October Special — 50% off Spotlights and exhibitor listsSee prices

    Dates

    14–15 Oct 2026

    City / country

    Houston, USA

    Venue

    George R. Brown Convention Center

    Time

    10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

    20 Floor Picks

    Matched booths for Disaster Expo USA 2026

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    Notable exhibitors

    Companies exhibiting at Disaster Expo USA 2026 include 3r Strategic Solutions, Advanced, Advanced Unmanned, Agri Spray Drones and Air & Water solutions of the Ozarks.

    • 3r Strategic Solutions
    • Advanced
    • Advanced Unmanned
    • Agri Spray Drones
    • Air & Water solutions of the Ozarks

    Event overview

    Overview

    Disasters Expo Texas 2026 (Natural Disasters Expo USA) is the fifth edition of the leading U. S.

    trade show for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Held October 14–15, 2026, at the George R.

    Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas, it runs alongside the Resilient City Expo and five other co-located industry events under one badge. The expo brings together industry leaders, government agencies, first responders, and professionals to showcase cutting-edge solutions and technologies that drive resilience and recovery efforts across the country.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Fifth edition of Disasters Expo USA returns to Houston on October 14–15, 2026.
    2. 2Co-located with Resilient City Expo and five other industry events under one badge.
    3. 3Expected 4,000+ attendees, 300+ exhibitors, and 50+ speakers.
    4. 4Free registration for industry professionals.
    5. 5Focus on disaster management, mitigation, emergency response technology, and urban resilience.

    Why visit

    Visitors gain practical insights from hand-picked keynote speakers and high-level seminar sessions across specialist tracks, discover innovative technologies from 300+ exhibitors transforming emergency management, and develop partnerships in dedicated networking areas. The event connects you with organizations shaping the future of emergency management across government, infrastructure, healthcare, and private sector resilience. Whether you work in government, infrastructure, healthcare, or private sector resilience, the expo equips you with knowledge and partnerships needed to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibiting at Disasters Expo USA places your brand alongside the most prominent organizations in disaster management and connects you with pre-qualified decision-makers from government, emergency response, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. Two days of face-to-face engagement with buyers actively seeking solutions generate qualified leads, high-value partnerships, and direct market intelligence. Exhibitors also gain access to a 360° marketing campaign, social media amplification, and targeted email promotion before the event.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Disaster response agencies and emergency management professionals
    Government officials and municipal authorities
    Fire departments and first responders
    NGOs and humanitarian organizations
    Utilities and critical infrastructure operators
    Healthcare and public health professionals
    Industry decision-makers and solution buyers

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Safety and environmental technology
    Construction and resilient infrastructure
    Communications and emergency notification systems
    Geospatial systems and data analytics
    Logistics and supply chain solutions
    Rescue equipment and personal protective equipment
    Software development and emergency planning platforms

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Emergency communications and satellite devices
    Mobile command and control platforms
    Unmanned aerial and underwater systems
    Power and water infrastructure (generators, portable desalination)
    Shelter and medical equipment (temporary housing, tele-medicine kits)
    Disaster prediction and monitoring (weather sensors, flood monitors, fire detection)
    Search and rescue tools and protective equipment

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Open in Google Maps

    Halls & areas

    7
    {'label': 'Hall A', 'source_url': 'https://Www.grbhouston.com/Planners/Floor-Plans/'}{'label': 'Hall B', 'source_url': 'https://Www.grbhouston.com/Planners/Floor-Plans/'}{'label': 'Hall C', 'source_url': 'https://Www.grbhouston.com/Planners/Floor-Plans/'}{'label': 'Hall D', 'source_url': 'https://Www.grbhouston.com/Planners/Floor-Plans/'}{'label': 'Hall E', 'source_url': 'https://Www.grbhouston.com/Planners/Floor-Plans/'}{'label': 'Hall A3', 'source_url': 'https://Www.grbhouston.com/Planners/Floor-Plans/'}{'label': 'Hall B3', 'source_url': 'https://Www.grbhouston.com/Planners/Floor-Plans/'}

    George R. Brown Convention Center

    1001 Avenida De Las Americas, 77010 Houston, USA

    Entrances & gates

    Hilton Skybridge

    2nd floor skybridge entrance connecting the Hilton Americas-Houston hotel to the GRB.

    Marriott Skybridge

    2nd or 3rd floor skybridge entrance connecting the Marriott Marquis hotel to the GRB.

    Ground-floor entrances

    Street-level entrances into the GRB from Avenida de las Americas and surrounding streets.

    Parking garage entrances

    Direct access into the GRB from the attached Avenida North, Avenida South, and Avenida Central garages.

    Facilities

    Parking

    Avenida North Garage (701 Avenida de las Americas): 1,848 spaces; $15 (0-1 hrs), $24 (1-2 hrs), $32 (2-4 hrs), $42 max daily. Avenida Central Garage (663 spaces) temporarily closed through Fall 2026. Avenida South Garage opening Fall 2026. Tundra Garage (2,478 spaces) at Toyota Center with rates varying by event. All campus garages have bike parking. ADA-accessible parking available. No cashier on duty—pay at kiosks. Surface lots behind the GRB charge $10-$15/day. Hilton Americas garage: $20. Norton Rose Fulbright Tower Garage (1515 Dallas St.): $15-$40, 0.2 miles away.

    1,848 spaces · $42.00/day

    Accessibility

    Fully ADA-compliant. Features include: accessible parking spaces with sufficient width and length at Avenida North Garage; accessible parking pay stations; barrier-free entrances; wide doorways; stable, firm, and slip-resistant floor surfaces; smooth floor transitions; accessible elevators with sufficient maneuvering space serving all levels; accessible restrooms with grab bars; step-free internal routes with clear signage; wheelchair-accessible seating in session rooms; AIRA app for visually impaired visitors; interactive facility map online; well-lit signage. Lactation pods (Mamava) on Mezzanine Level 2 (North and South sides). METROLift provides ADA-accessible curb-to-curb transportation.

