Join us at the Sun Shading Expo 2026 from November 3-5 in Orlando, FL, showcasing the latest in sun shading solutions with over 375 exhibitors.
Dates
3–5 Nov 2026
City / country
Orlando, USA
Venue
Orange County Convention Center
Time
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Are you the organiser of this event?
Companies exhibiting at Sun Shading Expo 2026 include 1947LLC/Ocean State Innovations, A & E, Acadian Industrial Textiles / Acadian Outlet, Accent Software and Adfast Grommeting.
Event overview
The Sun Shading Expo is a premier event for the interior and exterior sun shading industry, featuring innovative products and networking opportunities.
It runs from November 3-5, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
TL;DR
Attendees will benefit from networking opportunities with industry leaders, access to the latest products, and insights from educational sessions tailored to enhance their business strategies. Dates and Venue: Sun Shading Expo 2026 takes place from November 3-5, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Buyer Authority: Targeted attendees include manufacturers, distributors, and fabricators in the sun shading industry looking to expand their networks.
Exhibitors gain visibility among key decision-makers, the chance to showcase innovative products, and opportunities to forge valuable partnerships within the sun shading industry. Scale and Focus: This event features over 375 exhibitors from more than 36 countries, showcasing the latest innovations in sun shading products. Buyer Authority: Targeted attendees include manufacturers, distributors, and fabricators in the sun shading industry looking to expand their networks.
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
9800 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
Attend
Event days & opening times
Ticket info
Ticket notes
Registration for Sun Shading Expo 2026 is not yet open. The organiser asks visitors to follow the show's social channels for 2026 ticketing updates, and a prior edition offered a VIP code for free show floor registration.
Who runs the show
Landesmesse Stuttgart GmbH & Co. KG
What's on
Advanced Textiles Expo
Co-located with Advanced Textiles Expo, offering a broader range of products and networking opportunities.
How the last edition performed
Current edition
375 exhibitors
Impact
The Sun Shading Expo is a premier event for the interior and exterior sun shading industry, featuring innovative products and networking opportunities. It runs from November 3-5, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The Sun Shading Expo serves as a vital platform for industry professionals to connect, explore new products, and stay updated on market trends, making it essential for business growth in the sun shading sector. Join.
Audience quality
Visitors typically include Manufacturers of sun shading products, Distributors and wholesalers in the textile industry, Retailers specializing in home improvement, Architects and designers focusing on shading solutions. Dates and Venue: Sun Shading Expo 2026 takes place from November 3-5, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Scale and Focus: This event features over 375 exhibitors from more than 36 countries, showcasing the latest innovations in sun shading products.
Exhibitor outcomes
Exhibitors gain visibility among key decision-makers, the chance to showcase innovative products, and opportunities to forge valuable partnerships within the sun shading industry. Scale and Focus: This event features over 375 exhibitors from more than 36 countries, showcasing the latest innovations in sun shading products. Buyer Authority: Targeted attendees include manufacturers, distributors, and fabricators in the sun shading industry looking to expand their networks. Exhibitor categories include Suppliers of.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Attending Sun Shading Expo 2026 on 2026-11-03 to 2026-11-05 in Orlando lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Energy-efficiency regulation and shading
Building energy codes increasingly credit external shading and solar control as measures that cut cooling loads.
Motorisation and smart controls
Shading is shifting from manual operation to motorised drives, sensors and app-based control linked to building management systems.
Technical textiles for solar control
High-performance technical textiles are advancing fabric durability, recyclability and light management for interior and exterior shading.
Retrofit and refurbishment demand
Owners of existing buildings are retrofitting awnings, shutters and shading onto older facades rather than starting new construction.
International shading trade circuit
Sun Shading Expo sits within the R+T Alliance network of international sun-protection trade fairs and co-locates with Advanced Textiles Expo.
Sun Shading Expo 2026 sits on the R+T Alliance circuit run by Messe Stuttgart and is staged alongside the Advanced Textiles Expo. Buyers comparing shading fabrics, awnings, shutters, drives and controls usually plan a season that spans the Stuttgart flagship, the Asian edition and the North American technical-textile shows.
Pre-show
Confirm exhibitor meetings, product demos and seminar places for Sun Shading Expo 2026 and the co-located Advanced Textiles Expo.
Show week
Hall walk-throughs by product zone, technical seminars, live drive and automation demos, and supplier negotiations.
Post-show
Follow up quotes on fabrics, motors and controls, and plan the next stop on the R+T Alliance circuit.
Circuit events run by Messe Stuttgart, the Advanced Textiles Association and Informa Markets; check each organiser's site for next-edition dates before booking travel.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Orlando International Airport
Main gateway for the show, with taxi, rideshare and shuttle options to International Drive hotels.
