TCEI Expo 2027 runs 30 March-1 April in Belton, Texas.
Dates
30 Mar – 1 Apr 2027
City / country
Belton, United States
Venue
Cadence Bank Center, Belton, Texas
Time
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Companies exhibiting at TCEI Expo 2027 include 1Finity Americas, Inc, A&M Kingsville, ABS Rents, Absolute Communications & Network Solutions and ACP International.
Event overview
TCEI Expo 2027 is the Texas Communications Expo, running 30 March-1 April 2027 at the Cadence Bank Center in Belton, Texas.
The 31st edition of the Southwest's largest broadband and communications trade show is expected to draw nearly 300 vendors and more than 1,600 industry professionals for three days of exhibits, technical education and networking.
Registration opens in December 2026.
TL;DR
Visitors get three days of hands-on product comparison, vendor-led technical seminars and peer networking with Texas and nearby-state broadband operators. The show is deliberately practical: sessions focus on deployment, operations and workforce issues, while the exhibit hall covers fibre, wireless, construction and network equipment in a single venue.
TCEI delivers a concentrated audience of independent telcos, broadband co-ops, ISPs and contractors who specify and buy network equipment. Compared with national shows, the cost of reaching this regional buyer base is lower and the conversations are more operational. The 2027 edition builds on a 30-year run and a 1,600-plus professional audience.
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
2Cadence Bank Center, 301 West Loop 121, Belton, TX 76513, United States
Entrances & gates
Main entrance
Off West Loop 121; registration and badge check at the door.
Free on-site surface parking at the venue.
No show shuttle is advertised; the venue is a drive-in site off Interstate 35.
Food options
Concession stands and event catering
On-site diningParking: Free on-site surface parking surrounds the Cadence Bank Center; arrive early on the Wednesday tradeshow day when the hall and seminars are busiest.
Gate: Use the main expo entrance off West Loop 121 and follow TCEI registration signage; all attendees must check in before entering the exhibit hall.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Ticket info
Badge collection
Pre-register online from December 2026 and collect your badge at the registration desk; on-site registration is also available but queues are longer on Wednesday morning.
Ticket notes
Registration covers the Tuesday crawfish and shrimp boil, the Wednesday tradeshow pass, technical seminars, roundtable, lunch and anniversary celebration, and the Thursday tradeshow pass. No 2027 ticket prices were published on the official pages; check the registration page from December 2026.
Build-up & tear-down
What's on
1
Roundtable
2
Seminar
1
Event days
10:00–14:00
Typical time
Wednesday, Mar 31, 2027
Technical education session (morning)
Technical education session (late morning)
Roundtable discussion
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Visitors: 1,000
Exhibitors: 230
Edition #: 30
This edition
2027
Visitors: 1,600
Exhibitors: 300
Next edition
Not announced yet
Growth over time
Edition recap
The 2026 TCEI Expo ran 31 March-2 April at the Cadence Bank Center in Belton, Texas, and was billed by exhibitors as the 30th anniversary edition. The three-day format combined a golf tournament and crawfish boil with two tradeshow days, technical seminars and a roundtable.
New this edition
Impact
TCEI has run for three decades as a regional, operator-led show rather than a national exhibition. Its value lies in density: a relatively small hall where independent telcos, co-ops and contractors meet the vendors that supply their fibre and wireless build-outs. The 2027 edition is the first after the 30th-anniversary year and is expected to hold scale at near 300 vendors and 1,600+ professionals.
Audience quality
The audience is operational and regional: independent telephone companies, broadband co-ops, ISPs, outside-plant contractors and network engineers from Texas and neighbouring states. Decision-makers are accessible, but the total volume is modest compared with national shows, so exhibitors should plan for a small number of high-value conversations rather than mass lead capture.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI depends on territory fit. For vendors selling fibre, construction, wireless or test equipment into the Southwest, a booth reaches a concentrated buyer base at lower cost than a national show. The Wednesday hall day is the core selling window; Thursday morning is short. A booth plus a technical seminar slot is the strongest combination for qualified pipeline.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Federal and state broadband programmes have pushed large sums into rural fibre and wireless builds across Texas. TCEI is where the independent operators and co-ops delivering those builds meet their suppliers, so it functions as a regional demand signal for network equipment, construction services and operations software.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Rural fibre build-out
Federal and state subsidy programmes continue to fund fibre extensions to unserved Texas communities, keeping demand high for cable, conduit, splicing and test equipment.
