Where Innovation Takes Flight: Top Aerospace & Aviation Shows of 2026
The aerospace and aviation sector is one of the most dynamic, innovation-driven industries in America. The A&D industry generates more than $922 billion in revenue and touches everything from commercial flight to defense systems to sustainable aviation technologies. 2026 is poised to be a breakthrough year. The rising travel demand, modernization initiatives, and the urgency around environmental solutions are converging. The trade shows lined up across the country reflect this moment. These are where strategic decisions get made, partnerships form, and market leadership gets established.
For exhibitors, the stakes and rewards are equally clear. You’ll be in rooms with procurement leaders, C-suite decision-makers, investors and people with active intent to evaluate solutions. These are the environments where product innovations gain credibility, new customer relationships begin, and competitive positioning strengthens. The question isn’t whether to participate, it’s how to maximize impact.
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When: January 12 – 16, 2026
Where: Hyatt Regency, Orlando
About The Trade Show:
The Aerospace Sciences Meeting & Exhibit – AIAA SciTech brings together over 6,000 participants from 48+ countries, including professionals from government, academia, and industry. With more than 2,800 technical presentations and 1,100+ companies, it’s a leading event for exchanging ideas, research, and practical solutions.
Recognized as one of the top aviation trade shows 2025, it gives exhibitors the opportunity to engage directly with representatives from NASA, the U.S. Air Force, and other major agencies.
2. SpaceCom
When: January 28 – 30, 2026
Where: Orange County Convention Center
About The Trade Show:
SpaceCom gathers over 5,000 space professionals, 250+ exhibitors, and participants from more than 80 countries. As part of Commercial Space Week, it’s designed for high-level networking and business opportunities with 45 sessions and a diverse mix of C-level executives, engineers, military personnel, and business development leaders.
Exhibiting here with a demand-driving trade show booth rental puts your solutions directly in front of key buyers and influencers from the commercial, defense, and government sectors.
When: February 10 – 11, 2026
Where: JW Marriott Tampa, Florida
About The Trade Show:
Aero-Engines America is all about aero engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul. It brings together engine manufacturers, MRO providers, airlines, and suppliers for focused conversations around strategy, operations, and partnerships. With targeted sessions and supplier meetings, it offers a practical environment for networking and business development.
4. AirCargo Conference
When: February 15 – 17, 2026
Where: Orlando
About The Trade Show:
The AirCargo Conference is where freight forwarders, airlines, airport execs, and logistics pros come together to talk about what’s really going on in the air cargo world—challenges, changes, and smart solutions. It’s a focused, no-fluff event for those who want real insights into airfreight operations and policies that impact the industry.
Planning to exhibit at one of the top aviation trade shows in 2026? This one’s a great opportunity to build partnerships and get your services in front of the right crowd. You will need a stunning trade show exhibit rental to make an impact.
5. Airport Experience Conference
When: February 22 – 25, 2026
Where: Nashville, TN
About The Trade Show:
The Airport Experience Conference 2026 is a key gathering for leaders shaping the future of airport concessions, retail, dining, and passenger experience. Now in its 21st year, AXC delivers high-value education, market insights, and hands-on exposure to the newest concepts and solutions transforming the modern airport environment.
Each year, more than 1,000 industry professionals—including airport executives, concessionaires, developers, and service providers—attend AXC to explore trends, strengthen partnerships, and engage in meaningful discussions about growth, innovation, and passenger engagement. The Experience Hall further showcases brands, technologies, and offerings that elevate the airport experience.
6. NBAA Miami-Opa locka Regional Forum
When: February 25, 2026
Where: Opa-locka, FL
About The Trade Show:
The NBAA Miami-Opa locka Regional Forum 2026 brings together business aviation owners, operators, manufacturers, and service providers for a focused, one-day gathering at one of South Florida’s key aviation hubs. The event offers targeted education sessions, an impressive aircraft display, and more than 100 exhibits showcasing products, services, and technologies that support the business aviation community.
