NPF 2027, 16–19 May at the Orlando World Center Marriott: USPS leadership, 120+ mailing and shipping workshops and a 200+ exhibitor expo over four days.
Dates
16–19 May 2027
City / country
Orlando, United States
Venue
Orlando World Center Marriott
Time
2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Event overview
The National Postal Forum is the mailing and shipping industry's premier education and networking event, held in partnership with the United States Postal Service. NPF 2027 runs 16–19 May at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida, bringing USPS leadership, mailers, shippers, technology providers and consultants together under the theme Rising Together.
Four days combine general sessions, USPS Insight sessions, 120+ workshops across focused tracks, an expo with 200+ exhibitors, and evening receptions. Buyers come to sharpen mail operations, understand postal policy and pricing, evaluate automation and data tools, and meet the partners who move mail and parcels through the network.
TL;DR
Meet USPS executives and subject-matter experts face to face, compare 200+ suppliers in one expo hall, and leave with practical fixes for address quality, mail preparation, pricing, automation and last-mile shipping. The workshop tracks are built for working mail-center, operations, marketing and logistics teams, not generalists.
NPF puts your solution in front of the people who buy, specify and operate mail and parcel programs: USPS leadership, high-volume mail owners, lettershops, fulfillment operators, printers and technology integrators. The expo is the industry's largest, with dedicated hall time and receptions that keep buyers on the floor.
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
8701 World Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32821, United States
Entrances & gates
Main resort entrance
Access from 8701 World Center Drive; allow extra time at peak check-in.
Self-parking about $32/day; valet about $50/day; garage clearance 7 ft 4 in.
$32.00/day
Mobility-accessible guest rooms and public areas; ask the hotel for step-free routes to the convention level.
Eight EV charging stations in the garage for a fee; bring a cable and expect demand at peak.
Food options
Latitude & Longitude, Siro Urban Italian Kitchen, Falls Pool Bar & Grill
On-site diningParking: On-site self-parking is about $32 per day and valet about $50 per day; the garage has 7 ft 4 in clearance and eight EV charging stations for a fee.
Gate: Use the main resort entrance from World Center Drive; registration and the NPF expo are signposted from the lobby.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Full Registration — Early Bird
Sunday–Wednesday; expires 2027-01-08.
Full Registration — Regular Online
2027-01-09 to 2027-05-07.
Three-Day Registration — Early Bird
Sunday–Tuesday or Monday–Wednesday; expires 2027-01-08.
Two-Day Registration — Early Bird
Monday–Tuesday or Tuesday–Wednesday; expires 2027-01-08.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Bring a photo ID and your registration confirmation to the NPF registration counter; badges are collected on site.
Ticket notes
Full, three-day and two-day packages are priced per person. Early-bird rates end 8 January 2027; regular online rates run to 7 May 2027, then on-site rates apply from 15 May 2027.
Registration deadline
2027-05-07
What's on
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Visitors: 3,500
Exhibitors: 210
This edition
2027
Visitors: 3,500
Exhibitors: 200
Next edition
2028
NPF is an annual forum and a 2028 edition is expected, but no dates or venue have been announced. Treat any 2028 planning as provisional until the organiser publishes them.
Impact
NPF concentrates the US mailing and shipping buyer universe into one resort: USPS leadership, high-volume mail owners, lettershops, printers, parcel shippers and the technology vendors that serve them. For a supplier, four days here reach decision-makers who control annual mail budgets; for a mailer, the week replaces months of vendor and postal-policy research.
Audience quality
The audience is senior and operational rather than curiosity traffic: mail-center managers, operations directors, marketing leaders and USPS executives. Attendance is paid and registration-gated, which filters for organisations with live mail programmes. The expo is the industry's largest, but buyers still arrive with specific operational problems, so booth conversations tend to be technical and budget-aware.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI depends on fit with USPS-driven buying cycles. Vendors selling address quality, sortation, inserting, shipping software, print or compliance services can meet most of their US pipeline in one hall. The show is less efficient for consumer brands or general software. Budget for a 9–18 sqm stand, three nights at the host hotel and follow-up within 48 hours; do not promise audited ROI figures that the organiser does not publish.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
The US mailing and shipping market is adjusting to higher postal prices, network modernization and faster growth in parcels than in letter mail. NPF is the one week each year when USPS leadership explains the direction of service standards, promotions and technology directly to the customers who design and fund mail programmes.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Automation and AI move into mail operations
Mailers are applying machine learning to address quality, sortation planning, delivery prediction and customer service, while USPS expands digital and AI-enabled tools.
What it changes: Operators who can integrate data and automation protect margins as postal prices rise.