    Food options

    Grotto Downtown, Kulture: Black Chef Table, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Saltgrass Steak House, Starbucks

    On-site dining

    Parking: The GRB campus has 4 attached parking garages. Avenida North Garage, 701 Avenida de las Americas, 1,846 spaces, 7 ft clearance, connected to the GRB and Marriott Marquis via skybridge. Avenida South Garage, 1710 Polk Street, 1,459 spaces, 6.8 ft clearance, connected to the Hilton Americas via skybridge. Avenida Central Garage, 1002 Avenida de las Americas, 663 spaces, 7 ft clearance, located under Discovery Green Park across from the GRB. Tundra Garage (Toyota Center), 1506 Jackson Street, connected via skybridge. Hourly garage rates apply unless special event pricing is posted at the garage entrance; a printable parking map is available on the GRB site.

    Gate: Exhibitor loading dock access is at the rear of the GRB. The entrance gate is on Chartres Street across from Walker Street, and the exit gate is across from Hall E, with one-way traffic through the loading/parking area. These are general GRB loading-dock procedures documented for past exhibitors at the venue and have not been confirmed as Disasters Expo Texas 2026 specific instructions.

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Trade-only
    Free registration

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    10:00 AM –4:00 PM (October 14–15, 2026)

    • General Admission

      Full two-day access; requires professional role verification.

      $119.00
    Register

    Ticket info

    Ticket notes

    The official 2026 site advertises free registration. A ticket provides access to the event and its seven co-located shows. No current-edition public badge collection instructions or paid ticket price are published.

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    Jacob Sims

    Contact

    Email

    Fortem International USA

    EmailCallWebsite

    What's on

    Programme

    Speakers

    KT

    Kirsten Trusko

    CEO & Co-founder @ Payments as a Lifeline (PaaL)

    Money in Disaster What Could Go Wrong?!

    BT

    Bobby Tinsley

    Co-founder and CEO @ SKUx

    Money in Disaster What Could Go Wrong?!

    DE

    Dave Etling

    SVP & General Manager @ InComm Payments

    Money in Disaster What Could Go Wrong?!

    CB

    Christopher Bess

    Moderator

    Communicating Through a Hurricane: The Critical 96 Hours

    TP

    Thomas Panuzio

    Communicating Through a Hurricane: The Critical 96 Hours

    CC

    Carlos Cruz-Casas

    Communicating Through a Hurricane: The Critical 96 Hours

    EG

    Elizabeth Greig, MD

    Communicating Through a Hurricane: The Critical 96 Hours

    JR

    Jeffrey Rouse

    Communicating Through a Hurricane: The Critical 96 Hours

    CV

    Carolina Velásquez

    Assistant Professor, Author, Ph.D @ Florida State University

    Urban Resilience in the Americas: Regional Collaboration for a Safer Future

    CS

    Craig S. Stelmach

    Shifting from Reactive to Proactive Disaster Planning with Climate Intelligence

    TH

    Tom Hoban

    Building Resilient Communities: Cross-Sector Strategies for a Safer Future

    AK

    Andrew Kruger

    Building Resilient Communities: Cross-Sector Strategies for a Safer Future

    PE

    Patrick E. Murphy

    Building Resilient Communities: Cross-Sector Strategies for a Safer Future

    RT

    Rives Taylor

    Building Resilient Communities: Cross-Sector Strategies for a Safer Future

    AP

    Aris Papadopoulos

    Moderator

    Building Resilient Communities: Cross-Sector Strategies for a Safer Future

    KR

    Kevin Raber

    Special Projects Director @ TruNorthe

    VT

    Vasili Triant

    CEO @ UJET

    MP

    Mark Pittman

    Founder @ Blyncsy, Inc.

    BM

    Brent Mitchell

    Managing Principal @ RedCastle Resources Inc.

    KJ

    Kason Jennings

    VP of Sales @ BoxHouse

    TF

    Ty Farrell

    Senior Manager @ Plains All American

    JT

    Jim Timberlake

    Senior Vice President @ American Resources

    FS

    Francisco Sánchez, Jr.

    Senior Advisor @ Hagerty Consulting

    AR

    Antonio Ruan

    Mechanical Engineer @ Starling Inc.

    Topic tracks

    Disaster Preparedness and MitigationEmergency Management and ResponseCritical Infrastructure ResilienceDisaster Recovery and Business ContinuityDisaster Response TechnologyCommunity Resilience

    Co-located events

    Resilient City Expo

    Separate ticket

    Chemical Risk Expo

    Separate ticket

    Power Continuity Expo

    Separate ticket

    First Responders Expo

    Separate ticket

    Disaster Vehicle Expo

    Separate ticket

    Resilient Architecture and Structural Engineering Expo

    Separate ticket

    Awards

    Life-Saving Solution of the Year Award

    Annual

    Recognizes organizations delivering critical innovations that directly protect lives during disasters, evaluated by a panel of industry experts.

    source

    Most Innovative Technology Award

    Annual

    Honors groundbreaking tools and technologies that significantly advance disaster response, resilience, and emergency management capabilities.

    source

    Emergency Preparedness and Resilience Award

    Annual

    Acknowledges exceptional contributions to emergency preparedness planning and community resilience building.

    source

    Disaster Recovery Award

    Annual

    Recognizes outstanding solutions and strategies that accelerate and improve post-disaster recovery efforts.

    source

    Disaster Response Award

    Annual

    Honors innovations and organizations that demonstrate excellence in immediate disaster response operations.

    source

    Sponsors

    US Claro

    R&R: Restoration & Remediation Magazine

    PaaL

    SEIA

    Eutelsat Network Solutions

    AAR

    Evans Transportation

    ORKID

    LGP Aerospace

    IFEX 3000

    Government supporters

    FEMA

    Government Agency

    NASA

    Government Agency

    NOAA

    Government Agency

    U.S. Fire Administration

    Government Agency

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Current edition

    2026 · 4,000 visitors · 300 exhibitors

    The organiser's current event homepage publishes 300+ exhibitors and 4,000+ attendees for the 2026 Houston show; numeric fields store the published lower bounds. The same homepage says the series is heading into its fifth year. An official organiser recap describes 2026 as the second Houston edition. A separate. Who Attends page displays higher 15,000+ attendee and 500+ exhibitor figures, but its sector copy is inconsistent with the disaster-management event, so those figures are not used here.

