CAPTIVATE TECH BUYERS

Tech Connect LIVE is an interactive LIVE event hosted by Levin Consulting that brings together consumer tech vendors with channel buyers.

At Tech Connect LIVE, your product is placed directly in front of retail buyers who are actively looking for new items and innovation. Instead of hoping someone stops at your booth on a crowded trade show floor, you’ll sit down one-on-one with decision-makers who are scheduled to meet with you. These focused conversations give you the time and space to tell your story, demonstrate your product, and create meaningful momentum — without competing for attention.

Throughout our 30-year history, we have been committed to providing opportunities for vendors to build industry relationships with retailers and distributors. That has not changed. Be an active part of this dynamic consumer technology industry event where you make crucial connections that impact your business.

INCREASE SALES

Every one-on-one meeting at Tech Connect LIVE is designed with a clear purpose: driving business. By removing the guesswork and downtime of traditional trade shows, you gain direct access to buyers with real purchasing authority.

Vendors walk away with new retail leads, follow-up requests, and real opportunities in their pipeline. These conversations are built around what matters — pricing, programs, next steps, and the potential to start selling quickly.

We want you to be successful at this event – and will work to make that happen.

GET PLACED

Do you currently have products in the channel? Are you looking for opportunities to grow brand distribution? Do you want to be more strategic in the channel? Connect with buyers that need products RIGHT NOW.

Whether you’re launching a new product or growing into new retail channels, Tech Connect LIVE puts you face-to-face with the people who determine product placement. Your meeting schedule is built around buyer interest and category alignment, giving you a stronger chance of moving from conversation to placement.

When you’re speaking directly with the right decision-makers, the path to the shelf becomes clearer and faster.

RELAX AND NETWORK

While presentations and prescheduled meetings are important, nothing builds relationships like relaxing with buyers and industry peers during cocktails and meals. Personal connections within the industry are invaluable to you and your business.

Forget the long days, heavy booth builds, and standing for hours waiting for foot traffic. Tech Connect LIVE provides a streamlined, simplified experience where all your meetings are pre-scheduled and everything you need is in one place.

Between meetings, enjoy time to connect with buyers and other vendors during meals, breaks, and social events — no stress, no scrambling, just productive conversations and real relationship-building.

BE MORE VISIBLE

Visibility shouldn’t depend on booth size or where you’re placed on a show floor. At Tech Connect LIVE, every vendor receives equal visibility and guaranteed time with buyers.

Your brand is highlighted before, during, and after the event through event materials and the meeting platform. Buyers know who you are before they walk into the room — keeping your brand top of mind and giving you a stronger presence throughout the event.

Interested in being a larger part of an exciting event that brings together new tech products and retail and distribution buyers? there are sponsorship opportunities available to increase brand awareness and attract new customers. Ask for details!

TECH CONNECT LIVE - CHICAGO

PROGRAM DATE  |  MAY 18-20, 2026
LOCATION  |  HYATT REGENCY O’HARE | CHICAGO, IL

The event that drives business forward

Tech Connect LIVE is a global consumer tech industry event hosted by Levin Consulting. In just two days, connect with prospective retailers and distributors through pre-scheduled, one-on-one meetings held within your dedicated booth space in the Vendor Expo.

Vendors will meet with a mix of global retailers and distributors from across the US, Canada, Central and South America, PLUS buyers from Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Australia/New Zealand.

The most impactful event you’ll attend all year:

  • Grow your market through pre-scheduled, one-on-one meetings with buyers: We handle the scheduling, matching you with buyers in your category so you can simply show up and focus on making connections.
  • Showcase your innovations. Get your newest products in front of the right retail and distribution decision-makers.
  • Expanded show floor. We’ve outgrown our old space–Tech connect LIVE now offers expanded floor space to welcome event more buyers.
  • Build valuable connections with service providers offering expertise and resources to help you streamline operations, drive efficiency, and scale your business.
  • Get feedback from industry buyers on product, packaging, pricing, and more
  • Relax and network during cocktail hours, breaks, and meals

Relationships are built face-to-face—and Tech Connect LIVE makes it happen. From getting discovered to expanding distribution to sharpening your strategy in the consumer tech channel, this is the must-attend program for growth-focused brands.

CONTACT  |  ERIC HOLDREN  ericrh@levinconsulting.com
BROCHURES  |  VENDOR / BUYER / EVENT AGENDA

FEATURED CATEGORIES

Choose multiple categories from our lineup and we’ll arrange meetings that match your product offerings.

  • Tech Hardware & Software
  • CE, PC & Mobile Accessories
  • PC & Gaming Peripherals
  • Home & Portable Audio
  • Smart Home & Security
  • Digital Cameras & Dashcams
  • E-Mobility
  • Wearables
  • Home & Office furniture & Equipment
  • Small Appliances
  • Q4 Gift Items

RETAILERS & DISTRIBUTORS

Build business and relationships with retailers and distributors throughout the US, Canada, Central and South America, PLUS buyers from Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Australia/New Zealand in the following channels:

  • Regional CE Retailers / Online Retailers / Distribution
  • National Buying Groups / Mass Merchants / Warehouse Clubs
  • Department Stores / Food & Drug / Discount Stores
  • Office Products Retailers / College Bookstores
  • TV Shopping Channels / Travel Centers / Airport Stores

WHAT'S IN STORE FOR YOU

HOW THE EVENT WORKS

The latest innovations

Boardroom presentations

Interactive product demos

One-on-one meetings

REGISTERED 2026 RETAIL & DISTRIBUTOR ATTENDEES

All logos are the property of their respective owners.