Parcel growth reshapes the mail mix
Ecommerce keeps pushing parcel volume and last-mile investment even as Marketing Mail and First-Class Mail face digital substitution.
What it changes: Shippers need suppliers that connect mail preparation with parcel logistics and returns.
Pricing, promotions and compliance stay volatile
USPS pricing changes, promotion programmes and mail-preparation rules create a moving compliance target for high-volume mailers.
What it changes: Missing a change can cost a programme its discount or delay an in-home date.
NPF is the US anchor event. Buyers also plan around the spring MAILCOM education week and the autumn PARCEL Forum, with Post-Expo covering the European postal market.
National Postal Forum 2026
Phoenix, United States
Last completed edition, at Phoenix Convention Center.
websitePARCEL Forum 2026
Orlando, United States
Circuit-calendar estimate for the autumn parcel-focused event.
websitePost-Expo 2026
Brussels, Belgium
Circuit-calendar estimate; European postal operators and suppliers.
websiteMAILCOM 2027
Atlantic City, United States
Circuit-calendar estimate; confirm dates with the organiser.
websiteSpring US mailing calendar
Two US education-heavy events about a month apart; suppliers often exhibit at both.
Autumn parcel calendar
Parcel and European postal audiences peak after the summer.
Circuit dates are planning estimates except NPF's own printed dates.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Orlando International Airport
Main gateway; Mears shuttle about $22 one way, taxi about $55, rideshare $35–55.
about 17 miles / 27 km south-west
to venue
25–40 minutes
by car
Orlando Sanford International Airport
Smaller leisure gateway used by some European and charter carriers; allow more transfer time.
about 33 miles / 53 km north-east
to venue
40–55 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 120–190 / night
15–25 minutes by car; watch resort and parking fees.
USD 240–380 / night
The Marriott is the host hotel and the only official NPF room block; book early.
USD 450–900 / night
Resort and suite product for senior teams and hosted buyers; 15–20 minutes to the venue.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Rideshare / taxi
Use the designated rideshare pickup at MCO; allow 25–40 minutes depending on traffic.
Shared shuttle
Mears operates the shared-ride service; the hotel does not run its own airport shuttle.
Public bus
Cheap but slow; not practical with luggage for most business visitors.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 business visitor visa | Nationals not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program | $185.00 | Weeks to months depending on consulate | |
| ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program | Eligible VWP nationals travelling for business meetings | $21.00 | Usually minutes to 72 hours |
Visa Waiver Program nationals may travel on an approved ESTA for business meetings; other nationalities need a B-1 visa. Check current eligibility before booking.
The US accepts ATA Carnets for temporary admission of exhibition goods; confirm the goods category and carry the carnet with the freight documents.
Official visa pageWeather
May is warm and humid in Orlando: highs around 31°C (88°F), lows around 21°C (70°F), with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Carry a light rain layer and expect strong air-conditioning indoors.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Complimentary Wi-Fi in lobby and public areas; in-room high-speed internet is fee-based (about $14.95/day). Mobile coverage is strong throughout the resort.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Restaurant servers expect 18–20%; bartenders $1–2 per drink. Hotel housekeeping and bell staff are usually tipped $2–5.
Resort fees and parking
Many Orlando hotels add a nightly resort fee and charge for parking. Confirm the all-in rate before booking, especially for a four-night stay.
Theme-park traffic
Disney and International Drive traffic peaks at park opening and closing; build 20–30 extra minutes into airport and evening plans.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: MCO
Book into MCO; arrive Saturday or Sunday morning for the Sunday afternoon start. The official NPF hotel block is at the Orlando World Center Marriott.
Business visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries normally travel on an approved ESTA; other nationalities need a B-1 visitor visa.
Estimated cost: $21 ESTA / about $185 B-1 visa fee
Processing: ESTA usually minutes to 72 hours; B-1 visa appointments can take weeks
Apply early and carry a letter from your employer describing the business purpose. Fees and processing times change; confirm on the official site.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: MCO is about 17 miles south-west; shared shuttle about $22 one way, taxi about $55, rideshare $35–55.
Hotel → venue: The host hotel is the venue; other World Center Drive hotels are a 5–10 minute rideshare.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft serve MCO and the resort; use the marked pickup zones.
Public transit: Lynx buses are cheap ($2) but slow and not luggage-friendly.
Parking: Self-parking about $32/day, valet about $50/day at the Marriott; confirm your hotel's rate.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: May
Temperature: 21–31°C (70–88°F)
Seasonality: Afternoon thunderstorms are common; May is the start of the wet season.
