AB Show 2026: Orlando athletics and fitness expo, Nov 17-19.
Dates
17–19 Nov 2026
City / country
Orlando, USA
Venue
Orange County Convention Center
Time
Conference: November 17 – 19, 2026 · Expo: November 18 – 19, 2026
Are you the organiser of this event?
Companies exhibiting at Athletic Business Show 2026 include AllChem Performance Products, AquaRevival, Aquatic Design Group, Association of Aquatic Professionals and Association of Outdoor Recreation & Education.
Event overview
AB Show 2026 brings athletics, fitness, recreation and military professionals to Orlando on November 17-19, 2026.
More than 200 exhibiting companies and 100+ educational sessions cover facility design, operations, programming and equipment.
The Orange County Convention Center hosts the conference November 17-19 and the expo floor November 18-19.
TL;DR
Attend to see equipment and facility solutions in one place, compare vendors before a renovation, and take away operating ideas from 100+ sessions. The Orlando location keeps travel simple for teams from the Southeast and beyond, while facility tours and the expo floor add practical detail that a brochure cannot show.
Exhibit to reach facility owners, athletic directors, recreation managers and military fitness buyers who specify equipment and services. More than 200 companies already use the show floor, and the organiser reports that most 2025 exhibitors planned to return. Orlando draws regional and national buyers with active projects.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
9800 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Entrances & gates
West Concourse main entrance
Primary badge-check and expo access point on International Drive.
On-site garages serve the convention campus; expect convention-day pricing and keep a card for exit.
The convention centre has step-free entrances, lifts and accessible restrooms; request mobility assistance through the venue guest services desk.
Food options
Concourse concessions
On-site diningParking: Use the OCCC North/South parking garages off International Drive or Convention Way; arrive 30-45 minutes early on expo days because nearby lots fill during large conventions.
Gate: Enter through the West Concourse lobby shown on your badge confirmation; allow time for bag screening at peak morning hours.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Full Conference - 1st person
Standard rate after October 17, 2026.
Full Conference - 2nd/3rd person
Same organisation, same transaction.
Full Conference - 4+ person
Same organisation, same transaction.
Expo Pass
Expo floor and floor activities only.
Expo Plus Pass
Expo plus two seminars, one on November 18 and one on November 19.
Student Attendee
Full-time undergraduate or graduate student; ID required.
Military Attendee
Active duty or civilian employee of a military base or installation.
Tuesday Only Conference
November 17 seminars; add-ons extra.
Wednesday Only Conference
November 18 seminars, expo and industry party.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Bring a government-issued photo ID to badge pickup; students must show a current student ID.
Ticket notes
Standard pricing applies after October 17, 2026. Full conference includes expo, seminars, the industry party and seminar handouts; CEUs, tours and golf are paid add-ons.
Registration deadline
2026-11-19
Who runs the show
Athletic Business Media
Organiser and publisher
What's on
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2025
Visitors: 2,000
Exhibitors: 200
Visitor countries: 23
This edition
2026
Visitors: 2,000
Exhibitors: 200
Floor area: 14,864 sqm
Next edition
Not announced yet
Growth over time
Impact
AB Show matters most to buyers with an open facilities project. The show combines an expo of 200+ suppliers with 100+ education sessions, so a visitor can compare products and build the internal case in the same trip. Orlando makes it accessible for Southeast campus, municipal and military teams.
Audience quality
The audience is narrow but senior: facility owners, athletic directors, recreation managers and military fitness staff. The organiser reports that 93% of attendees have purchasing power and that many arrive planning renovation work within five years. That makes conversations more specification-led than at a consumer fitness expo.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI depends on targeting renovation and equipment budgets rather than collecting raw scans. The organiser reports that 82% of 2025 exhibitors planned to return, which signals satisfaction but is not an audited return figure. Exhibitors should book follow-ups within 48 hours and track pipeline, not badge counts.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
The athletics and fitness facilities market is consolidating around renovation, energy efficiency and member experience. Buyers at AB Show control budgets for equipment, surfaces and software, so exhibitors use the show to reach decision-makers before procurement cycles close. Orlando concentrates regional and national accounts in one travel-friendly destination.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Renovation over new-build
Campus, municipal and military operators are refreshing existing facilities rather than starting greenfield projects, favouring phased equipment and surface upgrades.