EVENT PARTNERS

PARTICIPATION PACKAGES

SILVER

$8,500 USD
  • For emerging brands
  • Meet ≥30 category buyers & distributors
  • 10-minute pre-scheduled meetings
  • 10’x10′ exhibit/meeting space
  • Additional meetings with buyers that stop by your exhibit space
  • Group breakfast, lunch & cocktails
  • Two event badges included

GOLD

$12,500 USD
  • For leading brands
  • Meet ≥45 category buyers & distributors
  • 15-minute pre-scheduled meetings
  • 10’x15′ exhibit/meeting space
  • Additional meetings with buyers that stop by your exhibit space
  • Group breakfast, lunch & cocktails
  • Three event badges included

PLATINUM

$15,000 USD
  • For leading brands
  • Meet ≥50 category buyers & distributors
  • One 15-minute boardroom presentation
  • 15-minute pre-scheduled meetings
  • 10’x20′ exhibit/meeting space
  • Additional meetings with buyers that stop by your exhibit space
  • Group breakfast, lunch & cocktails
  • Three event badges included

SPONSOR

$7,500/$10,000 USD
  • For service providers in the tech space
  • Meeting space in the Sponsor Meeting Hub–includes display space and meeting table
  • High impact brand visibility prior/during/post event
  • Sponsor stamp cards–vendors receive a stamp card designed to encourage meaningful visits to each sponsor table
  • Networking during cocktails & meals–meals and cocktails are served on-site to allow for further networking opportunities throughout the event.
  • Two event badges included

TECH CONNECT LIVE FAQs

General Event FAQs

Q: What is Tech Connect LIVE?
A: Tech Connect LIVE is a fast, focused, appointment-based event designed to connect consumer technology brands with top retail and distribution buyers. Instead of walking a large trade show floor, participants have pre-scheduled, strategic meetings to accelerate partnerships and drive revenue.

Q: Who attends?
A: Consumer tech manufacturers, distributors, and technology brands looking to expand into retail channels, and retail buyers, category managers, and decision-makers from retailers and distributors from throughout the US, Canada, Central and South America, PLUS buyers from Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Australia/New Zealand, and more.

Q: How is this event different from other trade shows, like CES or IFA?
A: Tech Connect LIVE is focused on business, not booth traffic. Meetings are pre-scheduled with qualified buyers who are looking to discover new products. No massive halls, wandering crowds, or guesswork—just focused, productive conversations.

Meetings & Scheduling

Q: Do I need to schedule my own meetings?
A: No. Levin Consulting will set your schedule prior to the vent. Vendors are matched with buyers whose purchasing categories align with selected product category mix.

Q: How many meetings should I expect?
A: Each participating vendor receives a curated schedule of pre-arranged meetings based on their participation package level, product fit, and category alignment.

Q: Can I request meetings with specific retailers or brands?
A: We’ll do our best to accommodate requests on a case-by-case basis by working meetings into your schedule or facilitating informal connections during networking times.

Q: What happens if a buyer does not show up to the pre-scheduled meeting?
A: If a buyer misses a meeting, our team works with you onsite to reschedule. We actively monitor attendance to ensure you receive the time and opportunities promised.

Shipping, Materials & Setup

Q: Can I ship product samples, demos, or display materials to the event?
A: Yes. Shipping instructions and handling guidelines will be provided in your exhibitor guidelines.

Q: Is overnight security provided?
A: Yes. Meeting rooms will be secured after hours. However, please store valuables in your sleeping room overnight.

Registration & Logistics

Q: What is included in the registration fee?
A: Registration includes meeting space, pre-scheduled appointments, meals during event hours, and access to networking sessions.

Q: What is the dress code?
A: Business casual is recommended.

Q: How do I get the final meeting schedule?
A: Your meeting schedule will be available when you arrive at event registration.

After the Event

Q: Will there be post-event follow-up?
A: Yes. Participants receive attendee contact information to begin their follow-up.

Q: What are some best practices to engage with retailers after the event?
A: Follow up within a few days with a short recap email. Include a one-page overview, pricing, and clear next steps. Keep communication simple and actionable—buyers respond best to concise follow-up.

Q: What if the retailer does not reply to my calls or emails after the event?
A: Don’t assume lack of interest—retailers are extremely busy. Keep follow-ups short and spaced out. If needed, Levin Consulting can help re-engage buyers on your behalf.

Q: What does Levin Consulting do aside from Tech Connect LIVE?
A: Levin Consulting works with consumer technology brands to launch, grow, and succeed in retail. We support product strategy, channel planning, sales execution, and buyer introductions across North America and Europe.