Packing: Light breathable clothing, a compact rain jacket or umbrella, comfortable shoes for a large resort, and a layer for cold meeting rooms.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Monday or Tuesday
Both days combine a general session, dedicated expo time and workshop periods, so a visitor can cover the programme and the hall in one trip. Wednesday is lighter on expo access.
Register at the early-bird rate and book the NPF room block — Early-bird pricing ends 8 January 2027; the host hotel is first-come, first-served.
Choose workshops and build a personal agenda — Pick one primary track and two backup sessions per period.
Book flights to MCO and arrange the airport transfer — Allow 25–40 minutes from MCO to World Center Drive.
Download badges, confirm hotel and share meetings with your team — Check the NPF app or registration email for room and session updates.
Pack business cards, a rain layer and comfortable shoes — The resort is large; leave time to walk between sessions and the expo.
Registration and badge collection
NPF registration counter, Orlando World Center MarriottUSPS general session and Insight sessions
Main general session roomSupplier meetings in the expo hall
Expo hallWorkshops and programme exploration
Meeting rooms, convention levelKennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Day Trip
about 1 hour east of Orlando
Add a day before or after the show for the US space programme, Saturn V and the shuttle Atlantis exhibit.
Disney Springs and Winter Park
Evening / Half Day
15–30 minutes by car
Dinner, shopping and a quieter historic town with independent restaurants and museums.
NPF Welcome Reception
official reception
Sunday evening; the first informal chance to meet USPS staff and exhibitors before the week starts.
Expo hall receptions
official reception
Monday PCC reception and Tuesday exhibitors' reception keep buyers on the floor.
NPF buyers arrive with live operational problems and short procurement windows. Follow-up speed matters more than volume; a specific, technical note within two days outperforms a generic post-show newsletter.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 600–850 / m²
Raw space
USD 350–500 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
No 2027 exhibitor tariff was fetched. Bands are planning estimates for a US resort-hosted trade show; the official manual should be treated as authoritative.
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
exhibitor · 9 sqm
USD 5400–7650 / per stand
hotel
both · mid
USD 240–380 / per night
per_diem
both · standard
USD 60–95 / per day
registration
visitor · full early bird
USD 1100 / per person
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| booth_shell | exhibitor | 9 sqm | USD 5400–7650 / per stand | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| hotel | both | mid | USD 240–380 / per night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| per_diem | both | standard | USD 60–95 / per day | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| registration | visitor | full early bird | USD 1100 / per person | official | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Six quick questions to decide whether to visit, exhibit or skip NPF 2027.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You have a live mail or parcel programme and can commit one to three days.
Best for
Mail owners, marketers and operations teams who need USPS policy, workshops and supplier comparison
Min. budget
$1,500.00
Timeline
6–8 weeks to book flights and the room block
Risks
Host hotel sells out
Popular workshops fill early
exhibit
Your buyer is a US mailer or shipper and you can follow up within 48 hours.
Best for
Suppliers of mail preparation, sortation, shipping software, print and compliance services
Min. budget
$8,000.00
Timeline
3–6 months for stand, freight and staff planning
Risks
High hotel and resort costs
Crowded expo floor
skip
You cannot act on a US postal or parcel opportunity within six months.
Best for
Consumer brands, general software vendors and teams with no US mail budget this cycle
Timeline
Reassess for the next annual edition
Risks
Missing USPS pricing and policy signals
Book with
United States Postal Service
USPS leadership and subject-matter experts anchor the general sessions, Insight sessions and the expo consultation centre.
Named on the official NPF site as the forum's unique partner; not a commercial sponsor of this listing.
Orlando World Center Marriott
The 2027 venue, with the NPF room block reserved exclusively for attendees.
Venue named on the official NPF site; commercial terms are not published.
Visit Orlando
Official destination resource for hotels, transport and things to do around the Orange County Convention area.
Useful visitor resource, not an NPF sponsor.
Mailing & Fulfillment Service Association
US mailing-services association that represents lettershops and fulfillment providers active in the NPF community.
Industry association resource; no partnership with this listing is implied.
Recommended providers
U.S. Department of State — Visa Services
Check ESTA eligibility or apply for a B-1 visa well before travel.
Marriott — Orlando World Center
Use the official NPF block for the best rate and the $100 registration saving.
Compare fares into MCO from your origin; book 8–12 weeks ahead for spring.
Show-appointed general service contractor
The 2027 handler is named in the exhibitor manual; do not ship to the hotel without approval.
Travel and cancellation cover; check that business-event cancellation is included.
Kennedy Space Center and Winter Park day trips; book after the programme is confirmed.
Badge scanning and CRM export; test the import before the show.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
6 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
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References
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Publishers
4
Date checked
National Postal Forum
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
