September 16
7:00am – 8:00am
9:30am – 10:00am

The Expo will be closed during general sessions.

Can I attend the educational sessions?
A full conference or day pass allows access to attend educational sessions, meals and social events.

I have someone coming only to help with booth setup—how do I get them a badge?
For staff that will come only to set up or tear down your booth, please submit their names to Leslie Tom. A badge is required to access The Expo and can be retrieved at Registration.

Exhibitor full-conference or day-pass badges allow access to The Expo when the show floor is closed. An additional badge is not required to set up or dismantle an exhibit booth.  

Booth setup hours are Sunday, September 13, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Booth tear-down hours are Wednesday, September 16, from 11:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Can I get a day pass just for The Expo?
We are unable to accommodate guest badges for The Expo only. However, a day pass may be purchased for $500 that allows access to all general and educational sessions, meal functions and social events for that specific day.

I can stay for only one day. Can I swap out my badge with a colleague?
Badges are non-transferable. However, a day pass may be purchased for $500 that allows access to all general and educational sessions, meal functions and social events for that specific day.

How do I order show services like electricity?
Champion Exposition Services is the official show decorator. An exhibitor kit will be sent to all paid exhibitors six weeks prior to the conference. Information included in the exhibitor kit: order forms for furniture, electricity, shipping and other show services. Information will also be made available online.

When does my booth have to be set up?
Booths must be show ready by 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 13. If your booth is not set up by this time, the contracted show decorator will set it up an additional expense. Booths not set up by 4:00 p.m. will be subject to penalties. Booths may not be set up on Monday, September 14.

When can I start tearing down on Wednesday?
The Expo closes at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 16. Exhibitors may start dismantling booths and packing boxes at 11:15 a.m. Large crates will be delivered after 12:30 p.m. Booths taken down before this time will be penalized.