Frequently asked questions

IBM TechXchange is the ultimate learning hub for developers, technologists, and techies looking to grow their skills. With 400+ learning courses and labs, 150+ available certifications, 1k+ technical events per year and a growing community of over 400k members, IBM TechXchange is on a mission to creating a better future with technology.

Whether you’re new to IBM, exploring a new technology area, or an expert in your field, TechXchange has a way for you to join the journey toward a brighter tech future.

IBM TechXchange 2025 conference is the learning event for developers and technologists on a mission. Get hands-on experience, earn credentials, network with peers, and hear from the best and brightest minds across IBM all while having a lot of fun.

IBM TechXchange 2025 is taking place October 6-9 at the Orange County Convention Center and Hilton Orlando.

Orange County Convention Center
9899 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819

Hilton Orlando
6001 Destination Parkway
Orlando, FL 32819

Developers and technologists like software engineers, system programmers, data experts, AI specialists, infrastructure architects, operations professionals, cyber security experts and more.

Need help justifying your trip? You can use the sample email below. Hope to see you in Orlando!

Subject Line: Request to attend IBM TechXchange 2025 in Orlando

Hi [MANAGER’S NAME],

I’m seeking approval to attend IBM TechXchange 2025 a leading technical learning event for developers and technologists taking place October 6-9 in Orlando, FL. This conference offers a unique chance to deepen my expertise in AI and cutting-edge technologies, bringing practical skills back to the team.

Key benefits for [COMPANY NAME]:
– Immediate ROI: I’ll attend hands-on sessions and labs directly relevant to our current projects, providing insights and solutions that can be applied right away.
– Increased efficiency: Industry-recognized certifications and badges will enhance my skills with IBM tools, helping us maximize our existing investments.
– Proven strategies: I’ll gain actionable techniques from leading experts that we can implement to improve workflows and tackle our biggest technical challenges.

Estimated costs:
– Full Conference Pass: $1,599
– Hotel: [$115-$339] USD per night for [3-4] nights
– Airfare: [$~500 depending on departure city]

The payoff:
– 80% of IBM certified teams report significant cost savings in IT budgets
– Teams with IBM certified staff experience a $30,000/year productivity boost
– I’ll provide a post-event report with key takeaways and recommendations for the team

I’m confident this will yield tangible benefits, improving both my contributions and our team’s overall performance. I’d be happy to discuss this in more detail if needed.

Thank you,
[Your Name]

Yes, this is a fee-based event. $1,599 is the standard price for a Full Conference Pass. IBM TechXchange 2025 does not pay for attendee travel or hotel. This year, we have multiple pass options that attendees can benefit from:

Full Conference Pass: $1,599
The best value! Enjoy full access to all sessions, labs, entertainment and more throughout the conference.

Single Day Pass: $249
Can’t stay all week? This pass provides full access to all sessions and workshops for a single day. Limit one per person; upgrade available.

Student Dev Day Pass: Free
Get hands-on learning, workshops and networking designed just for students (Tuesday only). Must be 18+, have a valid student ID and .edu email (US & Canada only).

Community Day Pass: Free
Before the conference kicks off, join us Monday for a pre-conference day of open source projects and User Group meetings.

The purchase of IBM TechXchange 2025 conference pass(es) is non-refundable. Substitutions for purchased passes will be allowed for attendees from the same company and processed free of charge if requested by 11:59 p.m. ET on September 5, 2025. Substitution requests received after 12:00 a.m. ET, September 6, 2025 are subject to a USD $50 transaction fee. Complimentary IBM TechXchange 2025 conference passes are non-transferable. Note: Discounts for purchased pass(es) cannot be combined with any other programs or offers including, but not limited to, Business Partner discounts. Requests must be made in writing to the IBM TechXchange 2025 Guest Service Team by September 5, 2025, 11:59 p.m. ET.

If you are having a problem logging into your IBMid, or if you need to create an IBMid, please contact the help desk.

