SAMPE 2027: four days of advanced materials, composites and process engineering, 17–20 May in Salt Lake City, with a technical conference and 200+ exhibitors.
Dates
17–20 May 2027
City / country
Salt Lake City, United States
Venue
Salt Palace Convention Center
Time
7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Event overview
SAMPE 2027 Conference & Exhibition brings the advanced materials and process engineering community to Salt Lake City for four days of technical exchange and hands-on discovery. Running 17–20 May 2027 at the Salt Palace Convention Center, the event pairs a rigorous conference programme with an exhibition of composites, resins, fibers, tooling, testing and manufacturing equipment.
Engineers, researchers, OEMs and suppliers from aerospace, defense, energy, transportation and industrial markets use the show to compare materials, qualify processes and meet the teams behind new production technology. The 2026 edition drew more than 2,500 attendees from over 350 organisations, and the 2027 edition adds a confirmed keynote from Hexcel chairman and CEO Tom Gentile.
TL;DR
Come to compare materials and processes in one place, pressure-test suppliers against real production requirements, and hear how aerospace and defense primes are qualifying next-generation composites. The technical programme goes deeper than a typical trade show floor, while the exhibition lets engineers see equipment, coupons and finished parts side by side.
Put your materials, equipment or testing service in front of the people who write specifications and run production lines. SAMPE attendees arrive with live qualification projects across aerospace, defense, space, energy and transport. The show's technical audience rewards a focused technical story, sample-based demonstrations and follow-up with engineering decision-makers.
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
Halls & areas
1100 S W Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, United States
Entrances & gates
West Temple Street main entrance
Closest entrance to the registration lobby and the convention centre parking garage.
On-site garage off South West Temple Street, with accessible bays near the lobby lifts.
Step-free entry from the West Temple lobby, lifts to all meeting levels, and accessible restrooms throughout the concourse. Ask at the registration desk for a scooter or wheelchair contact.
Food options
Salt Palace concourse concessions
On-site diningParking: Use the Salt Palace parking garage entered from South West Temple Street; arrive before 08:00 on show mornings because nearby event traffic fills the upper levels first.
Gate: Enter through the main West Temple Street lobby and follow signs to Hall 1. Have your registration confirmation and photo ID ready at the badge desk.
Attend
Ticket info
Badge collection
Collect your badge at the registration desk in the West Temple Street lobby. Bring the confirmation email and a photo ID; badges are issued to the named registrant and are not transferable.
Ticket notes
Early-bird registration is open. Member, non-member and student rates are shown in the online registration flow; no public ticket price is published on the event site.
What's on
Tom Gentile
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President @ Hexcel Corporation
Keynote presentation; details to be announced
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Visitors: 2,500
Exhibitors: 200
This edition
2027
Visitors: 2,800
Exhibitors: 220
Next edition
Not announced yet
Edition recap
SAMPE 2026 ran 27–30 April at the Seattle Convention Center. More than 2,500 professionals, students, researchers and manufacturers attended, representing more than 350 organisations across aerospace, defense, space, energy and advanced manufacturing. The exhibition featured over 200 exhibitors and more than 60 product categories.
New this edition
ITAR-restricted technical sessions
SAMPE 2027 is accepting abstracts for ITAR-restricted presentations, run with The Composites Consortium and managed by Advanced Technology International.
SourceSalt Lake City edition
The 2027 conference moves to the Salt Palace Convention Center after the 2026 Seattle edition.
SourceImpact
SAMPE concentrates a technically qualified buyer group rather than a broad consumer audience. The 2026 edition drew more than 2,500 attendees from over 350 organisations, which means exhibitors meet specifiers, qualification engineers and programme leaders in a compact hall over four days.
Audience quality
The audience skews toward materials and process engineers, R&D scientists, OEM programme staff and suppliers from aerospace, defense, space, energy and transport. Attendance is by registration, and the technical programme gives buyers a reason to stay on the floor between sessions.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI depends on technical fit and follow-up discipline rather than booth size. A 9 sqm booth can work for a focused materials or testing offer, while equipment and tooling suppliers need demonstration space and a scheduled meeting programme. No audited ROI or rebooking rate is published.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Advanced materials programmes in aerospace, defense and energy are set by qualification evidence, not marketing. SAMPE puts the people who generate that evidence in the same hall as the suppliers who need it, making the show a working meeting point for composite materials, process scale-up and production equipment in the western United States.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Thermoplastic composites move into production
Thermoplastic systems are moving from research coupons to high-rate forming and welding trials, driven by faster cycle times and recyclability. Buyers are looking for qualified tape, automated placement and joining equipment rather than standalone material samples.
What it changes: Exhibitors with production-ready thermoplastic processes can reach programme teams evaluating a switch away from thermoset routes.
Automation and digital process control
Automated fiber placement, robotic layup, in-line inspection and digital twins are being packaged as integrated production cells. The value proposition is repeatability and reduced scrap, not just faster deposition.
