Can children attend this event?

No. All individuals onsite at SBC must be eighteen (18) years of age or older. There are no exceptions to this policy.

What is the pricing for the 2026 SBC?

Registration pricing can be found on the Registration Information Page of the SBC event website.

When will Registration open for the 2026 SBC?

Registration will open by the end of July, 2025. Visit the Registration Information page for details.

What's included with my SBC registration fee?

Full Conference Registration includes all General and Education Sessions, Matched Networking Appointments, access to the Exhibit Hall, including Networking Receptions and breakfast and lunch on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

How many attendees do you expect at the 2026 SBC?

We expect about 5,500 Attendees, based on last year's attendance, with 20% being government; a majority of those being USACE employees.

When is the last day to register for 2026 SBC?

Online registration will stay open until the end of the conference. You can also register at the conference at one of the Onsite Registration stations.

Is there a place in or near the Charlotte Convention Center where I can make photocopies, mail a package, and things like that?

Yes, there is a UPS Store located in the Convention Center in the A Concourse on the Street Level.

Small Business Expo Liberty 2026

Name: Small Business Expo Liberty 2026
Start: 2026-11-04
End: 2026-11-06
Location: Charlotte Convention Center

Notable exhibitors

Companies exhibiting at Small Business Expo Liberty 2026 include 24HRC, 374Water, A & M Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc., A-Zone Environmental Services and Above Group, Inc.

24HRC
374Water
A & M Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc.
A-Zone Environmental Services
Above Group, Inc.

Event overview

Overview

The Small Business Expo Liberty 2026 is a premier federal business development and networking event, bringing together federal agency leaders, prime contractors, small businesses, and industry partners in Charlotte, North Carolina.

TL;DR

1Dates and Venue: Small Business Expo Liberty 2026 runs November 4-6, 2026 at the Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, North Carolina.
2Scale and Focus: Expected to attract over 5,400 attendees, including senior-level decision-makers and 500+ exhibiting companies.
3Organiser: Hosted by SAME, with registration and programme details available at samesbc.org.
4Buyer Authority: Attendees include federal agency leaders and acquisition decision-makers.
5Entry / Access: Registration is open now; visit the official site for details.

Why visit

Attendees will gain direct access to federal decision-makers, learn about contract opportunities, and network with industry leaders, making it a valuable experience for business growth. Dates and Venue: Small Business Expo Liberty 2026 runs November 4-6, 2026 at the Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, North Carolina. Scale and Focus: Expected to attract over 5,400 attendees, including senior-level decision-makers and 500+ exhibiting companies.

Why exhibit

Exhibitors will showcase their solutions to a targeted audience of federal procurement officials, enhancing visibility and creating opportunities for partnerships. Buyer Authority: Attendees include federal agency leaders and acquisition decision-makers. The event is crucial for fostering connections between federal agencies and small businesses, enhancing collaboration and innovation in federal procurement.

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Visitor profile

Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

Federal agency program and acquisition leaders

Prime contractor teaming and subcontracting managers

Small business owners, founders and executives

Architecture, engineering and construction (A/E/C) professionals

Federal procurement and contracting officers

Environmental and sustainability consultants

SBA Mentor-Protégé program participants

Technology and federal services suppliers

Exhibitor profile

Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

General and specialty construction contractors

Architecture and engineering (A/E) design firms

Environmental remediation and compliance specialists

Federal IT and cybersecurity providers

Management and technical consulting firms

Small business and government contractors

Suppliers of federal services, equipment and materials

Product categories

Key solution areas showcased across the event.

Federal contracting solutions - services and tools that help firms win and manage federal awards

Architecture and engineering design services - design, planning and technical consulting for public-sector projects

Construction and infrastructure delivery - general and specialty construction for federal facilities and civil works

Environmental services - remediation, compliance and sustainability support for federal sites

Federal IT and cybersecurity - secure systems, cloud and managed services for government clients

Facility and base operations support - operations, maintenance and logistics for government installations

Teaming and subcontracting services - matchmaking, joint ventures and Mentor-Protégé partnerships

Professional and technical consulting - program management, compliance and acquisition advisory

Location & Facilities

Venue

Open in Google Maps

Charlotte Convention Center

Charlotte, North Carolina, United States

Parking: Parking availability should be confirmed on the venue or organiser site before travel.