What it changes: Suppliers with retrofit-friendly products and short installation windows fit buyer budgets better than new-build packages.
Connected fitness and facility software
Booking, access control, member apps and equipment telemetry are being bought together as an operating stack rather than as standalone tools.
What it changes: Software vendors that integrate with lockers, turnstiles and cardio equipment can win larger contracts at the show.
Inclusive and outdoor recreation
Shade, adaptive equipment, pickleball and outdoor fitness zones keep expanding as operators serve older and more diverse users.
What it changes: Exhibitors covering shade, courts, turf and accessibility can address projects that span indoor and outdoor budgets.
Other North American gatherings to compare before or after AB Show 2026.
NCAA Convention 2027
Nashville, USA
College athletics administrators; typical mid-January window, exact 2027 dates to confirm.
websiteIHRSA Convention 2027
Las Vegas, USA
Health and fitness club operators; typical March window, exact 2027 dates to confirm.
websiteClub Industry Show 2027
Chicago, USA
Fitness business education and expo; typical October window, exact 2027 dates to confirm.
websiteWinter
College athletics buying cycle.
Spring
Fitness club operator cycle.
Autumn
Budget planning for the following year.
Circuit knowledge; confirm exact dates and venues with each organiser.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Closest major airport; rental cars, ride-hail and taxis at both terminals.
about 12 miles
to venue
15-25 minutes
by car
Orlando Sanford International Airport
Smaller airport north of the city; useful for some low-cost carriers but farther from International Drive.
about 30 miles
to venue
45-60 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 110–160 / night
Walkable or short trolley ride to the convention centre; book early for convention week.
USD 180–260 / night
Closest band for a 3-night stay; some rooms connect to the convention campus by walkway.
USD 300–450 / night
Full-service options with dining and meeting space; suites and club rooms run above the band.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
I-Ride Trolley
Frequent along International Drive; exact fare depends on single-ride versus day pass.
Ride-hail or taxi
Use the designated ride-hail pickup at MCO; traffic on International Drive can add 10-15 minutes.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 business visitor visa | Visitors who are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program and need to attend meetings, trade shows or contract negotiations. | $185.00 | Interview wait times vary by consulate; apply well before travel. | |
| ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program | Eligible citizens of VWP countries travelling for business for 90 days or less. | $40.00 | Usually minutes to 72 hours; apply at least 3 days before departure. |
VWP-eligible travellers pay the ESTA fee rather than a visa fee.
A carnet can simplify temporary admission of display equipment; confirm the commodity and broker requirements before shipping.
Official visa pageWeather
November in Orlando is mild and mostly dry: highs around 78 F (26 C), lows near 60 F (16 C), with occasional rain. Pack light layers and a compact umbrella.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
MCO and International Drive hotels offer Wi-Fi; the convention centre provides attendee Wi-Fi in public areas. A US eSIM or roaming plan is useful for ride-hail and restaurant bookings.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Restaurant servers expect 18-20% before tax; bartenders and ride-hail drivers are tipped separately.
Business pace
Meetings start on time and small talk is brief; confirm appointments by email and keep a digital copy of your badge confirmation.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: MCO
Book 6-10 weeks ahead for November; Tuesday arrivals are cheaper than Sunday before the conference.
Book flightsGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: MCO to the OCCC is about 15-25 minutes by car; ride-hail and taxis are available at both terminals.
Hotel → venue: Most International Drive hotels are walkable or a short trolley ride; allow 20-30 minutes at peak.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate at MCO and across Orlando; expect surge pricing after large sessions.
Public transit: Lynx buses and the I-Ride Trolley serve International Drive; travel times are longer than ride-hail.
Parking: Use OCCC garages or hotel parking; convention-day garage pricing applies.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November
Temperature: 60-78 F (16-26 C)
Seasonality: Mild and mostly dry, with brief showers possible; hurricane season ends November 30.
Packing: Light layers, comfortable walking shoes, a compact umbrella and a refillable water bottle.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Wednesday combines a full expo day with seminars and the industry party, so a one-day visitor can cover the floor and still meet peers socially.
Book flights and hotel — Use MCO and an International Drive hotel; confirm cancellation terms.
Register and choose pass — Compare full conference versus Expo Plus against your session goals.