Attendees gain direct access to industry experts, operational insights, and new business opportunities in an environment designed for meaningful connection and hands-on discovery. It’s an ideal platform for those looking to stay informed, explore solutions, and build relationships within the regional aviation market.
7. VERTICON
When: March 09 – 12, 2026
Where: Atlanta, Georgia
About The Trade Show:
VERTICON brings together professionals from the vertical transportation industry, including elevator, escalator, and lift system manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers. The event focuses on product demonstrations, safety standards, and business growth across construction and facility management sectors. Using a rental trade show booth helps exhibitors simplify complex offerings and speak directly to the people behind large-scale projects.
8. PBExpo
When: March 11 – 12, 2026
Where: Miami, FL
About The Trade Show:
PBExpo 2026 is a key event for the aviation, aerospace, and MRO supply chain, bringing together professionals focused on parts procurement, e-commerce technology, and digital transformation. The show emphasizes solutions that streamline operations, improve supply chain efficiency, and support the evolving needs of commercial, business, and defense aviation sectors.
Attendees benefit from technical sessions, product showcases, and networking opportunities designed to connect airlines, OEMs, distributors, and technology providers. The exhibit hall highlights tools and services that enhance parts sourcing, inventory management, and aftermarket performance.
20×20 Exhibit Booth Rental AT MRO Americas Show 2025, Atlanta, GA
9. Apex
When: March 17 – 19, 2026
Where: Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim
About The Trade Show:
IPC APEX EXPO is a must-attend for anyone in the electronics manufacturing space. From OEMs and EMS providers to PCB designers and equipment suppliers, it’s where the industry connects for learning, networking, and serious business opportunities.
As electronics continue to play a critical role in aerospace innovation, this show also appeals to companies in the aviation industry. Invest in a trade show exhibit rental that’ll help you get attention from 5000+ visitors at the show.
10. AEA International Convention
When: March 23 – 26, 2026
Where: Dallas, TX
About The Trade Show:
The AEA International Convention & Trade Show 2026 is the largest annual gathering dedicated exclusively to the general aviation avionics industry. It brings together avionics manufacturers, distributors, and government-certified repair stations from around the world. It is serving as the primary venue for new product launches and industry updates.
The event focuses on delivering targeted education, hands-on training and meaningful business development opportunities for avionics professionals. It remains the preferred meeting place for companies looking to strengthen dealer networks, stay current with regulatory changes, and explore emerging technologies shaping the future of general aviation.
11. Space Symposium
When: April 13 – 16, 2026
Where: Colorado Springs, CO
About The Trade Show:
Space Symposium 2026 is a leading global event bringing together professionals from commercial space, government, defense, and international agencies. For over 40 years, it has served as a key forum for discussing space policy, industry challenges, and emerging technologies that shape the future of the space sector.
The event draws thousands of attendees and features an expansive exhibit area covering nearly 170,000 square feet, offering a prime stage for companies to showcase innovations and connect with influential decision-makers across the global space community.
When: April 14 – 19, 2026
Where: Lakeland, FL
About The Trade Show:
The Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo 2026 is one of the most celebrated aviation events in the U.S., drawing pilots, aviation enthusiasts, training organizations, and industry suppliers for a week of flying, education, and community. The expo features airshows, workshops, aircraft displays, and training programs that highlight every corner of the aviation world.
The event also hosts a vibrant marketplace where companies showcase aircraft, avionics, pilot gear, maintenance solutions, and aviation services. It’s an ideal environment for exhibitors looking to connect with a highly engaged aviation audience in a hands-on setting.
13. Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit
When: April 15 – 17, 2026
Where: Nashville, TN
About The Trade Show:
The Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit 2026 is a premier gathering for the U.S. Army aviation community. It is bringing together military leaders, industry partners, and technology providers to discuss operational needs, modernization priorities, and future capabilities. The event features briefings, panels, and engagements focused on strengthening readiness, enhancing mission performance, and supporting the aviation workforce.