    Forecast — not final

    Visitors

    5,000

    Exhibitors

    350

    Growth over time

    Edition recap

    Disasters Expo USA Houston 2025 ran on November 5-6, 2025 at the George R. Brown Convention Center and marked the event's Texas/Houston debut. The organiser's post-show recap says the edition brought together emergency-management leaders, first responders and resilience innovators for two days of collaboration and industry discussion, with Resilient City Expo co-located for the first time.

    The organiser's official show-video recap states 5,000 attendees, 350+ vendors, 70 speakers and 7 theaters. Because the narration introduces these figures while describing the first day, they should be treated as organiser-stated figures rather than independently audited final attendance. The video also highlights strong booth traffic, government buyers, supplier discovery, networking and potential-client conversations as exhibitor outcomes.

    New this edition

    • 1

      First Responders Expo

      A brand-new show under the Natural Disasters Expo USA umbrella, focused on public safety, first responders, agencies, equipment, communications, medical response and operational support.

      Source
    • 2

      Disaster Vehicle Expo

      A brand-new co-located show for 2026 dedicated to disaster-response vehicles, specialist equipment and mobility solutions.

      Source
    • 3

      Power Continuity Expo

      A brand-new show under the Disasters Expo USA umbrella focused on operational continuity, utilities, backup power, continuity planning and resilience across critical infrastructure.

      Source
    • 4

      Chemical Risk Expo

      A brand-new show under the Natural Disasters Expo USA umbrella focused on chemical safety, hazardous materials, industrial risk, emergency response and recovery.

      Source

    Testimonials

    You have city municipalities, you have not for profits, you have company. So the wealth of expertise here, the products that you can see.

    · 2025

    Next edition outlook

    2026-10-14 – 2026-10-15
    high

    The 2026 edition returns to Houston with an expected 5,500 attendees (a 14.5% year-over-year increase) and 300 exhibitors. The program emphasizes climate-resilience programming, 28 main-stage sessions, 42 seminar sessions, and four expert-led roundtables, with a focus on facilitated dialogue over hands-on workshops.

    Increased focus on climate-resilience programming and roundtable discussions. 28 main-stage sessions and 42 seminar sessions, replacing hands-on workshops with facilitated roundtables. Four expert-led roundtables covering disaster charity, women's leadership, community networks, and early-warning action.

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    The 2025 Houston debut of Disasters Expo USA brought together over 5,000 industry leaders, emergency responders, and government agencies, alongside more than 500 exhibitors. The event served as a critical platform for showcasing disaster preparedness, response, and recovery technologies, with notable speakers including former FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. The co-location with. The Resilient City Expo created a comprehensive view of the before, during, and after phases of disaster management.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    The 2025 Houston edition attracted a high-quality audience of government agencies, municipal representatives, first responders, private-sector executives, and disaster-management professionals. The event's co-location with. The Resilient City Expo further enriched the attendee mix with urban planners and sustainability experts. Notable speakers included former FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and representatives from NASA, NOAA, and the U.S. Fire Administration.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibitors at the 2025 Houston event gained direct access to decision-makers from municipal, state, and federal agencies, as well as private-sector buyers. The co-located Resilient City Expo expanded the addressable audience to include urban resilience and climate-adaptation stakeholders. The first Houston edition demonstrated strong demand, with over 500 exhibitors participating. The 2026 edition is expected to maintain a steady exhibitor count of 300 while growing attendee numbers, offering focused networking opportunities.

    Intelligence

    Exhibitors

    150

    Exhibitors

    22

    Categories

    8

    Countries

    8

    Pavilions

    Top exhibitor countries

    Top 8 by exhibitor count — estimates based on published directory.

    • United States
      138
    • Canada
      3
    • South Africa
      2
    • Germany
      2
    • Netherlands
      2
    • Norway
      1
    • United Kingdom
      1
    • Israel
      1

    ~92% of listed exhibitors are from United States.

    Category breakdown

    1~26
    estimate
    2~23
    estimate
    3~17
    estimate
    4~11
    estimate
    5~9
    estimate
    6~8
    estimate
    7~7
    estimate
    8~6
    estimate
    9~6
    estimate
    10~6
    estimate
    11~5
    estimate
    12~4
    estimate
    13~4
    estimate
    14~3
    estimate
    15~3
    estimate