Attend

Entry & tickets

Free registration

Event days & opening times

DayOpening hours

4 November –9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

5 November –9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

6 November –9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Ticket info

Ticket notes

Visit the official site for detailed pricing information.

Who runs the show

Organisers

SAME

Website

How the last edition performed

Previous edition

Current edition

5,400 visitors

Forecast — not final

Visitors

5,500

New this edition

1
SBC Booth Battle
A live on-floor judging competition for exhibitors; winners are announced Thursday afternoon and receive national recognition in The Military Engineer, complimentary conference registration and early booth selection for 2027.
Source
2
Matched Networking
Structured matchmaking sessions in the 2026 attendee program help small businesses connect directly with prime contractors and federal agency representatives.
Source
3
5K On Your Own
A flexible self-scheduled 5K supporting the SAME Foundation, open to attendees throughout the conference for a USD 35 registration fee.
Source

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

Visitor total from organiser recap language in captured sources. The most recent edition recorded 5,500+ visitors. The Small Business Expo Liberty 2026 is a premier federal business development and networking event, bringing together federal agency leaders, prime contractors, small businesses, and industry partners in Charlotte, North Carolina. The event is crucial for fostering connections between federal agencies and small businesses, enhancing collaboration and innovation in federal procurement.

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

Visitors typically include Federal agency leaders, Prime contractors, Small business owners, Industry partners. Dates and Venue: Small Business Expo Liberty 2026 runs November 4-6, 2026 at the Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, North Carolina. Scale and Focus: Expected to attract over 5,400 attendees, including senior-level decision-makers and 500+ exhibiting companies. Organiser: Hosted by SAME, with registration and programme details available at samesbc.org. Buyer Authority: Attendees include federal.

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

Intelligence

Market context

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

Charlotte, North Carolina, United States

Why it matters

For security integrators, consultants, and end-users, Small Business Expo Liberty 2026 on 2026-11-04 to 2026-11-06 at Charlotte Convention Center is the key Italian window to compare video, access, intrusion, fire, and cyber-physical platforms before year-end budgets close — co-located buyers use it to shortlist vendors for 2028 rollouts.

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Federal infrastructure investment pipeline

The flow of upcoming US federal infrastructure funding that shapes architecture, engineering and construction procurement.

Teaming and subcontracting partnerships

The shift toward prime-sub teaming arrangements and joint ventures on federal contracts.

SBA Mentor-Protégé Program

A Small Business Administration program that pairs experienced mentors with developing small businesses.

Continuing education and PDH credentials

Demand for accredited education sessions that carry professional development hour credits.

Environmental and sustainability requirements

Growing federal emphasis on environmental sustainability and resilience in project delivery.

Security trade fair circuit

Book hotels and meetings 8–12 weeks before opening day; peer shows in the same sector often fall in adjacent months.

Buyers covering security often plan Small Business Expo Liberty 2026 alongside regional peer shows to compare products, pricing, and service coverage across markets.

Pre-show

Confirm exhibitor meetings and product demos for Small Business Expo Liberty 2026.

Show week

Hall walk-throughs, live demos, and supplier negotiations.

Peer events are widely known sector fairs; verify dates on each organiser website before booking.

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · USD

Arrival airports

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

CLT

Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Major US hub with domestic and international services; shuttle, ride-hail and taxi transfers connect the airport to Uptown hotels and the venue.

Roughly 11 km (7 mi) from the Charlotte Convention Center (estimate)

to venue

About 20 minutes to Uptown (estimate; allow extra at peak times)

by car

Hotel tiers

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

4-star

Not yet confirmed

4-star

Not yet confirmed

4-star

Not yet confirmed

3-star

Not yet confirmed

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

Ride-hail or taxi from Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Estimated costUSD 25-35 (typical estimate)

About 20 minutes from CLT to the Uptown convention centre district; confirm live fares in the app on arrival day.

LYNX light rail

Estimated costUSD 2-3 per single ride (estimate)

Exit at 3rd Street / Convention Center Station, a short walk from the venue entrance on College Street.