Attendees gain direct insight into Army aviation programs, acquisition strategies, and emerging technologies shaping today’s rotary-wing and unmanned operations. The exhibit hall offers a targeted environment for showcasing aerospace systems, mission equipment, sustainment solutions, and training technologies.
14. Sea-Air-Space
When: April 19 – 22, 2026
Where: National Harbor, MD
About The Trade Show:
Sea-Air-Space 2026 is the premier U.S. maritime exposition, powered by the Navy League and trusted by military, government, and defense-industry leaders worldwide. The event highlights the latest advancements across naval, aviation, and maritime technologies, offering a clear view of evolving priorities and emerging capabilities.
With 16,000 attendees, 430 exhibitors, and strong representation from senior military officials and international delegations, the show delivers exceptional access to decision-makers and mission-critical conversations. Conference sessions and exhibit experiences provide focused insight into modernization, innovation, and global maritime collaboration.
When: April 21 – 23, 2026
Where: Orlando, FL
About The Trade Show:
Aviation Week’s MRO Americas 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the premier event for the aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul sector. Bringing together airlines, OEMs, MRO providers, suppliers, and aftermarket leaders, the show offers a comprehensive look at the innovations and trends shaping global aviation maintenance.
With more than 17,000 attendees and 1,000+ exhibitors, MRO Americas delivers unmatched access to decision-makers, new technologies, and high-value business opportunities. From expanded conference tracks to focused networking and buyer engagement, the event serves as a key platform for strengthening partnerships and accelerating industry growth.
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16. 98th Annual AAAE Conference
When: May 03 – 05, 2026
Where: Los Angeles, CA
About The Trade Show:
The 98th Annual AAAE Conference & Exposition is a cornerstone event for airport executives, offering focused education, industry updates, and meaningful collaboration. Leaders from airports of all sizes gather to discuss regulatory changes, operational challenges and the innovations shaping the future of airport management.
The conference features a comprehensive learning program, enabling attendees to earn CEUs while staying current on trends and best practices. A dynamic exhibit hall showcases technologies and solutions that enhance passenger experience, improve efficiency, and support long-term airport growth.
17. World Aviation Training Summit
When: May 05 – 07, 2026
Where: Orlando, FL
About The Trade Show:
WATS 2026 is the leading global event dedicated to aviation training, safety, and operational excellence. Designed by and for aviation professionals, it brings together airlines, regulators, training academies, OEMs, and solution providers.
With attendees representing 50+ countries and more than 70 air operators, WATS offers a focused environment for learning, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving. The show’s conference sessions and exhibit hall highlight practical tools, advanced training solutions, and insights that help organizations strengthen safety, performance, and compliance.
18. XPONENTIAL
When: May 11 – 14, 2026
Where: Detroit, MI
About The Trade Show:
XPONENTIAL 2026 brings together the global uncrewed systems and autonomy community for four days of education, collaboration, and technology discovery. With dedicated programming and exhibits spanning more than 25,000 square feet across MDEX and the Defense Technologies Zone, the event provides a clear, concentrated look at how uncrewed platforms are advancing mission readiness and national security.
Attendees, from defense leaders and engineers to manufacturers and solution providers—gain insight into next-generation systems, integration challenges, regulatory considerations, and real-world applications shaping the future of autonomy. The exhibit floor showcases emerging technologies across air, ground, maritime, and space domains, offering direct access to innovators driving rapid capability advancement.
19. AeroMat
When: June 02 – 04, 2026
Where: West Palm Beach, FL
About The Trade Show:
AeroMat 2026 is the premier event for aerospace materials engineers, researchers, and industry professionals, offering a focused look at the latest advancements in materials science and manufacturing. As OEMs emphasize steady program development, the materials community continues to address several critical challenges. These include supply chain resilience, sustainable production, and the growing demand for multifunctional materials used in defense, space, and next-generation propulsion.