Approximately 12 miles / 19 km via FL-528 (estimate)
to venue
About 15-20 minutes to the Orange County Convention Center (estimate)
by car
Orlando Sanford International Airport
Smaller alternative airport served by selected carriers; allow extra transfer time.
Approximately 30 miles / 48 km (estimate)
to venue
About 35-45 minutes to the venue (estimate)
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Closest full-service properties along the OCCC and International Drive corridor.
Practical I-Drive options within walking or short shuttle distance of the venue.
Budget-friendly base closest to the convention center.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi / rideshare
Journey time roughly 15-25 minutes depending on traffic.
taxi / rideshare
Allow 35-50 minutes for the transfer.
I-RIDE Trolley
Both the red and green I-RIDE Trolley lines serve the convention center along International Drive.
bus (Lynx)
The venue lists Lynx buses and the I-RIDE Trolley as public transport options for attendees.
hotel shuttle
Several nearby hotels run scheduled shuttles to the convention center; confirm with your property.
car / parking
The venue publishes a paved parking map and availability varies with show activity; public garages such as Pointe Orlando are nearby.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 business visitor visa | Foreign nationals from countries not covered by the US Visa Waiver Program who are travelling to attend a trade show, conference, consultations or contract negotiations. | $185.00 | Apply via ustraveldocs.com; allow several weeks for interview scheduling, as consulate lead times vary. | |
| Visa Waiver Program authorisation | Eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries visiting for business for up to 90 days. | $21.00 | Confirm eligibility and complete the required online travel authorisation before departure. |
Nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries may travel to the United States for temporary business for up to 90 days without a visa. All other foreign nationals generally need a B-1 business visitor visa to attend a trade show, conference or business meetings.
Official visa pageWeather
November in Orlando is mild and mostly dry, marking the start of the cooler season. Expect afternoon highs of about 24-26C (75-78F) and overnight lows of 15-16C (58-60F), with roughly 45-60 mm of rain spread over 6-8 days, usually short showers rather than all-day rain.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping and service charges
Restaurant servers expect 18–20% on the pre-tax bill, bartenders around USD 1–2 per drink, and hotel housekeeping USD 2–5 per day; taxi and rideshare drivers are typically tipped 10–15%. Card readers and payment tablets almost always offer preset gratuity options, and prices quoted in stores exclude Florida sales tax.
Business dress and show-floor practicalities
Business casual is standard at US trade shows — open-collar shirts with chinos or slacks, and branded polo shirts on exhibitor stands. The Orange County Convention Center campus exceeds two million square feet of air-conditioned hall space, so pack comfortable walking shoes and a light layer for cool interiors.
Greetings, punctuality and small talk
A firm handshake and immediate first-name introductions are the norm, and meetings start on time. Light small talk about travel, sport or the Orlando theme parks is welcome before business, and business cards are exchanged casually rather than in a formal ritual.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: MCO
Book flights to MCO when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue; compare SFB only if fares are materially lower.
International trade visitors may need a US visitor visa (B-1 business visitor visa, Visa Waiver Program authorisation) or Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) eligibility depending on nationality. Confirm requirements on the official US government site.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries may travel to the United States for temporary business for up to 90 days without a visa. All other foreign nationals generally need a B-1 business visitor visa to attend a trade show, conference or business meetings.
OfficialFind a stay near the venue with options for every budget.
Check-in (recommended)
2026-11-02
Check-out (recommended)
2026-11-05
upscale
midscale
economy
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Orlando International Airport (MCO): About 15-20 minutes to the Orange County Convention Center (estimate); Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB): About 35-45 minutes to the venue (estimate). Allow road or rail time to Orange County Convention Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Orange County Convention Center: {'name': 'Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa', 'star_rating': '4-star', 'distance_to_venue': '0.4 mi (approx. 0.6 km)', 'amenities': 'Breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, hot tub, air conditioning, pet-friendly, fitness center'}, {'name': 'Hyatt Place Orlando / I-Drive / Convention Center', 'star_rating': '3-star', 'distance_to_venue': '0.9 mi (approx. 1.4 km)', 'amenities': 'Breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, parking (paid), outdoor
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft are widely available around Orlando International Airport, International Drive, and the convention center.
Public transit: LYNX bus service covers International Drive; the I-Ride Trolley runs along I-Drive near many hotels.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Orange County Convention Center; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026
Temperature: Daytime highs 24-26C (75-78F); overnight lows 15-16C (58-60F).
Seasonality: November begins Orlando's cooler, drier season, with around 45-60 mm of rain over 6-8 days, typically brief showers. Humidity eases markedly compared with the summer months.