Event and hotel shuttle

Estimated costVaries by operator (estimate)

Shuttle loops connect Charlotte Douglas International Airport and nearby hotel districts directly to the Charlotte Convention Center for exhibitors, VIPs and attendees.

Driving and parking

Estimated costParking from USD 7 (estimate)

Reach the venue from Interstate 85, Interstate 77 or US Highway 74; the NASCAR Hall of Fame parking deck at 500 S. Brevard St connects via an overstreet walkway.

taxi

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

Best forCharlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Charlotte Convention Center

About 20 minutes to Uptown (estimate; allow extra at peak times); Major US hub with domestic and international services; shuttle, ride-hail and taxi transfers connect the airport to Uptown hotels and the venue.

Plan your trip

Visa & entry documents

Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

Visa not required

ATA Carnet: check with organiser

Type	Who needs it	Fee	Processing
B-1 Temporary Business Visitor	Citizens of countries outside the Visa Waiver Program travelling to the US for business meetings, business conventions or conferences	$185.00	Varies by consulate; apply several weeks to several months in advance
Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)	Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries visiting the US for business or tourism for up to 90 days	$21.00	Usually approved within 72 hours; apply at least 72 hours before travel

Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries may enter the United States for business without a visa for up to 90 days using an approved ESTA; all other foreign nationals require a B-1 business visitor visa.

Most temporary exhibit imports into the United States are not covered by ATA Carnet, so plan for a customs bond or a Temporary Importation under Bond (TIB) arrangement; confirm the correct option with US Customs and Border Protection before shipping your stand.

Official visa page

Weather

November in Charlotte is late autumn: daytime highs around 17C (62-67F), overnight lows near 4-5C (40-47F), roughly 78-85 mm of rain spread over about 6 days and a small chance of light snow (about 2 mm). Daylight saving time ends on November 1.

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

Travellers to the United States can choose a local prepaid SIM, a travel eSIM (for example Holafly or GoMoWorld), pocket Wi-Fi or a roaming plan from their home operator; a business eSIM is usually the fastest option for calls, VPN access and tethering during the show week.

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Cultural notes

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

Business dress

Business casual is typical; scientific meetings may be less formal than consumer fairs.

Arrival

Arrive early on day one for registration and badge pickup.

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

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

Flights

Destination: CLT

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

Visa

Foreign nationals travelling to the United States for business must hold a B-1 visitor visa unless they qualify under the Visa Waiver Program; attending a business convention or conference is an allowable B-1 activity.

Estimated cost: USD 185 B-1 visa application (MRV) fee, with ESTA about USD 21 for Visa Waiver Program travellers (government fee estimates; confirm current amounts with the US Department of State).

Processing: B-1 interview appointments vary widely by consulate and can take several weeks to several months; ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program is usually approved within 72 hours of application.

Carry an invitation letter from SAME, your SBC registration confirmation and proof of ties to your home country to the visa interview; Visa Waiver Program travellers should verify ESTA country eligibility before booking travel.

Official

Hotels

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

Check-in (recommended)

2026-11-04

Check-out (recommended)

2026-11-06

Areas to stay

Uptown Charlotte, within walking distance of the Charlotte Convention Center; The Westin Charlotte (100 m) and Element by Marriott Charlotte Uptown (300 m) are the closest options, with Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites about 1 km away.

4 star

Not yet confirmed

4 star

Not yet confirmed

4 star

Not yet confirmed

3 star

Not yet confirmed

Transport

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

Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT): About 20 minutes to Uptown (estimate; allow extra at peak times). Allow road or rail time to Charlotte Convention Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.

Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Charlotte Convention Center: The Westin Charlotte; Element by Marriott Charlotte Uptown; JW Marriott Charlotte.

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

Public transit: LYNX light rail serves 3rd Street / Convention Center Station, steps from the Charlotte Convention Center; CATS buses and Moovit route planning cover the wider Uptown network during the show week.

Parking: On-site parking is available at Charlotte 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: Charlotte in November averages daytime highs near 17C (62-67F) and overnight lows near 4-5C (40-47F), cooling from about 19C to 14C as the month progresses.