    National pavilions

    United States

    ~138 stands
    estimate

    Canada

    ~3 stands
    estimate

    South Africa

    ~2 stands
    estimate

    Germany

    ~2 stands
    estimate

    Netherlands

    ~2 stands
    estimate

    Norway

    ~1 stands
    estimate

    United Kingdom

    ~1 stands
    estimate

    Israel

    ~1 stands
    estimate

    Buyer targets

    High priority

    Buyers sourcing

    Shelf-Stable Food & Emergency Nutrition Suppliers

    Buyers sourcing

    Other Disaster Management & Emergency Response Suppliers

    Buyers sourcing

    Logistics, Heavy Haul & Disaster Supply Chain Suppliers

    Buyers sourcing

    Backup Power, Generators & Fuel Systems Suppliers

    Buyers sourcing

    Flood, Water Rescue & Marine Emergency Suppliers

    Medium priority

    Buyers sourcing

    Site Access, Construction Support & Infrastructure Suppliers

    Buyers sourcing

    UAS, Drone Response & Counter-Drone Suppliers

    Buyers sourcing

    Temporary Shelter, Modular Housing & Deployable Structures Suppliers

    Buyers sourcing

    PPE, Tactical Gear & Responder Safety Suppliers

    Buyers sourcing

    Emergency Communications, Radios & Command Center Suppliers

    Intelligence

    Market context

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

    United States (national scope with Houston, Texas as the primary venue hub)

    Why it matters

    The United States faces an escalating disaster risk landscape, recording 23 billion-dollar weather events in 2025 alone with total damage exceeding $115 billion. At the same time, federal disaster response is undergoing its most significant restructuring since 1979, with FEMA reform proposals shifting greater responsibility to states and local governments. This creates an urgent market demand for technology solutions that enable communities to prepare, respond, and recover more independently. The homeland security and emergency management market is projected to reach $866.43 billion in 2026 with a 7.4% CAGR, while the climate-adaptation market alone generates over $1 trillion in annual global revenue. Disasters Expo USA 2026 sits at the center of this convergence — connecting solution providers with the government agencies, first responders, infrastructure operators, and healthcare organizations that are actively procuring next-generation disaster management technology. For exhibitors, the Houston edition offers direct access to Texas — the state with the most natural disasters in the nation — and the broader Gulf Coast region that faces the highest concentration of hurricane, flood, and industrial risk.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    AI and GeoAI transform disaster prediction and response

    Artificial intelligence and geospatial AI (GeoAI) are becoming decisive factors in disaster-risk governance. Earth-observation fleets and open models now convert large volumes of imagery into decision-ready layers in minutes rather than days, while AI-driven triage, predictive risk assessment, and autonomous monitoring platforms are being deployed across emergency operations.

    Source
    02

    Climate resilience investment surges past $1 trillion annually

    Climate-adaptation solutions generate more than $1 trillion in annual revenue globally, a market that could quadruple to $4 trillion by 2050. Extreme weather is expected to drive over $20 trillion in global spending over the next decade, with companies focused on environmental adaptation and mitigation outperforming broader markets.

    Source
    03

    FEMA reform shifts responsibility to state and local governments

    The President's Council to Assess FEMA released a final report in May 2026 recommending the most significant restructuring of federal disaster assistance since 1979. Proposals include replacing the Public Assistance program with parametric block grants (RAPID), raising damage thresholds by over 50%, and shifting leadership of disaster response to states through a phased two-to-three-year transition.

    Source
    04

    Drone and autonomous systems revolutionize emergency medical response

    Drone-delivered automated external defibrillators (AEDs) have demonstrated median time savings of over three minutes compared with ambulance arrival. AI-driven triage, robotic interventions to control bleeding, and autonomous monitoring platforms are being integrated to stabilize casualties during the critical 'golden hour' when survival odds are highest.

    Source
    05

    Emergency management software market accelerates toward $13.76 billion by 2034

    The global emergency response software market is projected to reach $13.76 billion by 2034 from $5.35 billion in 2025. Rising frequency of natural disasters, public safety incidents, and critical events are driving demand for efficient incident management, disaster preparedness, and public safety solutions.

    Source
    06

    Supply chain resilience becomes strategic national priority

    The global economy is shifting from lowest-cost efficiency toward resilience, as governments and companies prioritize security, continuity, and reliable supply. Global export restrictions on critical raw materials rose more than fivefold between 2009 and 2023, pushing companies toward 'just-in-case' strategies with backup suppliers and domestic production capacity.

    Source

    Market news

    Latest updates from across the market.

    FEMA announces nearly $180 million to strengthen community resilience against future disasters

    Read

    FEMA Review Council releases final report with 10 sweeping recommendations to restructure federal disaster response

    Read

    ESA co-funds eight new Earth observation projects for wildfire and disaster management

    Read

    EDRR Expo 2026 positions Indonesia as global hub for disaster-management technology

    Read

    US natural disaster and emergency relief services market reaches $16.9 billion in 2026 despite federal headwinds

    Read

    Homeland security and emergency management market projected to reach $866.43 billion in 2026

    Read

    Emergency management, disaster resilience, and first response events — next 12 months

    Primary planning window: October 2026 through March 2027 for events in the next 6-12 months. Disasters Expo USA Miami (March 2026) has already occurred; the Houston edition (October 2026) is the next anchor event. EMS World Expo and IAEM Annual Conference follow in the fall of 2026.

    The global disaster management event circuit spans trade shows, professional conferences, and community preparedness expos. Disasters Expo USA operates as the largest dedicated disaster-preparedness trade show in North America, with its Miami edition (March 4-5, 2026) and Houston edition (October 14-15, 2026) anchoring the calendar. Around it cluster specialized events covering EMS and prehospital care (EMS World Expo), professional emergency management (IAEM Annual Conference & EMEX), research and policy (Natural Hazards Workshop), and community resilience (National Disaster Resilience Conference). The circuit also includes regional hurricane preparedness expos and international events such as Singapore's Global Disaster Resilience Summit. For exhibitors and visitors, the most efficient strategy is to pair the two Disasters Expo USA editions with one or two specialized conferences that reach complementary buyer audiences.

