Design-Build Conference & Expo

Name: Design-Build Conference & Expo
Start: 2026-11-04
End: 2026-11-04
Location: Cleveland Convention Center

Event overview

Overview

Join more than 2,300 Owners, practitioners, architects, engineers, contractors and industry partners for three days of education, networking and collaboration.

TL;DR

1Dates and Venue: The 2026 Design-Build Conference & Expo takes place on November 4, 2026, at the Cleveland Convention Center in Cleveland, Ohio.
2Scale and Focus: This premier event gathers over 2,300 professionals from the design-build industry, focusing on collaboration and innovation.
3Organiser: Hosted by the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), with registration available at designbuildexpo.com.
4Buyer Authority: Attendees include Owners, architects, engineers, and contractors, all influential in the design-build process.
5Entry / Access: Registration is required; various pricing options are available, including group discounts.

Why visit

Attendees will gain access to valuable educational sessions, networking opportunities, and insights into the latest trends in the design-build industry, enhancing their professional development and industry knowledge. Dates and Venue: The 2026 Design-Build Conference & Expo takes place on November 4, 2026, at the Cleveland Convention Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

Why exhibit

Exhibitors will showcase their products and services to a targeted audience of design-build professionals, gaining visibility and potential business opportunities in a growing market. Buyer Authority: Attendees include Owners, architects, engineers, and contractors, all influential in the design-build process. As design-build continues to dominate project delivery methods in the U.S., this event provides essential insights and networking opportunities for industry.

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Visitor profile

Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

Owners and decision-makers in construction projects

Architects and design professionals

Engineers specializing in design-build projects

Contractors and subcontractors in the construction industry

Industry partners and suppliers

Government officials and policy makers

Exhibitor profile

Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

Construction technology providers

Design and architecture firms

Engineering consultants

Building materials suppliers

Project management software companies

Sustainability and green building experts

Specialty trade contractors

Public and private owners and facility agencies

Design-build practitioners and delivery teams

Construction managers and general contractors

Product categories

Key solution areas showcased across the event.

Design-build project management solutions

Construction technology and software

Building materials and supplies

Sustainable construction practices

Architectural design services

Engineering consulting services

Progressive design-build (PDB) delivery for complex and mega-projects

AI and digital delivery tools for construction

Design-Build Done Right best-practice training and resources

Specialty construction equipment and systems

Location & Facilities

Venue

Open in Google Maps

Cleveland Convention Center

Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Attend

Entry & tickets

Event days & opening times

DayOpening hours

:7:00 AM – 6:30 PM daily

Full Conference Registration
Access to all general sessions, tracks, keynotes, and exhibit hall.

Who runs the show

Organisers

Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA)

Website

How the last edition performed

Previous edition

Last edition

2025

organiser forecast

Visitors: 2,300

Next edition

Not announced yet

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

The Design-Build Conference & Expo is the nation’s largest annual gathering dedicated exclusively to design-build and the premier event for professionals committed to delivering Design-Build Done Right. Join more than 2,300 Owners, practitioners, architects, engineers, contractors and industry partners for three days of education, networking and collaboration. As design-build continues to dominate project delivery methods in the U.S., this event provides essential insights and networking opportunities for industry.

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

Visitors typically include Owners and decision-makers in construction projects, Architects and design professionals, Engineers specializing in design-build projects, Contractors and subcontractors in the construction industry. Dates and Venue: The 2026 Design-Build Conference & Expo takes place on November 4, 2026, at the Cleveland Convention Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Scale and Focus: This premier event gathers over 2,300 professionals from the design-build industry, focusing on collaboration and innovation.

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

Intelligence

Market context

Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

United States — Midwest and Great Lakes region. The DBIA Design-Build Conference & Expo is a national US event that rotates among major metros and lands in Cleveland, Ohio for the 2026 edition, drawing owners, designers, contractors and construction-technology suppliers from across North America.

Why it matters

Attending Design-Build Conference & Expo on 2026-11-04 to 2026-11-04 in Cleveland lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Digital buyer journeys

Digital buyer journeys describe how AEC buyers research solutions, plan conference agendas and book meetings online before they ever reach the show floor.

