Atlanta is gearing up for an incredible year of trade shows and business expos in 2026. With over 35 major events scheduled throughout the year, the city continues to cement its position as the Southeast's premier destination for business networking and industry connections.
Whether you're in manufacturing, construction, technology, or professional services, Atlanta's trade show calendar offers something valuable for your business. From the massive MODEX supply chain expo in April to specialized industry gatherings throughout the year, these events bring together thousands of professionals looking to make deals, discover innovations, and build partnerships.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Atlanta's 2026 trade show lineup. We'll walk you through the major events, share insider tips for making the most of your time, and help you navigate the unique challenges that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring to the city's summer schedule.
Why Atlanta is a Trade Show Powerhouse
Atlanta's dominance in the trade show world isn't an accident. The city combines unbeatable logistics with world-class facilities to create the perfect environment for major business events.
The Transportation Advantage
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport puts 80% of the U.S. population within a two-hour flight. This accessibility matters when you're trying to attract attendees from across the country. The airport handles over 100 million passengers annually, making it easy for exhibitors and visitors to reach the city from virtually anywhere.
Ground transportation adds another layer of convenience. Atlanta sits at the intersection of major interstates, putting it within a two-day truck drive of 80% of U.S. markets. This makes it practical for companies to ship heavy equipment and exhibition materials.
World-Class Venues and Infrastructure
The Georgia World Congress Center anchors Atlanta's trade show ecosystem with 1.5 million square feet of exhibit space. As America's fourth-largest convention facility, it can handle multiple massive events simultaneously.
The city offers 13,000+ hotel rooms within walking distance of major convention venues. Add in the 18 Fortune 500 companies headquartered here, and you have a built-in audience of business decision-makers who can easily attend local events.
Manufacturing and Industrial Shows
MODEX 2026: The Supply Chain Super Show
MODEX 2026 (April 13–16) stands as the single most important trade show for manufacturing and logistics professionals. This biennial event brings over 40,000 attendees to the Georgia World Congress Center to explore the latest in supply chain innovation.
The show features 1,000+ exhibitors across 600,000 square feet of exhibit space. You'll find everything from warehouse automation systems to cutting-edge robotics and AI-powered logistics solutions. The 2026 edition features four powerhouse keynotes, including Richard McPhail from The Home Depot discussing supply chain lessons from the front lines.
What makes MODEX special is the free education program. With over 200 seminars included with registration, attendees can learn about all of these topics (without additional fees):
- Automation implementation
- Industry 4.0 adoption
- Operational excellence
International Woodworking Fair
The International Woodworking Fair (IWF) (August 25–28) returns to Atlanta in 2026. As North America's largest woodworking technology showcase, IWF draws 30,000+ attendees and 1,000+ exhibitors from around the globe.
This event matters far beyond traditional woodworking. Modern furniture manufacturing, cabinetry production, and architectural millwork all rely on advanced CNC machinery and digital fabrication techniques. IWF showcases these technologies in action, with live demonstrations of equipment that can transform manufacturing operations.
The show includes:
- The IWF Education Conference
- Technology showcases
- The prestigious Challengers Award recognizing innovation
For companies in furniture manufacturing, custom cabinetry, or engineered wood products, this is the one event you can't miss in 2026.
CAMX: The Composites and Advanced Materials Expo
CAMX (September 21–24) brings the global composites and advanced materials community to the Georgia World Congress Center. This event highlights the latest innovations in composite materials and cutting-edge technology. Distributors, suppliers, and manufacturers can come together to network and gain knowledge, inspiration, and a competitive advantage.
IPPE 2026: Food Processing Excellence
The International Production & Processing Expo (January 27–29) kicks off the year. While focused on poultry, meat, and feed industries, IPPE showcases industrial automation and processing technology relevant to many manufacturing sectors.
With 30,000+ professionals from 120+ countries, IPPE demonstrates:
- Cutting-edge processing equipment
- Quality control systems
- Robotics
The show combines three major exhibitions, creating comprehensive coverage of protein production supply chains.
Regional Manufacturing Opportunities
The Southeast Design-2-Part Show (D2P) (March 10–11) brings contract manufacturers together with OEM buyers at the Cobb Galleria Centre. This regional show focuses on:
- Job shops
- Custom manufacturing
- Local supplier relationships
The Georgia Manufacturing Summit (September 15) offers a more intimate setting for Georgia manufacturers. With 500+ attendees expected, this one-day event combines educational sessions with networking opportunities specifically for Southeast manufacturers.