Packing: Pack light layers for warm, sunny days (24-26C) and a light jacket or sweater for 15-16C evenings. Bring a compact umbrella or rain shell for short showers, comfortable walking shoes for the large Orange County Convention Center campus, and business-casual attire for meetings. Sunscreen and sunglasses help for outdoor walking along International Drive.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 2 — Wednesday 4 November 2026
Wednesday is the peak of the three-day run: exhibitor teams are fully staffed after opening-day setup, technical seminars, product demonstrations and dealer meetings are at their densest, and the co-located Advanced Textiles Expo conference programme runs in parallel. Opening day (Tuesday 3 November) is busiest at registration, while the final afternoon of Thursday 5 November thins out as stands begin packing down.
Confirm passport validity and check US visa or Visa Waiver eligibility — US-bound visitors generally need a B-1 business visa or Visa Waiver Program authorisation; apply early as interview slots can be limited.
Book flights into Orlando International (MCO) — MCO is roughly 15-20 minutes from the Orange County Convention Center; Sanford (SFB) is a longer transfer.
Reserve a hotel on International Drive or Destination Parkway — Staying close to the OCCC keeps you within walking or short shuttle distance; rates rise during major Orlando conventions.
Complete online visitor registration when it opens — 2026 registration is not yet live at sunshadingexpo.com; follow the show's social channels for the opening date.
Download the floor plan and exhibitor list — Plan stands covering interior and exterior shading, awnings, shutters, accessories, drives and controls.
Pre-schedule B2B meetings with target suppliers — The show runs an international B2B format; book meetings before travel to make the three days count.
Shortlist conference sessions and speaker slots — Review the programme for shading, technical textile, automation and energy-efficiency topics.
Arrange airport transfer and local transport — Pre-book a ride from MCO or plan around the I-RIDE Trolley and Lynx bus along International Drive.
Check November Orlando weather and pack accordingly — Expect highs of 24-26C and mild evenings of 15-16C with brief showers; bring layers and an umbrella.
Prepare business cards, meeting documents and product shortlists — Bring digital and printed materials for on-stand discussions and capture supplier contacts as you go.
Confirm hotel check-in (2 November) and show dates (3-5 November) — Arriving the day before the show opens makes badge collection and a Day-1 start far smoother.
Plan Day-1 arrival and badge collection at the OCCC — The venue is at 9800 International Drive, West Concourse; allow time for registration and the co-located Advanced Textiles Expo.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Merritt Island
Tampa and St. Petersburg Gulf Coast
Sun Shading Expo show-floor B2B lounge
Exhibitor and dealer meeting space inside the shading hall — the most efficient place to hold pre-arranged supplier conversations between hall walk-throughs.
Advanced Textiles Expo networking receptions
Shared evening receptions and association mixers put shading suppliers alongside fabric, coating and converting contacts under one badge.
International Drive hospitality strip
Walkable restaurant and bar cluster minutes from the venue and the main I-Drive hotels, widely used for informal dinners and follow-up meetings after show hours.
Budget
Adjust 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.
visa_fee
visitor · B-1 business visitor visa
USD 185 / per application
visa_fee
visitor · Visa Waiver Program authorisation
USD 21 / per application
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visa_fee | visitor | B-1 business visitor visa | USD 185 / per application | official | |
| visa_fee | visitor | Visa Waiver Program authorisation | USD 21 / per application | official |
Decision
Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Assess how this option fits your objectives.
Best for
Independent dealers, architects, facility managers and retail buyers sourcing interior and exterior shading systems, awnings, shutters, drives and controls in North America.
Min. budget
$350.00
Timeline
4-6 weeks to secure a US visa or Visa Waiver authorisation, flights and an International Drive hotel before November 2026.
Risks
Hotel rates on International Drive can spike during major Orlando conventions, so book early.
US visa interview lead times can run to several weeks from some countries.
exhibit
Assess how this option fits your objectives.
Best for
Shading-system manufacturers, technical textile suppliers and drives and controls OEMs targeting North American dealers, distributors and retail channels, including those wanting cross-traffic from the co-located Advanced Textiles Expo.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
6-9 months to reserve stand space, appoint a build contractor and ship demonstration units.
Risks
US freight and customs lead times for machinery and textile samples.
Stand-space allocation may tighten as the show builds momentum year on year.
skip
Assess how this option fits your objectives.
Best for
Suppliers with no North American distribution ambition, or buyers not active in shading, awnings, shutters, drives, controls or technical textiles.
Timeline
Not applicable for the 2026 edition.
Risks
None material; monitor the wider R+T Alliance trade circuit if North American expansion becomes a priority.
Book with
Recommended providers
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