    4–5 Mar 2026

    Disasters Expo USA — Miami

    Miami Beach, USA

    Fifth annual edition; held outside Florida hurricane season; general admission approximately $119 for two-day access.

    website
    14–17 Jun 2026

    51st Annual Natural Hazards Research and Applications Workshop

    Broomfield, USA

    Held at Omni Interlocken Hotel, Colorado. Focuses on bridging research and practice in hazards and disaster management.

    website
    25 Jun 2026

    2026 Hurricane Preparedness Expo — Dunedin

    Dunedin, USA

    Free event; features vendor expo and keynote speaker from Tampa Bay meteorology. Representative of dozens of similar local hurricane expos across Florida.

    website
    28 Sep – 2 Oct 2026

    EMS World Expo 2026

    Orlando, USA

    Focused on prehospital emergency care, hands-on training, and EMS technology. Held at Orange County Convention Center.

    website
    8 Oct 2026

    ASTM Workshop on Collaborating for Resilience

    Jacksonville, USA

    Focus on standards, practice, and partnership for strengthening community resilience.

    website
    14–15 Oct 2026

    Disasters Expo USA — Houston

    Houston, USA

    Held at George R. Brown Convention Center; focuses on disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience.

    website
    6–12 Nov 2026

    IAEM 74th Annual Conference & EMEX 2026

    Long Beach, USA

    IAEM member early bird registration $675; non-member $917. Includes access to all sessions, EMEX opening reception, and networking events.

    website
    18–19 Nov 2026

    National Disaster Resilience Conference 2026 (NDRC26)

    Clearwater Beach, USA

    Agenda designed to advance the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) partnership's goal of delivering disaster-resistant housing.

    website

    Spring 2026 (March–June)

    Disasters Expo USA — Miami51st Annual Natural Hazards Research and Applications Workshop2026 Hurricane Preparedness Expo — Dunedin

    Miami edition anchors the spring circuit; research workshop bridges policy and practice in June; local hurricane expos ramp up ahead of Atlantic hurricane season.

    Fall 2026 (September–November)

    EMS World Expo 2026ASTM Workshop on Collaborating for ResilienceDisasters Expo USA — HoustonIAEM 74th Annual Conference & EMEX 2026National Disaster Resilience Conference 2026

    The densest cluster of the year. Houston edition serves as the anchor trade show; EMS World Expo and IAEM reach first responders and emergency managers respectively; NDRC26 closes the year with a resilience focus.

    International circuit (outside USA)

    Global Disaster Resilience Summit 2026 (Singapore)EDRR Expo 2026 (Jakarta)Resilient Asia 2026 (Kuala Lumpur)Emergency Services Show / Resilience360 (Birmingham, UK)

    International events for exhibitors seeking global market access; Singapore summit (January), EDRR Jakarta (August), Resilient Asia (April), and UK Emergency Services Show (September).

    Event dates compiled from organiser websites, PreventionWeb, TradeFairDates, and official event pages. The circuit is dominated by Fortem International's dual Disasters Expo USA editions (Miami and Houston), supplemented by professional association conferences (IAEM, Natural Hazards Workshop) and specialized trade shows (EMS World Expo). International events provide global reach for exhibitors. Dates are subject to change; verify with organisers before committing travel or exhibiting resources.

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · USD

    Arrival airports

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

    HOU

    William P. Hobby Airport

    Closest airport to the George R. Brown Convention Center. Southwest Airlines hub; limited international service. Located approximately 15.7 km (9.8 mi) road distance via I-45. Taxi/rideshare fare typically $25-$35.

    12 miles

    to venue

    20 minutes

    by car

    IAH

    George Bush Intercontinental Airport

    Larger international gateway with more airline options. Approximately 37 km (23 mi) road distance. Located north of downtown via I-45 South to McKinney St. Taxi/rideshare fare typically $40-$55.

    20 miles

    to venue

    30 minutes

    by car

    Hotel tiers

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

    Budget
    Downtown Houston / Near Convention Center

    USD 63–130 / night

    Options include Scott Inn & Suites (from $63/night, metro rail two stops from convention center) and Best Western Premier Houston Downtown/Convention Center (approximately $126-$129/night, within a 5-minute walk of the venue). Sleep Inn & Suites Downtown Houston Near Convention Center offers budget-friendly rooms near the venue.

    Mid-Range
    Downtown Houston / Convention Center District

    USD 140–260 / night

    Includes Cambria Hotel Houston Downtown Convention Center (approximately $189/night, 586m to Discovery Green), Homewood Suites by Hilton Houston Downtown (approximately $228/night, 0.4km from GRB), Hampton Inn Houston Downtown (approximately $202/night, 0.4km from GRB), Embassy Suites by Hilton Houston Downtown Convention Center (3-minute walk to GRB, rooftop pool, complimentary breakfast), and Holiday Inn Houston Downtown (approximately $229/night).

    Premium
    Downtown Houston / Convention Center District

    USD 280–550 / night

    Includes Hilton Americas-Houston (0.2km from GRB, connected via skybridge, from approximately $282/night), The Westin Houston Downtown (0.5km from GRB, from approximately $342/night), Marriott Marquis Houston (0.2km from GRB, Texas-shaped lazy river, from approximately $514/night), and The Lancaster Hotel (boutique property in Theatre District, from approximately $349/night).

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

    Estimated cost$16–$75
    Best forAirport to Downtown / Hotel to GRB

    Lyft is typically cheaper in Houston, winning 58% of the time with average savings of $1.50–$3.00 per ride. IAH to downtown averages $34–$52 via Lyft; Hobby to downtown is $16–$25. Both airports charge rideshare fees. Compare both apps before booking, especially for 10+ mile trips.

    Taxi

    Estimated cost$28–$95
    Best forAirport to Downtown / Citywide

    Hobby Airport (HOU) to downtown: flat zone rate of $27.56 daytime, $28.56 nighttime. IAH to downtown: approximately $50–$70 metered. Airport departure surcharge of $1.25 applies; additional $1 late-night surcharge (8 p.m.–6 a.m.). Tips of 15–20% expected.

