Frequently Asked Questions: Can't find what you're looking for?  Below you will find some answers to frequently asked questions regarding the expo.  If you do not see your question below, please use the email address at the bottom of the page to submit your question, or contact us at the number provided.   Categories (Click for Q&A Section, or scroll through entire list below): General Public Includes Q&A's for all expo-goers and First Time Homebuyer Education Course attendees such as how to register and receive free parking, event directions, and more. Registered/ Interested Exhibitors Includes Q&A's for all registered exhibitors and those interested in participating in the expo as an exhibitor such as how to register, set up times, and more. Affordable Housing Awards Gala Includes Q&A's for the Fourth Annual Affordable Housing Awards Gala such as RSVP info, event overview, dinner attire, and more. General Public: 1.  I want to attend the expo.  How do I register for the show? You can pre-register online by clicking here. 2.  How much does this show cost? The show is free of charge to the general public.  3.  Is there a cost for parking? Parking is free for the general public if you pre-register online.  You will receive a printable parking pass once you submit your online registration.  Parking will not be validated for those who register onsite the day of the show, or those who fail to bring their printed parking pass.  For parking information, please click here.         4.  When and Where will the event be held? The 2008 Homebuyer Expo will be held Saturday, June 7, 2008 at the Orange County Convention Center, Hall C, West Building from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  For convention center directions, please click here. 5.  Is babysitting offered for parents interested in attending the Expo and  various classes? Babysitting services will not be provided onsite, however, a Kids' Corner will be available with face painting and other games.      6.  I am interested in attending the Homebuyer Education course.  How do I register for this class? Homebuyer Education classes will be taught by HANDS of Central Florida.  You can register on their website by clicking here. 7.  What should I bring with me the day of the show? First, you should remember to bring your printed parking pass.  Parking will not be validated for those who fail to bring this item.  Second, some find it helpful to bring a pad and paper, or something to take notes with as you will be presented with a variety of helpful information throughout the show.  Note - Those seeking credit counseling/review at the show may wish to bring their credit report with them.  You can obtain a free credit report on the web at https://www.annualcreditreport.com/.  For those wishing to obtain a free credit report at the show a valid ID must be presented. 8.  Where can I view the list of companies/organizations that will have exhibits at the show? You can view our list of registered exhibitors here.  This list will be updated on a continual basis until the Expo is held. 9.  Do I have to register online?  Can I simply walk in and attend the Expo?   Online pre-registration is not neccesary.  However, those that do not pre-register online will not receive free parking.  Free parking is only offered for those who pre-register for the show here.   Registered/Interested Exhibitors: 1.  I am interested in exhibiting at this year's show.  How can I participate in this event? Companies can take part in this event as a Standard exhibitor or an Expo Partner.  To learn more about the Partner levels, please click here.  To learn more about Standard Booths, please click here. 2.  I am registered to exhibit.  Where do I go the day of the show? For your convenience you may enter either through loading dock 7 or the main front entrance.  Exhibitors with large displays/materials will need to unload at the rear loading dock (7).  Exhibitors with hand-carried items may enter through the front entrance.  Additionally, exhibitors may set up early on Friday, June 6 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  To learn more about set-up/breakdown times, please click here. 3.  How do I order additional services (i.e. electricity, internet, furniture,etc.) for my booth? Registered exhibitors can easily add additional services for their booth through the Orange County Convention Center's and Brede Exposition Services' websites.  For internet and electrical needs, please click here.  For additional expo services, such as furniture, carpet and more please click here. Note - when prompted for the password, enter "homebuyerdc." 4.  How do I upgrade/cancel my booth registration?  Exhibitors may upgrade their booths at any time by contacting us at expo@floridahousing.org.  To learn  about our booth cancellation policy, please click here.      5.  Will food be available to purchase? Yes, a full service food vendor will be available throughout the show in the event hall. 6.  Can I solicit non-housing items and services during the show? Soliciting at the Homebuyer Expo is prohibited. No firm, organization or exhibitor is permitted to engage in soliciting activities within the exhibit area.  If you have a question about this policy, please contact us at expo@floridahousing.org. 7.  