Yes. All attendees must be at least 18 years of age by the day they pick up their conference badge to attend the event. Please note, the minimum age to check in at most conference hotels is 18 years of age. However, the Hilton Orlando and Westgate Lake Resorts have a minimum age requirement of 21. All hotels require guests to have a valid ID and credit card at check-in.

Please contact the IBM TechXchange Guest Services Team. Support hours are 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM EDT.

US / Canada: +1-866-382-7151

International: +1-650-416-8177

After Wednesday, September 17, you will receive your hotel confirmation number and may contact your hotel directly for questions regarding your hotel reservation.

For IBM clients and Business Partners requesting a visa invitation letter, please contact the IBM TechXchange 2025 Guest Service Team and include the following information:
– Name on passport
– Company name
– Address
– City
– Country

Please note that an invitation letter will be provided to registered attendees only. Letters cannot be provided for guests.

Substitutions for purchased passes will be allowed for attendees from the same company and processed free of charge if requested by 11:59 PM ET on September 5, 2025. Substitution requests received after 12:00 AM ET, September 6, 2025 are subject to a USD $50 transaction fee.

Substitutions for complimentary pass holders are not permitted. Please contact your IBM account representative or the IBM TechXchange 2025 Guest Service Team.

For accessibility-related needs, please let us know in your registration profile or email the IBM TechXchange 2025 Guest Service Team, ideally at least two to three weeks prior to the conference. Once we receive your request, one of our ambassadors will contact you. We’d be happy to help.

The IBM TechXchange hotel reservation site is closed. To change or cancel a reservation booked with us, please contact hotels directly after September 17, once you have received your hotel confirmation number.

Yes. The minimum age to check in at most conference hotels is 18 years of age. The Hilton Orlando and Westgate Lake Resorts have a minimum age requirement of 21 years of age. All hotels require guests are required to have a valid ID and credit card at check-in.

Hotel deposits will vary by hotel; some hotels will charge a one-night deposit on approximately September 16. Other hotels may charge a deposit 72 hours prior to arrival.

Cancellation or changes to hotel reservations are the sole responsibility of the attendee. A deposit payment of one night’s room and tax will be charged to the credit card provided after September 16.

The deposit payment is non-refundable for cancellations within 72 hours of the reservation check-in date. Most hotels in the conference hotel block have a cancellation policy of within 72 hours. Please note the following hotels have a cancellation policy of five days of your reservation check-in date: The Rosen Centre, Rosen Plaza and Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace.

If you do not check in on your scheduled arrival date, the remainder of your reservation will be cancelled, and the deposit payment will be forfeited.

You can add your hotel loyalty information at the time of booking or with the hotel directly.

After Wednesday, September 17, you will receive your hotel confirmation number and may make reservation modifications or cancellations directly with the hotel.

Please note: It will take some time to transfer your reservation from the IBM TechXchange booking site to the hotels directly. During this time, you will not be able to make changes to your hotel reservation.

After Wednesday, September 17, you will receive your hotel confirmation number and may make reservation modifications directly with your hotel.

You will receive an email with your hotel confirmation number after September 17. After this date, please make inquiries directly with your hotel for any changes.

Hotel reservations booked through the TechXchange Attendee Portal will be transferred to the hotel on September 15. Reservations will be transitioned to the hotels between September 15 – September 17. After September 17, reservation inquiries (modifications or cancellations) must be made directly with the hotel.

Requests can be made at the time booking your reservation or directly with the hotel. Please note that all requests are based on hotel availability and are not guaranteed.

Yes, IBM is dedicated to provide a safe, respectful, comfortable, and harassment-free environment for all participants at IBM events. Learn more about IBM’s Code of Conduct at events.

Attendees at main conference activities are required to be registered, but full conference pass holders can purchase a companion pass for the Universal experience ($150 USD + FL Sales Tax).

The dress code for the conference is “coder casual,” striking the perfect balance between comfort and professionalism. Feel free to wear your favorite jeans with a t-shirt or button-down shirt and be sure to choose comfortable shoes. If you opt for a suit, you may feel out of place, so stick to a more relaxed attire. The goal is to feel comfortable while maintaining a polished appearance, perfect for engaging in tech discussions.