Construction and Engineering Shows
Atlanta Build Expo
Atlanta Build Expo (February 25–26) serves as the region's primary construction industry gathering. Held at the Cobb Galleria Centre, this two-day event brings together 1,000+ buyers and 180+ exhibitors.
The show targets architects, contractors, engineers, developers, and building professionals specifically in the Southeast market. Educational classes run throughout both days, covering topics like:
- Code compliance
- Sustainable building practices
- Construction technology
The regional focus means you'll connect with people actually doing business in Georgia and surrounding states.
NASCC: The Steel Conference
The American Institute of Steel Construction (April 22–24) brings NASCC back to Atlanta. This is the premier event for structural steel design and construction professionals.
The conference combines technical sessions with a substantial trade show floor. Structural engineers, steel fabricators, and erectors come together to explore the latest in steel construction technology and techniques. With the construction boom continuing across the Southeast, this event offers valuable connections for anyone in commercial construction.
RE+ Southeast: Renewable Energy Focus
RE+ Southeast (March 31–April 1) addresses the growing renewable energy sector with a specific focus on solar and energy storage technologies. This regional show brings together 1,000+ clean energy professionals at the Georgia World Congress Center.
As more construction projects incorporate solar panels and energy management systems, this event becomes increasingly relevant for builders and contractors. The two-day format keeps time commitments manageable while delivering concentrated networking and education.
Technology and Innovation Events
The AI Revolution Comes to Atlanta
Atlanta hosts multiple artificial intelligence conferences in 2026, reflecting the technology's growing importance across all industries.
The Optimized AI Conference (March 30–31) at Cobb Galleria Centre features hands-on workshops led by NVIDIA and Google experts.
Atlanta AI Week (April 14–16) creates an interesting overlap with MODEX. Manufacturing professionals can attend MODEX for supply chain technology, then stay for AI Week to dive deeper into artificial intelligence applications. This scheduling creates a powerful opportunity to maximize travel investment.
Developer and IT Leadership Events
The Georgia Technology Summit (April 30) at the Cobb Galleria Centre stands out as the state's premier technology gathering. Organized by the Technology Association of Georgia, this event draws 1,000+ professionals and features Georgia's Top 40 Innovative Companies exhibition.
RenderATL (August 12–13) adds a creative dimension to Atlanta's tech calendar. This conference combines software development workshops with diversity initiatives, attracting developers who want both technical knowledge and community connection. The event features 70+ exhibitors, 120+ speakers and workshops, and draws 10,000+ attendees.
Customer Experience Innovation
Customer Connect Expo (September 9–10) might seem focused on contact centers, but the AI and automation technologies discussed have broad applications. Manufacturing companies implementing customer portals, B2B e-commerce platforms, or dealer networks will find relevant insights here. This expo welcomes 3,000 visitors and features 100+ speakers and 200+ suppliers.
Science and Research
The American Chemical Society’s ACS Spring Meeting (March 22–26) at the Georgia World Congress Center is where chemistry comes to life. Join thousands of scientists and innovators to share ideas and spark new collaborations while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. This is your chance to network with one of the largest scientific communities in the world, discussing topics like sustainable materials, green energy, biochemistry, and more.
Aviation, Security, and Specialized Industries
VERTICON 2026: Vertical Aviation Excellence
VERTICON (March 9–12) brings 15,000 attendees from the vertical aviation industry to the Georgia World Congress Center. With 600+ exhibitors and 60+ aircraft on display, this event showcases aerospace manufacturing technologies relevant beyond just helicopters.
The show features:
- Precision machining demonstrations
- Advanced materials
- Maintenance solutions applicable to any complex mechanical systems manufacturing
Over 125 education courses provide technical content for engineers working in aerospace and related fields.
GSX 2026: Comprehensive Security Solutions
Global Security Exchange (GSX) (September 14–16) addresses the physical and cybersecurity challenges facing industrial facilities and corporate campuses. With 500+ exhibitors and 200+ education sessions, this event covers everything from access control to emergency management.
Manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, and construction sites all need robust security solutions. GSX brings together security professionals from every industry sector, creating valuable cross-pollination of ideas and best practices.
Professional Services and Marketing
Sales and Marketing Excellence
HR and marketing professionals can attend From Day One (January 27) to explore breakthroughs in making work fulfilling, helping employees increase their performance, and producing better managers. You’ll discover innovative approaches in fields including:
- Talent acquisition
- Employee benefits
- Learning and development
- Employee engagement
- AI and HR technology
Atlanta also hosts the Product Marketing Summit and Sales Enablement Summit back-to-back (both June 3–4). These events deliver specialized content for B2B marketing and sales teams, with previous speakers from major brands like UiPath and Coca-Cola.
For manufacturers and industrial companies developing go-to-market strategies, these summits provide frameworks for consultative selling and complex B2B marketing. The focus on AI-enabled sales tools and revenue operations makes these events increasingly relevant for technical industries.
And don’t overlook DigiMarCon Southeast & Mid-South 2026 (also June 3–4). This is the largest digital marketing, media, and advertising event series in the world. This multi-day show provides leading companies with practical solutions and strategy to help them meet their key business challenges.
Franchise Industry Opportunities
The Great American Franchise Expo (May 16–17) showcases franchise opportunities across various industries. For B2B companies, this event offers connections with franchise systems that need suppliers, equipment, and business services.
The Franchise Customer Experience Conference (June 2–4) and Franchise Leadership & Development Conference (October 6–8) round out Atlanta's franchise event calendar. These gatherings attract multi-location business operators who often need industrial equipment, construction services, and B2B solutions.
Community and Networking Events
Atlanta Black Expo
The Atlanta Black Expo (February 20–22) stands as Atlanta's largest Black business marketplace. With 250+ exhibitors and 20+ speakers across all industries, this three-day event creates valuable connections within Atlanta's diverse business community.
The expo combines business exhibitions with networking mixers and cultural events. For B2B service providers and industrial companies looking to expand their customer base, this event offers unique access to Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.
Small Business Connections
The Atlanta Small Business Expo typically runs in December, bringing together thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners. This one-day event at the Georgia International Convention Center features:
- Workshops
- Networking sessions
- Exhibitor booths offering business services
For B2B companies targeting the small business market, this expo provides efficient access to decision-makers actively seeking solutions and partnerships.
AmericasMart: The Wholesale Giant
AmericasMart operates year-round but hosts major markets throughout 2026. The massive facility encompasses 7.1 million square feet with permanent showrooms plus temporary exhibition space.
Major 2026 Markets
Winter Market (January 13–19) and Summer Market (June 9–14) anchor the gift and home furnishings calendar. These aren't typical trade shows – they're massive wholesale buying events where retailers source products for the coming seasons.
The Summer Market notably shifted from July to June to avoid FIFA World Cup conflicts. This demonstrates the event's importance, as organizers rescheduled rather than compete with reduced hotel availability.
Atlanta Apparel markets run five times in 2026, including:
- February 3–6
- March 30–April 1
- June 9–14
- August 3–7
- October 6–9
Each market brings fashion buyers from across the Southeast to source clothing and accessories.
Why AmericasMart Matters for B2B
While primarily serving retail buyers, AmericasMart creates opportunities for manufacturers of:
- Furniture components
- Packaging suppliers
- Logistics providers
The permanent showroom model means manufacturers maintain year-round presence, using market weeks for intensive buyer meetings.
Navigating the FIFA World Cup Impact
The 2026 FIFA World Cup significantly impacts Atlanta's summer trade show schedule. With matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 14, 17, 21, 24, and 27, the city faces major hotel and venue constraints.
Planning Around the Tournament
AmericasMart moved its Summer Market from July to June specifically to avoid World Cup complications. Other shows may face similar scheduling challenges. If you're planning to attend events between June 10 and July 10, book hotels immediately and expect elevated prices.
The World Cup also creates opportunities. Post-tournament shows in August through November might see increased international attendance as global visitors discover Atlanta's convention infrastructure.
Monthly Trade Show Calendar
First Quarter Highlights
- January: 2026 starts strong with From Day One (27) and IPPE (27–29).
- February: This month brings Atlanta Black Expo (20–22) and Atlanta Build Expo (25–26).