    METRO Bus (Route 500 Downtown Direct)

    Estimated cost$4.50 one-way
    Best forIAH/HOU Airport to Downtown

    Direct nonstop service between downtown Houston and both major airports. Buses include complimentary Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. Operates before 5 a.m. to after 9 p.m., every 30 minutes. Stops near downtown hotels and the convention center district.

    METRORail (Light Rail)

    Estimated cost$1.25 regular fare; $0.60 discounted
    Best forDowntown to Convention District / Citywide

    Green and Purple Lines stop at Convention District Station, a short walk from GRB. Red Line connects via transfer at Central Station Main. Discounted fares available for students, seniors 65-69, and people with disabilities. Trains run every 5-10 minutes.

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa not required
    ATA Carnet: check with organiser
    TypeWho needs itFeeProcessing
    B-1 Business Visitor VisaCitizens of countries not participating in the Visa Waiver Program who are traveling to the U.S. temporarily for business activities such as attending conferences, negotiating contracts, or consulting with business associates.$185.00Varies by consular post; global median wait for B1/B2 interview is approximately 30 days, but some posts have waits of six months or more. A $750 expedited interview option (in addition to the $185 fee) is available at select posts from July 1 to December 31, 2026, securing an interview within 10 business days.
    Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)Citizens of 42 designated Visa Waiver Program countries (including most EU nations, the UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and others) traveling for business or tourism for 90 days or less.$40.27Most applications are approved within minutes; allow up to 72 hours for authorization.

    Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries (42 nations including most of the EU, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, and others) may enter the U.S. for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a visa, provided they obtain an approved ESTA and hold an e-passport. Nationals of all other countries generally require a B-1 visa for business travel to the U.S.

    The ATA Carnet is accepted in the United States for the temporary duty-free and tax-free importation of goods for exhibitions, trade shows, and professional equipment for up to one year. CBP regulations explicitly allow ATA Carnets for goods temporarily entered for use at exhibitions and trade shows. Goods intended to be consumed or given away at the show are not permitted under an ATA Carnet. Exhibitors should contact the port of entry prior to travel and carry documentation confirming the trade show date, location, and exhibitor status. If shipping supplies valued over $2,500, a Temporary Importation Under Bond (TIB) or Carnet is recommended.

    Official visa page

    Weather

    Houston in October offers a reprieve from summer heat, with average high temperatures around 82.8°F (28.2°C) and lows near 60.9°F (16.1°C). October is historically the wettest month, averaging 5.46 inches of rain. Humidity begins to break by mid-October. Expect warm afternoons, cooler evenings, and occasional rain showers. Light layers and a compact umbrella are recommended.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    The GRB is well-connected to Houston's downtown transit network. METRORail Green and Purple Lines stop at Convention District Station, a short walk from the venue. The Red Line connects via a transfer at Central Station Main (one stop east to Convention District). METRO bus routes 40 (Telephone/Heights) and 41 (Kirby/Polk) stop within walking distance. Greenlink, a free downtown circulator, has Orange and Green routes stopping adjacent to the convention center. The venue is approximately 20 minutes from Hobby Airport (HOU) and 30 minutes from Bush Intercontinental (IAH) by car. Five skybridges connect the GRB to the Hilton-Americas and Marriott Marquis hotels, as well as the Avenida North and South garages/transit centers.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

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

    Business Attire

    Business attire in Houston is generally a suit for men and women, especially at larger corporations. Some smaller companies adopt smart-casual (no jeans). Given Houston's warm October climate, lighter-colored suits and breathable fabrics are practical choices for the trade show floor.

    Tipping Culture

    Tipping is standard and expected in the U.S. For sit-down restaurants, 18-20% is customary. Houston pays tipped workers a federal minimum wage of $2.13/hour, making tips a critical part of service workers' income. Tip screens at cafes and counters are common, with 15-20% suggested. Taxi and rideshare drivers expect 10-15% tips.

    Houston's Diversity

    Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the U.S., with over 90 consulates representing 145 languages spoken. The city has large Hispanic, Asian, and African American communities. Business interactions are generally practical, direct, and time-conscious. Building relationships and making introductions is valued in Houston's business culture.

    Local Customs

    A lunch meeting in Houston tends to be alcohol-free. Comfortable walking shoes are essential given the GRB's 1.2 million square feet of space. The venue is fully ADA-compliant with accessible parking, elevators, and restrooms. Tipping at hotels ($2-$5 per bag for bellhops, $2-$5 per night for housekeeping) is standard.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

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

    Flights

    Destination: HOU

    Hobby Airport (HOU) is the closest and most convenient airport, especially for domestic flights on Southwest Airlines. Bush Intercontinental (IAH) is better for international and long-haul domestic routes. Both airports offer taxi, rideshare (Uber/Lyft), and shuttle services to downtown Houston. Allow 30 minutes from HOU and 45 minutes from IAH during peak traffic hours.

    Visa

    Most foreign visitors need either a B-1 business visitor visa or an approved ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents do not require a visa. Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries may travel visa-free for business purposes for up to 90 days with an approved ESTA.

    Processing: B-1 visa: variable; global median interview wait approximately 30 days, with some posts exceeding six months. ESTA: usually minutes, allow up to 72 hours.

    B-1 visa applicants should demonstrate that the purpose of the visit is business-related, that the trip is temporary, and that they will maintain a residence abroad. Attendance at trade shows and conferences is an allowable B-1 activity. ESTA applicants must have an e-passport and apply at least 72 hours before travel. CBP officers make the final admission decision at the port of entry regardless of visa or ESTA approval.