No, breakfast will not be provided as part of IBM TechXchange 2025. If you’re staying at one of the conference hotels, explore options at your hotel:

– Courtyard Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village: The Bistro (breakfast buffet and a la carte options)
– DoubleTree by Hilton at SeaWorld Orlando: Laguna Restaurant (buffet) Albertos (premade breakfast rolls & breads); Starbucks
– Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village: Complimentary breakfast to all hotel guests
– Hilton Orlando: FastBreak (buffet), Scratch Market (24/7 grab-and-go), In-Room Dining available
– Hyatt Regency Orlando: B-Line Diner and the Market Orlando (24/7 grab-and-go)
– Rosen Centre: Café Gauguin (buffet); Red’s Deli & Market (hot plates); Smooth Java Coffee
– Rosen Plaza: Cafe Matisse (buffet); Lite Bite (24/7 grab-and-go); Smooth Java (Starbucks breakfast items)
– SpringHill Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village: Complimentary breakfast to all hotel guests
– Westgate Lake Resort: Sid’s Bistro, Market Place & Deli

For attendees who plan on driving, the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) operates on-site vehicle parking at both the West and North-South Buildings. Additional parking is also offered at the Destination Parkway Garage. Learn more.

Transportation is not provided from/to the airport. As attendees will arrive and depart at different times, recommended options would be through your choice of taxi cabs, Uber/Lyft, public transit or a scheduled private pickup. Information on ground transportation options and locations at the Orlando airport can be found here.

Shuttle service will not be provided from conference hotels to the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). You have many choices—modes of transport include taxi cabs, Uber/Lyft, public transit or a short walk. Distances from conference hotels to the OCCC, South Concourse are:

– Courtyard Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village: 6.5 miles
– DoubleTree by Hilton at SeaWorld Orlando: 1.5 miles
– Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village: 6.5 miles
– Hilton Orlando: Connected
– Hyatt Regency Orlando: Connected via Skybridge (10-minute walk)
– Rosen Centre: 15-minute walk
– Rosen Plaza: 1.8 miles (25-minute walk)
– SpringHill Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village: 6.5 miles
– Westgate Lake Resort: 4 miles

Be fully immersed in IBM TechXchange 2025 conference – driving visibility, sparking innovation, and accelerating business conversations. There are a variety of sponsorship packages available for the conference including presence on the Sandbox expo floor, branding opportunities, and experiential add-ons. Many packages also include 60-minute technical sessions and 20-minute Tech Talks as well as Conference passes for your team and clients.

For more details, review the Sponsorship Prospectus. Business Partners can reach out to their IBM partner alliance manager or use this form to declare interest and provide contact details. Note: All sponsorship packages are available on a first come, first serve basis.

Yes, many sponsorship packages include conference passes. See package details in the Sponsorship Prospectus.

Partners will dive deep into AI, across roles and IBM’s cutting-edge software and hardware solutions. Whether mastering AI integration, embedding intelligence into applications, or getting hands-on with watsonx, attendees will gain game-changing expertise. Plus, they’ll showcase their solutions, earn industry-recognized credentials, network with top tech minds, and co-host clients in an electrifying environment built for the future.

Kickoff IBM TechXchange 2025 with Partner Day on Monday, October 6th from 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM. Participate in a high-energy, exclusive experience designed to supercharge partners productivity, unlock new opportunities, and accelerate deals. From powerful insights to game-changing strategies, this curated session is built to help partners maximize impact and grow with IBM. More information, including promotion materials and collateral, is available in the Partner Page.

Our Call for Speakers closed April 14. Still interested in securing a technology session or Tech Talk? Check out the IBM TechXchange 2025 prospectus for details on sponsorship packages that include sessions.

Once your contract is signed, a TechXchange team member will reach out and provide the link to the Sponsorship portal where information and key milestones will be outlined along with other items required from sponsors i.e. logos, links.