IPEC '25 wound up with a three-hour, planners-only bootcamp. Photo by Ketara Gadahn for Studio Alani
Coming to Tampa, Fla., is Northstar Meetings Group's IPEC (the Independent Planner Education Conference), the leading conference produced exclusively for independent planners not associated with third-party organizations. The hosted-buyer event will be held Feb. 21-23, 2027, at the Saddlebrook Resort.
"IPEC is designed specifically for the independent planner community, bringing together new destinations and venues, meaningful peer-to-peer exchange, and education focused on the realities of building and growing a successful business," said Shalise DeMott, senior vice president for Northstar. "For our supplier partners, it creates a valuable opportunity to connect directly with an influential group of planners who are actively sourcing, making decisions and driving significant business."
All qualified buyers will be fully hosted by Northstar Meetings Group for two productive days of prescheduled meetings with key suppliers from across the United States, as well as curated education sessions and numerous networking opportunities. The event also will include a planners-only bootcamp that will take deep dives into the particular challenges independent planners face daily.
The event is a must-attend for independent planners who want to connect with each other, as well as with suppliers who can help them place their events. “This year's IPEC was one of the best that I have attended so far,” said one attendee at IPEC '26, which was held at the Gila River Casinos – Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Ariz. “Great educational sessions, venue and food, and very well organized.”
Florida by nature
Just a 30-minute drive from Tampa International Airport, the Saddlebrook is part of a 480-acre nature preserve. The property opened in 1981 and completed a $92 million redesign this past February. On-property amenities include tennis and pickleball courts, championship golf, four dining options, birdwatching on nature trails, lounging by and swimming in the 500,000-gallon Super Pool, and relaxing treatments at the Spa at Saddlebrook. For groups, beyond the 70,000 square feet of indoor meeting space and about 150,000 square feet of outdoor event space, team-building options are available that aim to blend active recreation with programming that achieves your event goals.
"We are honored that Northstar selected Saddlebrook Resort as the host destination for the upcoming Independent Planner Education Conference," said Doug McLain, vice president of resort sales for the property. "Experience-driven group events are at the heart of what we do, and we’re thrilled to welcome planners to our resort following its recent transformation. As part of Pyramid Global Hospitality’s Benchmark Resorts & Hotels collection, which celebrates distinctive independent properties, we understand the importance of creativity, strong partnerships and authentic connections. We are excited to showcase Saddlebrook while providing an environment where planners can exchange ideas, build relationships and discover new possibilities for their clients.”
To register your interest, visit the IPEC page. You can also view the full calendar of Northstar's upcoming hosted-buyer events here to see if any others are relevant to your future needs.