What it changes: Operators at TCEI are actively choosing suppliers for funded builds with fixed deployment timelines.
SourceFixed wireless and hybrid networks
Operators are blending fibre backhaul with fixed wireless access to reach low-density premises faster and at lower cost than pure fibre.
What it changes: Hybrid architectures widen the addressable market for RF, tower and CPE vendors at the show.
SourceWorkforce and safety pressure
Skilled fibre technicians and outside-plant crews remain scarce, pushing operators toward training, automation and safer construction practices.
What it changes: Training providers and safety equipment suppliers have a direct route to buyers at TCEI.
SourceTCEI is a regional stop in a national circuit of broadband and telecom events. Suppliers often pair it with a national fibre show for reach and a regional show for depth.
Spring build season
Both fall before peak construction, when operators finalise equipment orders.
Circuit context is editorial; individual event dates were not verified in this run.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Largest nearby airport with the widest domestic and international connections.
about 70 miles
to venue
70-85 minutes
by car
Small regional airport with limited connections via Dallas-Fort Worth.
about 40 miles
to venue
40-50 minutes
by car
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Major hub; practical if fares are lower, but add a rental car and drive time.
about 140 miles
to venue
2 hours 15 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Ride-hail
Uber and Lyft serve the airport and Belton; book at the app after baggage claim.
Rental car
The most practical option because the venue is a drive-in site with free parking.
Shuttle/coach
Limited scheduled service; check operators before relying on it for show days.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 business visitor | Visitors from countries without US visa-free travel | $185.00 | Several weeks to months | |
| Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) | Eligible nationals of VWP countries | $21.00 | Usually minutes to 72 hours |
US citizens and lawful permanent residents need no visa. Canadian citizens generally enter visa-free for business visits.
No ATA carnet procedure was published for TCEI; exhibitors shipping from abroad should ask the organiser and a freight forwarder.
Official visa pageWeather
Late March in Central Texas is mild and changeable: daytime highs around 20-25C (68-77F), overnight lows near 10C (50F), with a realistic chance of thunderstorms. Pack a light rain layer and comfortable shoes for the gravel and concrete exhibit areas.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Mobile coverage is good across Belton and Temple. Venue Wi-Fi availability for exhibitors was not published; plan a cellular hotspot for live demos.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Restaurant servers expect 18-20% tips; taxis and ride-hail drivers appreciate 10-15%.
Dress code
Business casual is the norm on the show floor; boots and jeans are common among outside-plant crews.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: AUS (Austin-Bergstrom)
Book 6-10 weeks ahead for late-March travel. Austin is the main gateway; Dallas/Fort Worth can be cheaper but adds a 2+ hour drive.
Book flightsMost Western visitors enter under the Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA; others need a US B-1 business visa. US citizens need no visa.
Estimated cost: USD 21 ESTA or USD 185 B-1 visa fee
Processing: ESTA usually within 72 hours; B-1 several weeks
Apply before booking non-refundable travel and carry event registration confirmation.
OfficialPartnerGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: AUS to Belton is about 70 miles and 70-85 minutes by car; DFW is about 140 miles and 2 hours 15 minutes.
Hotel → venue: Belton and Temple hotels are 10-20 minutes by car; ride-hail supply is thinner late at night.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate in the area; expect USD 20-35 from Temple and USD 15-25 from Belton.
Public transit: No practical public transit links the airport or hotels to the Cadence Bank Center; a car is recommended.
Parking: Free on-site surface parking at the venue.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March-April
Temperature: 10-25C (50-77F)
Seasonality: Spring thunderstorms are common; March is one of the wetter months in Central Texas.