Build a session and exhibitor shortlist — Pick 8-10 exhibitors and two education tracks; leave walking time.
Download badge and plan transport — Check MCO transfer options and download the show app.
Pack and confirm meetings — Print or save confirmations; set out business cards and a charged phone.
Badge pickup and expo preview
OCCC West ConcourseSupplier meetings on the expo floor
Expo hallEducation session and networking lunch
Conference roomsFacility tour or second meeting block
Meet at the tour deskWalt Disney World Resort
Theme Park
About 20-25 minutes from International Drive
Add a family day before or after the show; book tickets in advance.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Science and Heritage
About 60-75 minutes east of Orlando
A full-day break with guided tours and the Saturn V exhibit.
AB Show industry party
Official social event
Included with full conference and Wednesday passes; bring business cards.
International Drive restaurants
Informal dinners
Pointe Orlando and the convention-area hotels cluster dining options within walking distance.
AB Show conversations are specification-led; speed and relevance matter more than volume.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 550–750 / m²
Raw space
USD 350–500 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
No 2026 exhibitor tariff was published on the pages reviewed. Bands reflect comparable US convention-centre shows and should be confirmed with the organiser.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
Booth shell scheme
exhibitor · standard
USD 4950–6750 / 9 sqm stand
Raw space
exhibitor · standard
USD 12600–18000 / 36 sqm
Hotel
both · mid
USD 180–260 / room per night
Per diem
both · standard
USD 60–90 / person per day
Visa or ESTA
visitor · standard
USD 40–185 / per person
Exhibitor insurance
exhibitor · standard
USD 100–200 / per stand
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Booth shell scheme | exhibitor | standard | USD 4950–6750 / 9 sqm stand | estimate | 2026-11-04 |
| Raw space | exhibitor | standard | USD 12600–18000 / 36 sqm | estimate | 2026-11-04 |
| Hotel | both | mid | USD 180–260 / room per night | estimate | 2026-11-04 |
| Per diem | both | standard | USD 60–90 / person per day | estimate | 2026-11-04 |
| Visa or ESTA | visitor | standard | USD 40–185 / per person | estimate | 2026-11-04 |
| Exhibitor insurance | exhibitor | standard | USD 100–200 / per stand | estimate | 2026-11-04 |
Decision
Six quick questions to decide whether to visit, exhibit or skip AB Show 2026.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
Which best describes your role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You have an active or next-year project and need supplier shortlists and peer benchmarking.
Best for
Facility owners, athletic directors and recreation managers comparing products before a project.
Min. budget
$500.00
Timeline
1 day plus travel
Risks
Too many exhibitors for one day
Sessions clash with floor meetings
exhibit
Your products serve facility renovation or equipment budgets and you can staff the floor for both expo days.
Best for
Suppliers of fitness, flooring, lockers, lighting, aquatics, software and facility services.
Min. budget
$6,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months of planning
Risks
High stand and travel cost
Lead quality depends on pre-show meetings
skip
You have no North American facility buyer, no active project and no budget for travel this year.
Best for
Consumer fitness shoppers, early-stage startups without a US market plan and teams with no facility project.
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
Missing relationship-building
Losing visibility to competitors
Book with
Orange County Convention Center
The West Concourse hosts the AB Show expo and conference rooms on International Drive.
Official venue website; not a named show sponsor.
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
The closest major gateway, with domestic and international service about 12 miles from the venue.
Official airport website; useful travel resource, not a show partner.
Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce
Regional business network for companies planning meetings, investment or market entry in Central Florida.
Public chamber resource; not a named AB Show partner.
National Recreation and Park Association
Professional association for parks and recreation leaders, an adjacent audience to AB Show.
Public association resource; not a named AB Show partner.
Recommended providers
Start with the B-1 business visitor page and check consulate wait times.
Filter for International Drive and free cancellation; convention week fills early.
Compare MCO fares and bundle a hotel on International Drive.
Request a trade-show quote and confirm the official handler before shipping.
Choose cover that includes convention travel and equipment if you exhibit.
Book theme parks and Kennedy Space Center tickets in advance.
Use a scanner or QR landing page and export leads to your CRM daily.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
6 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
5
References
2
Publishers
5
Date checked
Athletic Business Media
Athletic Business
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