What is your policy on raffles and prize give-aways? Only Platinum and Gold partners will have raffles announced from the stage.  All other exhibitors may hold individual raffles at their booths, however, these raffles will not be announced by Florida Housing from the stage over the loudspeaker. 8.  Can I pick my booth location when I register? No, exhibit locations are assigned at the sole discretion of Event staff and will be based on date of request with payment. Prime booth placement will be given to Partners at the Platinum, Gold and Silver Sponsor levels. 9.  How many co-workers can we have at the show?  You may have as many workers at your booth as you would like, however, each worker must have an Expo badge to enter.  You are provided with a number of badges when you purchase your booth based on your level of participation.  Additional name badges may be purchased the day of the show for $5.00 each.  Example: A Standard exhibitor may have six (6) people working at their booth throughout the day.  However, since they are only provided with four (4) badges they would need to purchase two (2) additional badges at the show for a total of $10.00.    10.  Can I bring food items with me to distribute to the general public at the Expo? Wrapped foo items, such as candy, can be brought into the show.  Additional food items are not permitted on the show floor.  Alcoholic beverages are also not allowed at the show. 11.  I am having trouble securing my payment online.  Why does PayPal keep rejecting my credit card?   PayPal claims to have tighter security standards when processing payments.  As a result, your credit card might be rejected, through no fault of your own.  You may be able to resolve the problem by making sure that the billing address you enter matches with the address on file with the card holder.  If this doesn't work you may (if possible) try using another card.  If you are unable to use another card, please contact PayPal at 1-402-935-2050.  12.  What type of companies typically exhibit at your show?   Past year's Expo's have seen a variety of companies and organizations exhibit.  Typically, all companies that have exhibited have been related to affordable homeownership in some way.  Examples include realtors, lenders and banking institutions, government (local and state) agencies, credit counselors, home inspectors, construction, interior decorators, various home products, and home security experts.  If you have a question as to whether your company/organization is right for our show, please contact us at expo@floridahousing.org. 13.  I am not able to have a booth at the show but would like to be a sponsor.  Are sponsorships opportunities available? Yes, we are now offering sponsorship opportunities for companies/organizations who would like to support the Expo, but may not have the resources to exhibit.  To learn more about our sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at (850) 488-4197 or email us at expo@floridahousing.org. 14. I need to ship materials to the Convention Center for the Expo. How do I do that? Expo materials should be shipped to Brede Allied, as they are not allowed to be shipped directly to the Convention Center. Please contact Brede Allied at (407) 851-0261 or at info@bredeallied.com to schedule this.     Affordable Housing Awards Gala: 1.  How do I RSVP for this event? Those not exhibiting at the Expo at the Platinum, Gold or Silver level may RSVP for this event by clicking here.  Once you have registered we will review the request and confirm your RSVP.  You will receive confirmation via the email address provided with the RSVP. Platinum, Gold and Silver Partners, please see question five (5) below for details on how to update your list of dinner guests.  2.  Who should RSVP for this event? Participating lenders; federal, state and local government representatives; nonprofit affordable housing service providers; affordable housing builders; developers and others engaged in the provision of affordable housing.   3.  How many guests can accompany me to the dinner? Expo partners (Platinum, Gold, and Silver levels) will receive an allotment of tickets based on their level of participation.  All others may RSVP online and bring one (1) guest.      4.  What is the dress code for this event? The dress code for this year's Gala is black tie. 5.  I am a registered expo Partner, and would like to update my list of dinner attendees.  How can I do this? Expo Partners (Gold, Silver, and Platinum levels) can easily update their list of dinner attendees by logging in on the Dinner RSVP page, here.  Simply input the exhibitor confirmation number you were provided with when you registered for your booth and your editable dinner list will display.  Note - your confirmation number is given in the confirmation email that is sent once your payment has been received for your Partnership level. 6.  Do I need a ticket to get into the dinner?   No, tickets are not required for this year's Gala.  Your confirmation number and valid ID will gain you access to the event.         Don't see the answer to your question?  You can email us at Expo@FloridaHousing.org or contact us at 850-488-4197.  We look forward to hearing from you!