    Official

    Hotels

    Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

    Check-in (recommended)

    2026-10-14

    Check-out (recommended)

    2026-10-15

    Areas to stay

    Downtown Houston / Convention Center District — walkable to GRB, dining, and entertainment · Discovery Green area — directly across from GRB, close to parks and restaurants · Theatre District — approximately 1.2km from GRB, boutique hotels and cultural attractions

    Budget

    $63–$130/night (estimated)

    Mid-Range

    $140–$260/night (estimated)

    Premium

    $280–$550/night (estimated)

    Transport

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

    Airport → venue: Hobby Airport (HOU) is 12 miles/20 minutes from GRB; IAH is 20 miles/30 minutes. Options: METRO Route 500 Downtown Direct ($4.50), rideshare ($16–$52), taxi ($27.56–$70), or hotel shuttle (select properties).

    Hotel → venue: Downtown Atlanta and convention-center hotels are typically within walking distance or a short ride-hail/MARTA trip to the venue.

    Ride-hail: Lyft is typically cheaper in Houston, winning 58% of the time with average savings of $1.50–$3.00. IAH to downtown averages $34–$52 via Lyft; Hobby to downtown is $16–$25. Airport fees apply.

    Public transit: METRORail Green and Purple Lines serve Convention District Station (short walk to GRB). Regular fare is $1.25; discounted $0.60. METRO Route 500 Downtown Direct connects both airports to downtown for $4.50 one-way.

    Parking: Avenida North Garage (1,848 spaces): $15–$42 daily. Avenida Central Garage temporarily closed through Fall 2026. Surface lots behind GRB charge $10–$15/day. Hilton Americas garage $20. Valet parking at some hotels $49/day.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: October

    Temperature: 60.9°F to 82.8°F (16.1°C to 28.2°C)

    Seasonality: October is historically the wettest month in Houston, averaging 5.46 inches of rain. Humidity begins to break by mid-October, making it more comfortable than summer months. Occasional thunderstorms and rain showers are common.

    Packing: Pack light layers for warm afternoons and cooler evenings. A light jacket or sweater is recommended for air-conditioned convention halls. Bring a compact umbrella for rain showers. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating the 1.2 million sq ft GRB. Business casual or professional attire is standard. A refillable water bottle is useful for staying hydrated.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: Wednesday, October 14, 2026

    Recommended for the broadest first-day cross-sector value: the published Wednesday programme combines municipal operations, recovery funding, American Red Cross response operations, Houston energy resilience, healthcare resilience, climate-proofing, government contracting and public-private infrastructure sessions. Thursday remains valuable for business continuity, flood-response lifecycle and future-proofing discussions, but Wednesday offers a denser mix for a general visitor deciding on one day.

    T-21

    Register for the free visitor ticket and save the confirmation — Guidance, not an organiser deadline. The official 2026 event site lists free registration for the October 14-15 Houston edition.

    T-14

    Build a target list from the published exhibitor directory — Guidance. Prioritise suppliers that match your operational need, then record booth numbers before arrival; the official exhibitor directory is already publishing 2026 booth assignments.

    T-10

    Shortlist agenda sessions and roundtables for your role — Guidance. The programme runs concurrent keynotes, seminars and roundtables, so pre-selecting sessions reduces on-site conflicts.

    T-7

    Review the 2026 floorplan and industry zones — Guidance. The organiser has a 2026 floorplan viewer and separate sector-zone page; use both to plan an efficient route.

    T-5

    Confirm Houston travel, lodging and local transport — Guidance. The official travel page lists the George R. Brown Convention Center, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM show hours, nearby parking and Hotelplanner as the event accommodation partner.

    T-2

    Prepare meeting questions, procurement criteria and a follow-up template — Guidance. Focus questions on resilience, emergency response, critical infrastructure, communications, power, logistics, shelters, UAS and other categories represented on the 2026 show floor.

    T-1

    Recheck the agenda because session times may change — Guidance. The organiser explicitly marks agenda times as subject to change.

    Sample visitor itinerary

    Route-optimised day
    9:30 AM

    Arrive, collect access credentials and review the day's target booths before doors open

    George R. Brown Convention Center
    10:00 AM

    Start the expo-floor route with priority suppliers in your highest-value category

    Natural Disasters Expo show floor
    11:00 AM-12:00 PM

    Attend 'Keeping a City Running: Managing Urban Services During Disasters' if municipal operations, logistics or infrastructure are relevant

    Roundtable programme
    12:15 PM-12:45 PM

    Attend 'Making the Case for Resilience in Healthcare' if healthcare continuity is relevant; otherwise use this block for targeted booth meetings

    Keynote Theater 2 / show floor
    1:30 PM-2:00 PM

    Attend 'Weather Is Changing Are We? Climate Proofing our Cities' for climate-risk and resilience insight

    Keynote Theater 1
    2:00 PM-3:00 PM

    Attend 'The First 72 Hours: Inside the American Red Cross Disaster Response Operations' for emergency-response coordination insight

    Roundtable programme
    3:15 PM-3:45 PM

    Attend 'Public meets Private: Two views on building resilient infrastructure' or complete final priority booth meetings

    Keynote Theater 2 / show floor
    4:00 PM

    Close the day with a lead/notes debrief and move any high-priority conversations to a nearby informal meeting spot

    Convention district

    Side trips

    4

    Discovery Green

    Urban Park

    Across Avenida de las Americas from the George R. Brown Convention Center

    Recommended for a quick outdoor break or informal post-show conversation; the 12-acre downtown park sits directly across from the venue.

    POST Houston

    Food Hall, Rooftop Park and Arts Complex

    Downtown Houston, 401 Franklin Street

    Recommended as an evening side trip for food, skyline views and informal team time after the expo.

    Houston Museum of Natural Science

    Science Museum

    5555 Hermann Park Drive; separate trip from the convention district

    Recommended for visitors extending the trip who want a science-focused Houston attraction.