The conference features technical sessions, keynotes, and panel discussions covering emerging materials, advanced processes, and innovative applications across the aerospace sector. Attendees gain practical insights into circularity, high-performance systems, and evolving requirements shaping future aerospace platforms.
20. Space Tech Expo USA
When: June 02 – 04, 2026
Where: Anaheim, CA
About The Trade Show:
Space Tech Expo USA 2026 brings together the engineering, manufacturing, and technology communities driving innovation across the space industry. As a leading West Coast event for commercial, military, and civil space sectors, it offers a focused environment to explore advancements in spacecraft systems, launch technologies, satellite solutions, and supply chain capabilities.
Engineers, program managers, OEMs, and space-sector suppliers attend to discover new technologies, compare solutions, and gain insight into evolving mission requirements. The exhibit hall features a wide range of companies showcasing components, materials, testing systems, manufacturing tools, and next-generation technologies shaping the future of space hardware and infrastructure.
21. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
When: July 20 – 26, 2026
Where: Oshkosh, WI
About The Trade Show:
EAA AirVenture 2026 is the world’s largest aviation gathering, drawing more than 500,000 attendees and over 10,000 aircraft to Oshkosh each summer. For one week, Wittman Regional Airport becomes the busiest airfield on the planet as aviation enthusiasts, pilots, families, and industry professionals from 80+ countries come together to celebrate every corner of flight.
The event showcases an unmatched variety of aircraft—warbirds, vintage models, homebuilts, ultralights, and rare one-of-a-kind designs—alongside daily air shows, workshops, forums, demonstrations, and immersive programming for all ages. From high-energy aerobatics to hands-on learning and family-friendly experiences, AirVenture offers something for every aviation interest and experience level.
22. Small Satellite Conference
When: August 23 – 26, 2026
Where: Salt Lake City, UT
About The Trade Show:
The 40th Annual Small Satellite Conference brings together the global smallsat community to explore the technologies, missions, and engineering breakthroughs shaping modern constellation success. This milestone year highlights the innovators, researchers, and organizations whose collaboration has driven four decades of progress in small satellite development and deployment.
Attendees will gain insight into the current state of smallsat capabilities while engaging in discussions that define the next wave of advances—from mission design and launch solutions to ground systems, data services, and commercial applications. The conference offers a focused environment for learning, networking, and sharing technical expertise across the international space community.
23. NBAA
When: October 20 – 22, 2026
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
About The Trade Show:
NBAA’s aviation trade events are a go-to destination for companies in business aviation. Whether it’s NBAA-BACE or regional forums, these gatherings give suppliers a direct line to buyers looking for aircraft products and services. If you’re planning to exhibit, partnering with an established trade show booth company in Las Vegas can make all the difference.
24. Air, Space & Cyber Conference
When: Sep 14 – 16, 2026
Where: National Harbor, MD
About The Trade Show:
The Air, Space & Cyber Conference 2026 is the Air & Space Forces Association’s premier professional development event, bringing together senior leaders, industry partners, and defense professionals to advance the future of air and space power. The conference serves as a central forum for discussing emerging requirements, operational challenges, and the technologies shaping national security across the air, space, and cyber domains.
Attendees benefit from high-level keynotes, strategy sessions, and technical discussions that highlight evolving capabilities, modernization priorities, and cross-domain integration. The event also features an exhibit hall where companies showcase systems, solutions, and innovations supporting the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, and broader defense ecosystem.
In Conclusion,
2026’s aerospace and aviation trade show landscape is shaped by transformative industry priorities that include sustainability mandates, digital integration, supply chain modernization, and emerging technologies. Trade shows remain the most powerful forum for reaching decision-makers, establishing trust, and securing the partnerships and contracts that fuel business growth.
But presence alone doesn’t drive results, strategic booth execution does. Exponents understands this landscape deeply. We combine industry insight with operational excellence to help exhibitors convert their booth presence into qualified leads, strategic relationships, and measurable revenue impact. Your 2026 success starts with the right partner and the right strategy.
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