Sustainability in procurement

Sustainability in procurement is the shift toward scoring energy use, recyclable materials and carbon reporting inside RFPs and supplier scorecards.

Automation and labour efficiency

Automation and labour efficiency covers the machinery, software and services that reduce downtime, staffing pressure and total cost of ownership on projects.

Regional supply-chain resilience

Regional supply-chain resilience is the practice of diversifying suppliers across regions while favouring vendors that offer local service, spare parts and training.

Progressive design-build adoption

Progressive design-build (PDB) is a delivery model where the design-builder is selected early, before design is complete, to team with the owner on scope, risk and price.

Source

Hybrid engagement models

Hybrid engagement models blend the live show with follow-up webinars, digital catalogues and year-round supplier portals that extend the commercial window.

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · USD

Arrival airports

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

CLE

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

Cleveland's primary gateway with the widest domestic nonstop network. The RTA Red Line rapid links the airport to Tower City downtown in about 25 minutes, a short walk or 5-minute rideshare from the convention center; taxi and rideshare pick-up is on the baggage-claim level.

~14 mi / 22 km southwest of downtown Cleveland Convention Center

to venue

18–25 min off-peak; 30–40 min during weekday rush hour

by car

BKL

Burke Lakefront Airport

Downtown lakefront field for private, corporate and charter aircraft, operated by the Cleveland Airport System; the closest option for business-aviation arrivals and only minutes from Lakeside Avenue hotels.

~2 mi / 3 km northeast of the convention center

to venue

6–10 min

by car

CAK

Akron-Canton Regional Airport

Akron-Canton Regional Airport (CAK) is the main commercial gateway serving Cleveland; allow 55–70 min by road or rail to Cleveland Convention Center.

~50 mi / 80 km south via I-77

to venue

55–70 min

by car

PIT

Pittsburgh International Airport

Alternative long-haul gateway for international itineraries that do not connect directly to CLE; requires a rental car, intercity bus or shuttle for the onward drive to Cleveland.

~135 mi / 217 km southeast via I-76 and I-80

to venue

2 h 10 min – 2 h 30 min

by car

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

Budget

Playhouse Square / East 9th Street corridor

USD 109–139 / night

Limited-service properties within a 10–15 min walk of the convention center; rates rise sharply during large citywide events, so book early. Confirm before travel.

Mid-range

Downtown core, Euclid Avenue and East 9th Street

USD 139–199 / night

Hampton Inn Cleveland-Downtown and Residence Inn Cleveland Downtown are representative; breakfast often included and a 6–10 min walk to the venue. Confirm before travel.

Premium

Lakeside Avenue East and Gateway District

USD 169–279 / night

Hilton Cleveland Downtown is attached to the convention center via enclosed walkway; Westin and Metropolitan at The 9 are short walks. Book inside the DBIA room block. Confirm before travel.

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

RTA Red Line (rail)

Estimated costabout 2.50 USD one way (RTA fare)

Best forCleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) to Tower City, downtown

Cheapest airport option; runs to Tower City, a short walk or 5-minute rideshare from the convention center. Confirm the current RTA fare before travel.

Taxi or rideshare

Estimated costUSD 30–50

Best forCleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) to Cleveland Convention Center

Rideshare pick-up is on the baggage-claim level; drop-off is near the main entrances. Allow 18–25 min off-peak, 30–40 min during weekday rush hour. Confirm before travel.

Taxi or rideshare

Estimated costUSD 20–35

Best forBurke Lakefront Airport (BKL) to Cleveland Convention Center

Closest option for business-aviation arrivals, 6–10 min from Lakeside Avenue hotels. Confirm before travel.

Taxi or rideshare

Estimated costUSD 65–95

Best forAkron-Canton Regional Airport (CAK) to Cleveland Convention Center

Allow 55–70 min by road via I-77; shared shuttles may be cheaper but less frequent. Confirm before travel.

HealthLine BRT and RTA buses

Estimated costabout 2.50 USD one way (RTA fare)

Best forEuclid Avenue and Midtown to downtown Cleveland

Multiple RTA routes serve downtown stops near Public Square and Lakeside Avenue. Confirm the current RTA fare before travel.