- March: March gets busy with the Southeast Design-2-Part Show (10–11), VERTICON (9–12), ACS Spring Meeting (22–26), and the Optimized AI Conference (30–31). The month closes with RE+ Southeast (31–1).
Second Quarter Power Month
- April: This might be 2026's strongest month. MODEX (13–16) and Atlanta AI Week (14–16) create a powerful combination for anyone in manufacturing and technology. Add NASCC (22–24) and the Georgia Technology Summit (30), and April becomes essential for business development.
- May: May features the Great American Franchise Expo (16–17).
- June: June shifts to sales and marketing focus despite World Cup challenges, with DigiMarCon Southeast & Mid-South 2026 (3–4).
Second Half Opportunities
- August: This month brings back momentum with RenderATL (12–13) and IWF (25–28).
- September: September packs in four major events, including Customer Connect Expo (9–10), Georgia Manufacturing Summit (15), GSX (14–16), and CAMX (21–24).
The fourth quarter traditionally slows, but franchise conferences in October and Small Business Expo in December maintain networking opportunities through year-end.
Maximizing Your Trade Show Investment
For Attendees
Start planning three months before any major show. Register early for the best rates and to ensure hotel availability near the venue. For shows like MODEX and IWF, consider booking hotels six months in advance.
Download event apps and plan your schedule before arriving. Most major shows offer session planners and exhibitor directories online. Map out must-see exhibitors and leave time for unexpected discoveries.
For Exhibitors
Success starts with choosing the right shows for your audience. MODEX makes sense for automation and logistics companies, while Atlanta Build Expo better serves regional construction businesses.
Invest in booth location for major shows. You’ll generate more qualified leads in high-traffic areas near:
- Entrances
- Food courts
- Education theaters
For regional shows, standard booth locations often provide sufficient visibility at lower cost.
ROI Measurement Strategies
Track more than just lead counts. Document:
- The quality of connections
- Competitive intelligence gathered
- Partnership opportunities identified
Many valuable trade show outcomes don't immediately convert to sales but strengthen your market position long-term.
Venue Navigation and Logistics
Georgia World Congress Center Tips
GWCC's massive size requires planning. The facility spans three buildings, and walking from one end to another takes 15-20 minutes. Wear comfortable shoes and plan extra time between appointments in different halls.
MARTA provides direct rail access to GWCC, avoiding parking hassles and downtown traffic. The Omni Hotel connects directly to the convention center, offering convenience for multi-day events.
Cobb Galleria Centre Advantages
The Cobb Galleria offers free parking and less congestion than downtown venues. Located at I-75 and I-285, it's easily accessible from anywhere in metro Atlanta.
The venue's current $190 million renovation (completing in early 2027) modernizes facilities while maintaining operations. Regional shows here often provide more intimate networking than massive GWCC events.
Planning Your 2026 Strategy
Setting Priorities
Start by identifying your top three business objectives for 2026, such as:
- Finding new suppliers
- Launching products
- Expanding into new markets
Let these goals guide your trade show selection.
Establishing Budgets
Budget for the full experience, not just registration. Include:
- Travel
- Hotels
- Meals
- Client entertainment
Major shows like MODEX can easily require $3,000-5,000 per attendee when all costs are considered.
Building Your Calendar
Block time now for must-attend events. MODEX and IWF require multiple days out of the office. Regional shows like Atlanta Build Expo might only need a single day but still require advance planning.
Consider sending different team members to different shows. Your sales team might focus on customer-facing events while your operations team attends technical conferences. This spreads the travel burden while maximizing coverage.
Plan Ahead: Make the Most of Atlanta’s 2026 Trade Show Opportunities
Atlanta's 2026 trade show calendar offers unprecedented opportunities for business growth and industry connections. From massive international exhibitions to focused regional gatherings, the variety and quality of events continues to strengthen Atlanta's position as the Southeast's business hub.
Success requires strategic planning and early preparation. Whether you're exhibiting at MODEX, attending IWF, or networking at smaller regional shows, each event offers unique value when approached with clear objectives.
Start planning now. Book your calendars, reserve hotel rooms, and prepare your teams to make the most of Atlanta's incredible 2026 trade show season. The connections you make and insights you gain at these events could transform your business trajectory for years to come.