What it changes: Equipment and software suppliers need to show integration with existing qualification and quality systems.
Defense and space supply-chain resilience
Defense and space programmes are qualifying second sources and domestic material capacity, with ITAR controls shaping which sessions and suppliers can engage.
What it changes: Suppliers with compliant documentation and cleared technical staff can use the ITAR track to reach prime contractors.
SAMPE sits in a crowded calendar of composites and advanced materials events. Buyers typically pair it with the European JEC World showcase and regional SAMPE conferences, while CAMX serves the North American composites market later in the year.
SAMPE 2026 Conference & Exhibition
Seattle, United States
Completed edition; more than 2,500 attendees and over 200 exhibitors.
websiteJEC World 2027
Paris, France
Circuit date estimate based on the usual early-March slot; verify the official calendar.
websiteSAMPE UK Annual Conference 2027
Sheffield, United Kingdom
Dates from the SAMPE UK 2027 conference page; confirm before booking travel.
websiteQ1 2027
European composites showcase about two months before SAMPE.
Q2 2027
SAMPE North America in May, UK conference in June.
Event names and cities are circuit recommendations; JEC World dates are an estimate and SAMPE UK dates come from its 2027 conference page.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Salt Lake City International Airport
Closest major airport; direct flights from most U.S. hubs and a growing set of international routes.
7 miles
to venue
15–20 minutes
by car
Provo Municipal Airport
Smaller regional alternative south of the city; limited schedules, so check connections before booking.
48 miles
to venue
55–70 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 140–210 / night
Walkable or a short TRAX ride to the Salt Palace; rates rise during large conventions.
USD 220–320 / night
Closest full-service cluster to the venue, with restaurants and grocery options nearby.
USD 330–480 / night
Larger rooms and full amenities; a 10–15 minute walk or short rideshare to the hall.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
TRAX light rail
About 20 minutes to the downtown core; the nearest stops are a short walk from the Salt Palace. Buy a ticket at the platform machine before boarding.
Rideshare or taxi
Pickup is on the airport curb level; allow extra time during the Monday morning arrival peak.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 business visitor visa | Visitors who are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program or ESTA | $185.00 | Several weeks to several months; apply early | |
| ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program | Eligible passport holders from Visa Waiver Program countries | $40.00 | Usually minutes to 72 hours |
Canadian citizens generally enter for business without a visa but need a valid passport; other nationalities should check the Visa Waiver Program list.
The United States accepts ATA Carnets for many trade-show goods, but not all commodities; confirm with U.S. Customs and Border Protection before shipping.
Official visa pageWeather
May is mild and dry in Salt Lake City, with daytime highs around 23°C (73°F) and cool nights near 8°C (47°F). UV exposure is strong at altitude; bring layers, sunglasses and lip balm.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Downtown hotels and the Salt Palace offer Wi-Fi; mobile coverage is strong. The venue sits close to the Wasatch foothills, so allow a little extra time if you are hiking before sessions.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Outdoor access is part of the draw
Downtown Salt Lake City puts the Wasatch Range within 30 minutes. Many attendees add a morning hike or canyon drive before the show opens.
Liquor rules are stricter than coastal U.S. cities
Utah licenses are limited and some restaurants stop serving earlier than visitors expect. If you are hosting a client dinner, reserve ahead and confirm the venue can serve alcohol.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: SLC (Salt Lake City International Airport)
Book the inbound flight for Sunday 16 May or early Monday 17 May to clear immigration and reach the badge desk before the opening session. Depart after 16:00 on 20 May to allow for the closing programme.
Book flightsBusiness visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries normally travel under ESTA; all other nationalities need a B-1 visitor visa. Check the U.S. Department of State page for your nationality and apply well before the show.
Estimated cost: USD 40 ESTA or USD 185 B-1 visa fee
Processing: ESTA usually within 72 hours; a B-1 visa can take weeks to months
Carry a printed invitation, hotel confirmation and return ticket. The visa fee is not an event charge.
OfficialPartnerGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: TRAX Airport Line to downtown takes about 20 minutes and costs USD 2.50; rideshare or taxi runs USD 25–45 and takes 15–20 minutes.
Hotel → venue: Most downtown hotels are a 5–15 minute walk; use TRAX or a rideshare if you stay west of the freeway.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate at the airport and downtown; use the designated pickup zones.
Public transit: UTA TRAX and buses serve the Salt Palace area; a day pass is useful for hotel-to-venue hops.
Parking: The Salt Palace garage is the most convenient option; downtown lots fill early on show mornings.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: May
Temperature: 8–23°C (47–73°F)
Seasonality: Generally dry with low humidity; occasional spring showers and strong mountain sun.
Packing: Bring light layers for cool mornings, a compact umbrella, sunglasses and comfortable walking shoes for the hall.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Tuesday–Wednesday, 18–19 May 2027
The opening keynote and the first full exhibition days give the best balance of technical content and supplier availability. Arriving on day one also leaves time for a second pass at booths you missed.