Drive and park (Huntington Park Garage)

Estimated costEvent parking rates apply; typical downtown garages run about USD 12–30 per day

Best forDirect connection to the Cleveland Convention Center

The 1,200-space Huntington Park Garage connects to the convention center through an enclosed walkway to the Hilton Cleveland Downtown and Center connector. Check the garage rate board on arrival and confirm before travel.

taxi

Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district

Best forPittsburgh International Airport (PIT) to Cleveland Convention Center

2 h 10 min – 2 h 30 min; Alternative long-haul gateway for international itineraries that do not connect directly to CLE; requires a rental car, intercity bus or shuttle for the onward drive to Cleveland.

Plan your trip

Visa & entry documents

Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

Visa required

ATA Carnet: check with organiser

Type	Who needs it	Fee	Processing
B-1 Business Visitor Visa	Foreign nationals traveling to the United States for business meetings, conferences or contract negotiations who are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program.	$185.00	Interview appointment and adjudication vary by consulate; apply roughly 2 to 3 months ahead of travel.
ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)	Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries visiting the United States for business or tourism for up to 90 days.	$21.00	Usually approved online within minutes to 72 hours; apply at least 72 hours before travel and earlier to be safe.

Travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries can enter the United States for business without a visa if approved for ESTA. All other foreign nationals generally need a B-1 visitor visa.

Official visa page

Weather

Cleveland weather during the November show window is cool and often wet: daytime highs near 8 to 10 C (46 to 50 F), overnight lows near freezing, about 72 mm of rain over roughly 12 days, and possible early lake-effect snow. Layers, a warm coat and a rain jacket are essential for walking between downtown hotels and the convention center.

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

US mobile coverage in downtown Cleveland is strong. International visitors can stay connected with a travel eSIM, a US prepaid SIM or their home carrier's roaming plan; a data eSIM is usually the simplest option for maps, rideshare and business calls. Hotel and venue Wi-Fi is common but can be slower at peak times.

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Cultural notes

Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

Tipping and service

Tipping is expected in Cleveland restaurants and bars: 18–20% of the pre-tax bill for table service, roughly 1–2 USD per drink at the bar, and 2–3 USD per bag for hotel bell staff. Rideshare and taxi tips are optional but appreciated at about 10–15%.

Business dress and greetings

Design-build business attire runs from business casual (open-collar shirt, no tie) in education sessions to business formal for owner meetings and awards events. A firm handshake, first-name introductions and a quick exchange of business cards are standard; sessions and keynote start times are kept strictly.

Downtown etiquette and small talk

The convention center connects indoors to the Hilton Cleveland Downtown, so November wind off Lake Erie rarely interrupts the working day. Local small talk leans on the Browns, Cavaliers and Guardians, lake-effect weather and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame; East 4th Street is the default spot for after-hours dinners and reservations are wise during conference week.

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

Flights

Destination: CLE

Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Cleveland; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.

Visa

Most foreign nationals traveling to the United States for business need a B-1 visitor visa, or a combined B-1/B-2 visa; travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries can instead use an approved ESTA. Attending a business convention or conference, holding meetings and negotiating contracts are permitted B-1 activities.

Estimated cost: B-1/B-2 visa application fee about 185 USD, and ESTA about 21 USD (labeled approximate government fees; confirm current amounts on ustraveldocs.com).

Processing: Processing and interview wait times vary by consulate; apply and book an interview roughly 2 to 3 months before the conference to be safe. ESTA applications are usually decided online within 72 hours.

Carry your DBIA registration confirmation, an invitation letter if requested, and hotel details to the visa interview and on arrival. Business visitors cannot take up employment in the United States. Confirm the latest entry rules on official US government sites before booking travel.

Official

Transport

Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE): 18–25 min off-peak; 30–40 min during weekday rush hour; Burke Lakefront Airport (BKL): 6–10 min; Akron-Canton Regional Airport (CAK): 55–70 min; Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT): 2 h 10 min – 2 h 30 min. Allow road or rail time to Cleveland Convention Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.

Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Cleveland Convention Center: Playhouse Square / East 9th Street corridor: Playhouse Square / East 9th Street corridor; Downtown core, Euclid Avenue and East 9th Street: Downtown core, Euclid Avenue and East 9th Street; Lakeside Avenue East and Gateway District: Lakeside Avenue East and Gateway District.

Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Cleveland; confirm local availability before travel.

Public transit: Cleveland's RTA Red Line connects Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) to Tower City downtown, a short walk or rideshare from the convention center. The HealthLine BRT runs along Euclid Avenue and Midtown, and multiple RTA bus routes serve stops near Public Square and Lakeside Avenue. Rideshare drop-off is near the main venue entrances.

Parking: On-site parking is available at Cleveland Convention Center; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Month: November 2026

Temperature: Average highs around 8 to 10 C (46 to 50 F) and lows near 2 to 4 C (35 to 39 F). Daily highs fall from roughly 14 C (57 F) at the start of the month to about 8 C (46 F) by late November, and overnight lows can dip near or below freezing.

Seasonality: November is one of Cleveland's cloudier, wetter months, with roughly 72 mm of rain spread across about 12 rain days, plus a chance of early lake-effect snow as winter approaches.

Packing: Pack layered clothing, a warm coat and a waterproof jacket or umbrella, since days are cool and rain is frequent and evenings get cold. Bring comfortable walking shoes for the downtown convention district and a small bag for meeting materials.

Plan your trip

Planning

Best day to visit: Wednesday, 4 November 2026 — opening day of the Design-Build Conference & Expo at the Cleveland Convention Center.

Opening day carries the fullest schedule: registration and exhibit-hall access open alongside the opening general session and keynote, education tracks begin the same morning, and exhibit hours are exclusive of session blocks. The first evening reception also delivers the densest owner, architect, engineer and contractor networking of the week, and November downtown hotel rates and flights are easiest to secure for midweek arrival.

Confirm passport validity and check whether you need a US B-1 visa or ESTA for the trip — Apply early; visa interviews and ESTA approvals take time, and UK/EU and other Visa Waiver Program travellers may use ESTA.

Book flights into Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) — CLE connects to downtown via the RTA Red Line to Tower City; compare early arrivals to allow for winter weather delays.

Reserve a downtown Cleveland hotel near the convention center — Use the official DBIA room block or downtown properties such as Hilton Cleveland Downtown, The Westin or Hampton Inn Cleveland-Downtown.

Complete online registration and pay the conference fee — Register at designbuildexpo.com/online_registration.cfm; ask about group discounts if ten or more attend from the same company.

Download the conference programme and exhibit hall floor plan — Review education tracks, keynotes and exclusive exhibit hall hours so you can plan around sessions.

Request meetings with exhibitors or other attendees via the conference platform — DBIA's platform networking feature lets registered participants find and connect with each other before the show.

Shortlist sessions by track, including PDB and AI in construction themes — Balance education time with hours on the show floor given the non-overlapping exhibit hall schedule.

Plan local transport between your hotel, the airport and the venue — Most downtown hotels are 150 to 470 m from the venue; use the Red Line or HealthLine BRT for longer hops.

Prepare for a cool, wet Cleveland November — Pack layers, a warm coat and a rain jacket; expect highs near 8 to 10 C and possible early lake-effect snow.

Save registration confirmation, visa documents and hotel booking — Keep digital and printed copies for badge pickup and any border or hotel checks.

Recheck travel and session times and charge devices for a full day — Confirm any schedule changes posted by DBIA before travelling.

Arrive early on day one for badge collection and orientation — Collect your badge using the Attendee Service Center details and pick up a programme on arrival.

Side trips

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and North Coast Harbor

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Ohio Amish Country (Holmes County)

Networking spots

Exhibit hall aisles and DBIA booth

On-site B2B networking

Exclusive exhibit hours concentrate owners, architects, engineers and contractors in one hall without competing education sessions — the highest-yield window for supplier and partner conversations.

Hilton Cleveland Downtown lobby and rooftop bar

Conference hotel bar

The headquarters hotel absorbs evening traffic from the conference, making it the easiest place to continue a booth conversation over a drink without leaving downtown.

East 4th Street entertainment district

Walkable dining and bar district

Dense cluster of restaurants and bars used for team dinners and client entertainment; reserve tables early in conference week when downtown fills during the November event window.