Seasonality: November averages about 78-85 mm of rain falling across roughly 6 days, with only a small chance of light snow (about 2 mm); days shorten noticeably after daylight saving time ends on November 1.

Packing: Pack layers for mild days and chilly evenings, a light waterproof jacket for rain days, comfortable walking shoes for the convention centre floors, and business casual or business attire for education sessions and federal networking events.

Plan your trip

Planning

Confirm registration and complete your attendee profile in the SAME Attendee Service Center (ASC) — Log in at samesbc.org to update your registration so you receive SAME event updates before the show.

Confirm visa (B-1) or ESTA eligibility for US entry — Visa Waiver Program travellers must have an approved ESTA at least 72 hours before departure; B-1 applicants should apply several weeks ahead.

Book flights to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) — CLT is about 20 minutes from Uptown Charlotte; compare fares early for the November 4-6 show dates.

Reserve an Uptown Charlotte hotel room — Book only through SAME Connections Housing room blocks; beware housing 'pirates' and 'poachers' targeting SBC attendees.

Plan your airport transfer and daily venue transit — LYNX light rail reaches 3rd Street / Convention Center Station, a short walk from the College Street entrance.

Shortlist education sessions from the online schedule — SBC education sessions are peer-reviewed and carry PDH credits; use the PDH form to track attendance.

Request teaming and subcontracting meetings with prime contractors and federal agencies — Use matched networking and the attendee portal to pre-schedule conversations before the floor opens.

Prepare your capability statement and business cards — Bring printed and digital copies for federal buyers, primes and small business partners.

Check the Charlotte November forecast and pack accordingly — Expect highs near 17C and lows near 4C, with rain on around 6 days; pack layers and a waterproof jacket.

Download or print your registration confirmation and session tickets — Have your badge details ready for collection at the Charlotte Convention Center.

Travel to Charlotte and confirm badge pickup — Arrive early on day one to collect your badge and orient yourself around the exhibit hall.

Budget

Costs & budget

Build your working budget

Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

Number of nights

Estimated budget

Live estimate

Per diem × 2$150.00
Visa$185.00

Estimated total$335.00

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 Temporary Business Visitor

USD 185 / per application

official

visa_fee

visitor · Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)

USD 21 / per application

official

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

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

Small business owners, A/E/C contractors and federal procurement teams who want teaming and subcontracting access plus peer-reviewed education sessions.

Min. budget

$350.00

Timeline

4-6 weeks for flights and Uptown hotel booking

Risks

Uptown Charlotte hotel rates rise during convention weeks and rooms are booked only through SAME Connections Housing

Visa or ESTA lead time for international attendees can delay travel planning

exhibit

Assess how this option fits your objectives.

Best for

Construction, engineering, technology, environmental and consulting firms selling to federal agencies and prime contractors.

Min. budget

$2,200.00

Timeline

3-4 months for booth booking, freight and staff travel

Risks

Exhibit space may sell out on a floor listing over 1,300 companies

Every booth staff member must be individually registered through the booth staff form

skip

Assess how this option fits your objectives.

Best for

Firms with no US federal contracting interest or no architecture, engineering, construction or small business focus.

Min. budget

Not yet confirmed

Timeline

Not applicable

Risks

Misses direct access to federal decision makers, teaming partners and infrastructure program updates

Book with

Partners

Recommended providers

Visa

US Department of State

Gallery

Photos

Official imagery from Small Business Expo Liberty 2026

FAQs & glossary

Answers

Frequently asked

Glossary

SBC: Small Business Conference, a premier event for federal business development.
Matched Networking: One-on-one appointments between government agencies and private industry attendees.
PDH: Professional Development Hours, credits earned for attending educational sessions.
AIA LU: American Institute of Architects Learning Units, credits for continuing education.
Federal Acquisition: The process by which government agencies procure goods and services.
A/E/C: Architecture, Engineering, and Construction sectors.
Exhibit Hall: Area where exhibitors showcase their products and services.
Networking Reception: Social event for attendees to connect and build relationships.

Trust footer

Sources

References

Publishers

Date checked

SAME

SBC Official Website
Lang: EN
event_website
SBC Registration Information
Lang: EN
event_website
SBC Attendee FAQs
Lang: EN
event_website

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