Book travel and a refundable downtown hotel — Use the official hotel block or a downtown property within walking distance of the Salt Palace.
Confirm registration and download the show app — Check whether your badge type includes the technical sessions and any ticketed events.
Build a supplier shortlist and request meetings — Target 8–12 exhibitors and ask for a technical contact, not just a sales inbox.
Plan sessions and print backup documents — Save the agenda offline, carry a passport or ID and keep a copy of the invitation.
Arrive, collect your badge and test the route — Use the West Temple Street lobby and check the walk from your hotel at show-day traffic levels.
Registration and badge collection
Salt Palace West Temple Street lobbyKeynote and opening session
Main conference hallSupplier meetings on the exhibition floor
Hall 1Technical track sessions and poster review
Conference roomsBig Cottonwood Canyon
Mountain Drive and Short Hike
35–45 minutes from downtown
A quick half-day escape to alpine scenery and trailheads before or after the show.
Antelope Island State Park
Wildlife and Great Salt Lake
About 1 hour 15 minutes by car
A distinctive landscape with bison, shorebirds and lake views; best with a rental car and a free morning.
Exhibit hall aisles and exhibitor lounges
Show floor
Best between 11:00 and 15:00, when conference breaks fill the hall.
Downtown Main Street restaurants
Evening networking
Reserve ahead for client dinners; many places are a 10-minute walk from the venue.
SAMPE buyers are evaluating materials and processes against live qualification programmes. A generic post-show newsletter is easy to ignore; a specific technical follow-up with the requested document is what keeps the conversation moving.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 750–1100 / m²
Raw space
USD 400–430 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
Converted from the published 2027 exhibit rate of USD 40 per sq ft for 100–900 sq ft and USD 39 per sq ft above 1,000 sq ft. Shell-scheme and service costs vary by contractor and are estimate bands, not an organiser quote.
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 · standard
USD 6750–9900 / 9 sqm booth
raw_space
exhibitor · large
USD 14400–15480 / 36 sqm space
hotel
both · mid
USD 660–960 / 3 nights
per_diem
both · standard
USD 180–270 / 3 days
flight
visitor · domestic
USD 300–650 / return ticket
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| booth_shell | exhibitor | standard | USD 6750–9900 / 9 sqm booth | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| raw_space | exhibitor | large | USD 14400–15480 / 36 sqm space | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| hotel | both | mid | USD 660–960 / 3 nights | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| per_diem | both | standard | USD 180–270 / 3 days | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| flight | visitor | domestic | USD 300–650 / return ticket | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Six quick questions to choose between attending, exhibiting or skipping SAMPE 2027.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
Which best describes your role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You have a live sourcing or qualification project and can commit at least one full day on the floor.
Best for
Engineers and procurement teams evaluating materials, suppliers or qualification evidence
Min. budget
$1,500.00
Timeline
Plan 6–8 weeks ahead for travel and meetings
Risks
A crowded agenda can dilute supplier time
Travel and hotel costs rise close to the show
exhibit
You can staff the booth with technical people and follow up within 48 hours.
Best for
Materials, equipment and testing suppliers with a technical story to tell
Min. budget
$9,000.00
Timeline
Commit 90 days ahead for space, freight and stand build
Risks
A generic stand attracts low-quality scans
Freight and rigging costs can exceed the space fee
skip
Neither sourcing nor selling is a priority this year, or a regional SAMPE event would cover the need.
Best for
Teams with no active materials project or no budget to travel
Timeline
Revisit in the next planning cycle
Risks
Missing early supplier conversations
Competitors may secure the accounts you defer
Book with
Salt Palace Convention Center
The downtown Salt Lake City convention centre hosting SAMPE 2027 in Hall 1.
Venue name confirmed by the organiser; facility details are practical estimates.
Salt Lake City Department of Airports
Operates Salt Lake City International Airport, the main arrival point for the show.
Public airport authority; not a named event sponsor.
Salt Lake Chamber
Regional business chamber for Salt Lake City and the surrounding Wasatch Front.
Public business body; partnership not confirmed.
SAMPE North America
The society organising SAMPE 2027 and the wider SAMPE conference circuit.
Organiser and industry association.
Recommended providers
Official B-1 visa guidance; ESTA is handled separately through CBP.
Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek
Walkable downtown option; the official hotel block is the other route.
Large Salt Lake City hub carrier; compare fares before booking the official show block.
U.S. exhibition logistics contractor; confirm the official SAMPE 2027 handler before routing freight.
Business insurance provider; confirm exhibitor liability cover with your broker.
Official destination site for canyon, lake and downtown trip planning.
Event technology platform for badge capture and CRM export if the organiser does not supply a scanner.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
8 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
7
References
1
Publishers
7
Date checked
SAMPE North America
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