Budget

Costs & budget

Build your working budget

Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

Hotel tier

Budget$109.00/nightMid-range$139.00/nightPremium$279.00/night

Number of nights

Estimated budget

Live estimate

Hotel × 2 nights$218.00
Per diem × 2$150.00
Visa$185.00

Estimated total$553.00

This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.

Cost reference

Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

visa_fee

visitor · B-1 Business Visitor Visa

USD 185 / per application

organiser_published

visa_fee

visitor · ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)

USD 21 / per application

organiser_published

Item	For	Tier	Estimated range	Status	As of
visa_fee	visitor	B-1 Business Visitor Visa	USD 185 / per application	organiser_published
visa_fee	visitor	ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)	USD 21 / per application	organiser_published

Decision

Visit, exhibit, or skip?

Should you go?

Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.

QUESTION 1 OF 6

What is your primary role?

Decision matrix

Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

visit

Assess how this option fits your objectives.

Best for

Design-build practitioners, architects, engineers, specialty contractors and public or private owners evaluating delivery models and sourcing partners at the only national event centred exclusively on design-build.

Min. budget

$350.00

Timeline

4 to 6 weeks to secure registration, Cleveland hotel rooms and flights before November demand peaks.

Risks

Downtown Cleveland hotel rates rise as the conference block and other events fill the city

Foreign nationals need a B-1 visa or an approved ESTA before travel, which adds lead time

exhibit

Assess how this option fits your objectives.

Best for

Construction technology vendors, building materials suppliers and AEC service firms that want direct access to more than 2,300 owners, practitioners, architects, engineers and contractors.

Min. budget

$2,200.00

Timeline

Book stand space and finalise build plans 3 to 4 months out; the exhibitor service manual opens mid-2026.

Risks

Exhibit hall hours are exclusive and do not overlap education sessions, so staff the booth and sessions separately

Late space requests may be limited on the show floor as the hall sells out

skip

Assess how this option fits your objectives.

Best for

Local Cleveland-area professionals who cannot travel, or firms with no US design-build pipeline to justify the trip this year.

Timeline

None; monitor DBIA resources and the annual exhibitor prospectus online instead.

Risks

Missing in-person networking with owners and design-build teams is hard to replace remotely

Book with

Partners

Recommended providers

Visa

US Department of State

Gallery

Photos

Official imagery from Design-Build Conference & Expo

FAQs & glossary

Answers

Frequently asked

How do I register?

Visit our website at https://designbuildexpo.com/ and click on the 'register now' button.

How much does it cost to register?

Pricing varies, please check out our registration rates for specific pricing. We offer special discount pricing for DBIA Members, UBE firms, Young Professionals, etc.

What's included in the registration fee?

Full Conference Registration includes access to sessions, keynotes, general sessions, networking receptions, and exhibit hall.

Are meals included?

Yes, we provide meals during the conference that are included in your conference fee.

Do you offer one-day registration passes?

Yes, we offer single day passes ONSITE ONLY. Prices can range from $200-$600 depending on the day of registration, DBIA member status, and registration type.

Is hotel accommodation included in the registration fee?

Hotel accommodations are not included in the registration fee. Attendees are responsible for their own accommodations and travel costs.

Glossary

Design-Build: A project delivery method that integrates design and construction services.
VDC: Virtual Design and Construction, a methodology that uses digital tools to improve project delivery.
BIM: Building Information Modeling, a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a facility.
CEH: Continuing Education Hours, credits earned by attending educational sessions.
DBIA: Design-Build Institute of America, the organization that promotes design-build project delivery.
AI: Artificial Intelligence, technology that simulates human intelligence processes.
ROI: Return on Investment, a measure used to evaluate the efficiency of an investment.
Owner: The individual or entity that holds the title to the project and is responsible for its funding.

Also known as

Alternate names and search phrases for this event.

Design-Build Conference & Expo
Design-Build Conference and Expo
Design-Build Conference Expo
DBIA Conference & Expo
Design-Build Conference & Expo 2026
Design-Build Expo Cleveland 2026
Design-Build Conference Cleveland
Cleveland Ohio design-build event
design-build project management conference
construction technology and software expo

Trust footer

Sources

References

Publishers

Date checked

Design-Build Institute of America

Design-Build Conference & Expo
Lang: EN
event_website

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