Packing: Light layers, a rain jacket, comfortable shoes and a power bank for long days in the hall.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Wednesday 31 March 2027
Wednesday is the only full tradeshow day, with both seminar slots, the roundtable and the closing happy hour.
Book flights into Austin and confirm the airport transfer or rental car — Compare AUS and DFW; add drive time for DFW.
Reserve a Belton or Temple hotel for 29 March-1 April — Late March availability tightens; free cancellation is worth the premium.
Register online and print or save the confirmation — Registration opens in December 2026; on-site lines are longest on Wednesday.
Download the schedule and mark seminars and roundtable slots — Wednesday seminars run at 10:00 and 11:00; the roundtable is at 13:00.
Check the weather and pack layers, rain jacket and comfortable shoes — Spring storms are common in Central Texas.
Charge phone and power bank, load maps and confirm parking — Free on-site parking; arrive before 08:00 on Wednesday.
Coffee and registration check-in
Cadence Bank Center main lobbyWalk the exhibit hall and map priority vendors
Exhibit hallAttend the first technical seminar
Seminar roomBBQ lunch and informal networking
Exhibit hallRoundtable discussion and afternoon meetings
Meeting roomHappy hour and final booth conversations
Exhibit hallBelton Lake and Dam
Outdoors
15 minutes from the venue
Easy sunset walk and a look at the reservoir that supplies the region.
Downtown Belton historic square
Local Culture
10 minutes from the venue
Small-town Texas shops, cafes and the Bell County courthouse.
Waco Mammoth National Monument
Day Trip
45 minutes from Belton
Ice-age fossil site and a change of pace after the show.
Wednesday happy hour
Official event
15:00-16:30 in the exhibit hall; the best informal access to exhibitors.
Crawfish and shrimp boil
Official event
Tuesday 19:00; a long-running TCEI tradition and the main social icebreaker.
Temple and Belton sports bars
Local
Casual evening options along Interstate 35 for small-group dinners.
TCEI is a compact regional show, so most useful conversations happen in a single day. Fast follow-up matters more than volume because buyers are comparing a small set of known suppliers.
Budget
No 2027 booth rate card was published. Booth costs are left at zero in the calculator rather than inventing a rate; the organiser should be contacted for the 2027 prospectus.
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.
hotel
visitor · mid
USD 120–160 / per night
per diem
visitor · standard
USD 45–75 / per day
visa
international visitor · B-1
USD 185 / per person
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| hotel | visitor | mid | USD 120–160 / per night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| per diem | visitor | standard | USD 45–75 / per day | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| visa | international visitor | B-1 | USD 185 / per person | published | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Six quick questions to decide whether to visit, exhibit or skip TCEI Expo 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 need product intelligence and regional contacts
Best for
Operators and engineers comparing suppliers
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
Book 4-6 weeks out
Risks
Halls are compact and Wednesday is the only full day
exhibit
You have a territory plan and a demo that travels
Best for
Suppliers selling into Texas broadband
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
Decide 3-4 months out
Risks
2027 booth rates unpublished
Audience is regional, not national
skip
Your buyers are national or outside the US
Best for
Vendors without a US-Southwest territory
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
Missing a concentrated operator audience
Book with
Official event website
Registration, schedule and exhibitor updates from TCEI.
Official source.
U.S. Department of State
B-1 business visa and Visa Waiver Program guidance.
Official US government guidance.
Visit Belton
Local hotels, dining and things to do around Belton.
Local tourism site.
Cadence Bank Center
Venue address, parking and facility information.
Venue website.
Recommended providers
Official visa and ESTA guidance.
Filter Belton and Temple for 29 March-1 April 2027.
Compare fares into AUS and DFW.
Ask the organiser for the 2027 freight manual.
Compare travel and exhibitor liability cover.
Local attractions and events.
Manual or QR capture
No official 2027 lead-capture vendor announced.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
4 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
3
References
1
Publishers
3
Date checked
TCEI
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