    Space Center Houston

    Space and Science Attraction

    1601 E NASA Parkway; plan as a separate half-day outing

    Recommended for an extra day rather than between expo sessions because it is outside the downtown convention district.

    Networking spots

    4

    Dedicated networking area

    Official event networking space

    The organiser promotes a dedicated networking area; use it for pre-booked conversations during show hours. Exact 2026 location should be checked on the current floorplan.

    Grotto Downtown

    Recommended post-show meeting spot

    Located at the northern end of the GRB near Hall A and described by the venue as a casual social setting. This is a local recommendation, not an event-hosted networking function.

    Hilton-Americas Lobby Bar

    Recommended post-show meeting spot

    Avenida Houston lists the lobby bar among nearby dining options. Suitable for an informal conversation after the expo; not an official event networking function.

    Discovery Green

    Recommended informal meetup

    Directly across Avenida de las Americas from the GRB. Useful for a quick outdoor debrief or walking conversation; not an official event networking function.

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    No official 2026 booth pricing was found on the official event website (disasterexpotexas.com) or in any organiser-published exhibitor prospectus or PDF. The official exhibitors page does not list stand fees or price tiers. Fortem International, the organiser, does not appear to have published 2026 booth rates publicly. Interested exhibitors are directed to contact the organiser directly for pricing and availability. Third-party booth design and rental companies offer turnkey packages for this event but do not represent the official organiser pricing.

    source

    Build your working budget

    Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

    Estimated budget
    Live estimate
    • Hotel × 3 nights$399.00
    • Per diem × 3$240.00
    Estimated total$639.00

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

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    visitor_registration

    visitor · General visitor registration

    —

    officialAs of 2026-09-22

    lodging

    both · GSA FY2027 Houston lodging benchmark

    USD 133 / room/night excluding taxes

    officialAs of 2026-10-01

    meals_and_incidentals

    both · GSA FY2027 Houston M&IE benchmark

    USD 80 / person/day

    officialAs of 2026-10-01

    parking

    both · Avenida North Garage max daily rate

    USD 42 / vehicle/day

    officialAs of 2026-09-22

    booth_space

    exhibitor · 2026 public booth price

    —

    unknownAs of 2026-09-22

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Answer eight questions on market fit, category relevance, budget, travel, readiness and follow-through. The result points to the most practical 2026 path.

    QUESTION 1 OF 8

    How closely does the Disasters Expo buyer and practitioner mix match your priority market?

    Decision matrix

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

    visit

    Choose the visit path when the audience and programme fit a current procurement, benchmarking, partnership or operational-learning objective and you can identify specific exhibitors or sessions before travelling.

    Best for

    Emergency-management, public-sector, first-responder, healthcare, infrastructure, utility, humanitarian and resilience teams that want to compare suppliers, attend specialist sessions and build cross-sector contacts.

    Min. budget

    $639.00

    Timeline

    A focused visitor plan can be prepared in roughly 1-3 weeks: register, shortlist exhibitors, select sessions, arrange travel and pre-book priority meetings.

    Risks

    Concurrent sessions create agenda conflicts.

    Published event-scale figures vary across official pages, so exact attendance volume should not be the sole reason to travel.

    The show is open 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, making pre-planned booth routing important.

    exhibit

    Choose the exhibit path when your solution is tightly aligned to the published buyer sectors, you can still execute the stand professionally, and the team has named target accounts and a measurable pipeline goal.

    Best for

    Suppliers of disaster-response technology, communications, critical-infrastructure resilience, power continuity, shelters, logistics, flood and weather monitoring, UAS, PPE, medical, rescue or related solutions targeting public- and private-sector buyers.

    Timeline

    Immediate action is needed for the 2026 edition because the show begins October 14, 2026. Confirm remaining booth inventory, portal requirements, contractors, freight and insurance directly with the organiser before committing.

    Risks

    Public 2026 booth prices and stand-package inclusions are not published.

    A public 2026 exhibitor manual with freight, insurance, electrical and build deadlines was not found.

    ROI will depend heavily on pre-booked meetings, strong demos, lead qualification and fast post-show follow-up.

    skip

    Skip this edition when category fit is low or when the team cannot identify specific people, suppliers, sessions or pipeline outcomes that justify the trip.

    Best for

    Teams with weak disaster/resilience audience fit, no current buying or selling objective, no realistic follow-through window, or travel/exhibition costs that cannot be tied to a measurable outcome.

    Timeline

    No on-site planning required; use the published exhibitor and agenda pages for remote market intelligence instead.

    Risks

    Skipping removes access to face-to-face supplier comparisons and cross-sector networking.

    You may miss current discussions on municipal resilience, business continuity, flood response, emergency communications, critical power and recovery.

    Book with

    Partners

    Hotelplanner

    Accommodation Partner

    The official 2026 travel page directs attendees to Hotelplanner for discounted accommodation rates.

    Visit partner Confidence: high

    Verified on the organiser's Travel & Accommodation page; no specific room rate is stated publicly.

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    Glossary

    1
    Disaster preparedness
    Measures taken to prepare for and reduce the effects of disasters, including planning, training, and resource stockpiling.
    2
    Emergency management
    The organization and management of resources and responsibilities for dealing with all humanitarian aspects of emergencies, including preparedness, response, and recovery.
    3
    Resilience
    The ability of communities, infrastructure, and systems to anticipate, absorb, adapt to, and recover from disaster events.
    4
    Co-located shows
    Multiple trade shows held under one roof and accessible with a single badge, sharing exhibition space and conference programming.
    5
    Disaster mitigation
    Actions taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from hazards, such as infrastructure hardening and land-use planning.

    Trust footer

    Sources

    Digital business cards for the show floor

    Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.

    Create a free card