Frequently Asked Questions

All Attendees

Can I still attend the conference if I miss the registration deadline?

Although we cannot accept any more advance registrations, we will accept walkup registrations the day of the event at the Greenville Convention Center. Walkup registrations will only be accepted after 12:00pm on Thursday, August 29th, and will have access to the BMW Business Opportunity Conference beginning at 1:00pm in the exhibit hall. Anyone who does not have a confirmed online registration and who arrives prior to 12:00pm on August 29 will be asked to return later, because morning sessions and luncheon are at full capacity.

What is the format of the expo?

The expo portion of the BMW Supplier Diversity Xchange is a “reverse” trade show. Invited BMW Tier 1 Suppliers and Community Partners participate with booth space to meet and network with attendees representing minority, women and veteran-owned businesses. In effect, for this event, attendees are promoting their companies or “selling” to exhibitors.

What if I need to cancel?

We understand the need to cancel. If you do not plan on attending the conference, please contact us at guestservices@sterlingevents.com. For exhibitors, you must send your cancelation notice to bmw@exhibitssouth.com by August 4th to cancel without penalty. Cancelation after August 4th will result in a $1,000 fee.

For Exhibitors

What are the requirements to exhibit at the conference?

Booth space is only available to current BMW Tier 1 Suppliers and Community Partners as defined below.  If your company does not meet either of these qualifications, you are not able to exhibit at the event.

  • Tier 1 Supplier: Companies that are currently classified as Tier 1 Suppliers to BMW. You will need to provide your supplier number during registration (this can be found on a Purchase Order from BMW).
  • Community Partner: Community Partners are not suppliers to BMW but are companies that have a working relationship with BMW. Examples include nonprofits, government agencies, chambers of commerce, technical colleges and universities.
What can I bring for my booth?

Your booth (quad) consists of an 8’w x 8’h backwall with your printed logo on it, one draped table and two chairs. The hall carpet is black with the exception of a white stripe down the center aisle.

Any type of floor standing displays (i.e. banner stands, monitor stands, pop-up displays, etc.), anything that does not fit within your table space, or anything that blocks the aisles or the view of neighboring exhibitors will NOT be allowed on the show floor.

  • Approved booth items:  Branded table drape; collateral; promotional items; small demo items that fit on your table 
  • Any food items must be approved by the Greenville Convention Center. The food and beverage application can be found in the exhibitor kit. For questions about catering or food items, please contact Melanie Brown with the Greenville Convention Center at mbrown@meetgcc.com.

If you have a question about a specific item, please email bmw@exhibitssouth.com for clarification.

Who can I contact if I have questions about my booth?

If you have questions about your booth, please contact Anna Kissel with Exhibits South. 

Anna Kissel 
Exhibits South 
bmw@exhibitssouth.com 
678-225-5200 

What’s the shipping information deadline for receiving booth items?

All materials must arrive between August 16 and August 23 and be sent to the following address: 

Exhibits South 
ATTN: BMW Conference/EXHIBITOR NAME/QUAD# 
1000 Satellite Blvd, Suite 120 
Suwanee, GA 30024 

Please send tracking information to bmw@exhibitssouth.com. Exhibits South will not be responsible for any packages that were not labeled properly or did not have tracking information.

If you are local to Greenville, please bring your items with you the day of the event.

What happens to my booth if I cancel?

Please alert us of your need to cancel by August 4. After this date, a $1,000 fee will apply for booth cancelations.

Can I have power in my booth?

Yes, if requested, you will have access to power in your booth. Please fill out the Advanced Electrical Form in the exhibitor kit and email your completed form to bmw@exhibitssouth.com by July 24. Electrical booths/quads are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can I be a sponsor?

Yes, we have various sponsorship levels for exhibitors. For more information, please contact BMWMC.SupplierDiversity@bmwmc.com.

Performance Drive

How do I check in for my Performance Drive experience?

Upon arriving at the Greenville Convention Center, all registered participants must visit the Performance Center table to receive a wrist band and show a valid driver’s license before boarding a bus. Please be on the bus at least 10 minutes before the start of your session. Your session times are indicated in your confirmation letter and can be confirmed at the Registration Desk at the Greenville Convention Center.

What kind of shoes should I wear?

Please wear closed-toed shoes.

Do I need insurance to drive?

No, insurance is not required.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes, you must present a valid driver’s license upon check-in.

Is there an age limit to drive?

You must be 18 years old and must present a valid driver’s license upon check-in.

What is the cost to drive?

There is no cost to attend the Performance Drive for registered conference attendees.

Will I still drive if there is bad weather?

Every event we have scheduled is held rain or shine, so bring clothing appropriate for the day’s activities.

What types of cars can I drive?

We always have the most recent model-year BMWs on hand, including X, M and i vehicles.

How will I get to the Performance Center?

Busses will transport you from the conference center to the Performance Center and then transport you back following your experience. More information can be found on the Performance Center Page.

General Questions

Are you selling attendee contact lists for purchase?

The reputation of BMW's Annual Supplier Diversity Xchange have unfortunately subjected us (and you) to scams. Please be aware of the items below and check with us if you have any questions about emails you receive that claim to be representing BMW.

Multiple companies have been contacting members of the BMW network and event attendees claiming to sell or rent event attendee lists. BMW does not rent, share, or sell our attendee lists or email addresses to third parties. Read our privacy policy. These companies aren't associated with BMW and aren't authorized to use our name or trademark.

BMW will also not solicit information to make hotel reservations or request that you take any other action related to the events unless the message comes directly from BMW (email address ending in @bmwmc.com) or our event vendors Sterling Events.


Do not respond to any communication requesting you verify registration or any personal/company information.


If you are ever unsure about an inquiry please contact us directly at BMWMC.SupplierDiversity@bmwmc.com.

Who can I contact for general questions?
Registration Contact: guestservices@sterlingevents.com
Exhibition Booth contact: bmw@exhibitssouth.com
Where is the conference being held?

The BMW Supplier Diversity Conference is being held at the Greenville Convention Center.

Greenville Convention Center
1 Exposition Drive
Greenville, SC 29607.

Details regarding specific rates by hotel can be found in the hotels directory.

Is WiFi available at the convention center?

Yes, WiFi access is available for guests.

Are there vegetarian options at lunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are included in lunch.

Is there a lactation center in the conference center?

Yes, there is a private lactation center with refrigeration for guests to use.

Is there a place to store my luggage?

Yes

Where is the lost and found?

The registration desk will hold items lost or found during the conference. After the conference, please contact the Greenville Convention Center at (864) 233-2562.

Is there free parking?

Yes, free self-parking is available. No valet services will be provided.

Will transportation be provided for the plant tours and performance center from the hotel?

No, transportation will not be provided to the Greenville Convention Center from hotels.

Will hotels have a BMW booking rate?

Yes, a BMW booking rate has been negotiated with specific hotels. Details regarding specific rates by hotel can be found in the hotels directory.

What is the pickup and drop off address to use for Uber or Lift riding services?

One Exhibition Drive 
Greenville, SC 29607 
Hall 1 Entrance

Will there be transportation available at the airport (GSP) to the Greenville Convention Center?

No, transportation will not be provided from the airport to the Greenville Convention Center.

Who can I contact for additional questions?

Registration Contact: guestservices@sterlingevents.com

Exhibition Booth Contact: bmw@exhibitssouth.com

Sponsorship Contact: BMWMC.SupplierDiversity@bmwmc.com