Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
TEAMS: TRAVEL, EVENTS AND MANAGEMENT IN SPORTS, is the world's leading conference and expo for the sports-event industry.
Launched in 1998, TEAMS draws more than 1,300 participants including CEOs, executive directors and event managers from sports organizations as well as representatives from sports commissions and convention bureaus, corporate sponsors, event suppliers and other hospitality industry opinion leaders.
For more than 25 years, TEAMS has helped define the sports-event.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Teams Conference & Expo takes place from October 26–29, 2026, at the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau in Birmingham, USA.
- 2Scale and Focus: This premier event draws over 1,300 participants from the sports-event industry, including executives and event managers.
- 3Organiser: The conference is presented by Northstar Meetings Group, a leader in the meetings and events sector.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include CEOs, executive directors, and event managers from sports organizations and hospitality sectors.
- 5Entry / Access: Registration is open now, with various sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities available.
Why visit
Attending the Teams Conference & Expo provides unparalleled networking opportunities with industry leaders and decision-makers. Dates and Venue: Teams Conference & Expo takes place from October 26–29, 2026, at the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau in Birmingham, USA. Buyer Authority: Attendees include CEOs, executive directors, and event managers from sports organizations and hospitality sectors.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the Teams Conference & Expo allows you to showcase your products and services to a targeted audience of sports-event organizers and decision-makers. Organiser: The conference is presented by Northstar Meetings Group, a leader in the meetings and events sector. Buyer Authority: Attendees include CEOs, executive directors, and event managers from sports organizations and hospitality sectors. Attending Teams Conference & Expo on 2026-10-26 to 2026-10-29 in.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Sports event organizers and rights holders evaluating host cities for tournaments, championships, and recurring competition tours
Sports commission and destination marketing executives selling their city, venues, and services to event owners
Convention and visitors bureau sales teams representing US and international host markets
National governing bodies, collegiate conferences, and league event staff booking multi-day competitions
Venue, stadium, and multi-sport facility operators showcasing event-ready space and operating capacity
Hotel, resort, and hospitality sales directors competing for team, official, and fan room blocks
Event services and supplier firms covering registration, timing and scoring, broadcast, volunteer management, insurance, and team travel
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
City and regional sports commissions and convention and visitors bureaus
Stadiums, arenas, ballparks, and multi-sport complexes
Hotels, resorts, and conference centers pitching room blocks and meeting space
Event technology providers for registration, ticketing, timing and scoring, and fan engagement
Event operations and services suppliers covering staffing, security, medical, transport, and logistics
Sports travel, charter, and destination management companies
Rights holders, leagues, and event owners seeking hosting and service partners
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Host-city and destination sports tourism services
Venue, stadium, and multi-sport complex space and operations
Hotel and resort room blocks and meeting facilities
Event registration, ticketing, and timing and scoring technology
Event logistics, staffing, security, and volunteer management
Team and fan travel, charter, and ground transportation
Sponsorship, marketing, and broadcast production services
Location & Facilities
Venue
Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau
Birmingham, USA
Facilities
Parking
Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau in Birmingham typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau in Birmingham typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
Northstar Meetings Group
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Birmingham, USA
Why it matters
Attending Teams Conference & Expo on 2026-10-26 to 2026-10-29 in Birmingham 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.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Birmingham Airport
Birmingham Airport (BHX) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45–60 min by road or rail to Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau.
to venue
by car
Coventry Airport
Coventry Airport (CVT) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45–60 min by road or rail to Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau.
to venue
by car
East Midlands Airport
East Midlands Airport (EMA) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45–60 min by road or rail to Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau.
to venue
by car
London Luton Airport
London Luton Airport (LTN) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45–60 min by road or rail to Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau.
to venue
by car
London Heathrow Airport
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45–60 min by road or rail to Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau.
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
3-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.
taxi / rideshare
Estimated costUSD 35–75
Best forBirmingham Airport (BHX) to Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau
Allow 45–60 min by road or rail; confirm before travel as this is a longer regional transfer.
taxi / rideshare
Estimated costUSD 35–75
Best forCoventry Airport (CVT) to Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau
Allow 45–60 min by road or rail; confirm before travel.
taxi / rideshare
Estimated costUSD 35–75
Best forEast Midlands Airport (EMA) to Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau
Allow 45–60 min by road or rail; confirm before travel.
bus
Estimated costUSD 1.50–4.00 per ride
Best forBJCTA MAX bus network across downtown Birmingham
MAX bus network serves downtown and the airport area, though service is less frequent than in larger metros; check routes and hours on the BJCTA website and confirm before travel.
rental car
Estimated costUSD 45–90 per day plus parking
Best forBHM airport rental counters to downtown Birmingham
Useful for regional site visits but not necessary for a downtown conference; central hotels may charge for parking. Confirm before travel.
taxi
Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forLondon Luton Airport (LTN) to Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau
London Luton Airport (LTN) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45–60 min by road or rail to Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau.
taxi
Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forLondon Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45–60 min by road or rail to Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Weather
Late October in Birmingham, Alabama is mild and pleasant, with daytime highs typically around 22-25 C (72-77 F) and overnight lows around 10-13 C (50-55 F). October is generally one of the drier months, though a passing shower is possible. Confirm the forecast closer to travel and pack light layers for warmer days and cooler evenings.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
US mobile networks (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) cover Birmingham reliably; international visitors should confirm roaming or buy a US eSIM/SIM on arrival. Wi-Fi is generally available at the venue and at most downtown hotels, sometimes for a fee. Check your carrier's international plan before travelling.
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 the norm at TEAMS; a jacket is optional but smart-casual is standard for meetings with rights holders and destination teams.
Tipping
Tipping is expected in the USA: around 15-20 percent at restaurants and a few dollars for hotel and taxi staff. Carry small notes.
Networking etiquette
Meetings on the Expo floor are business-focused; have a concise pitch ready, exchange cards, and follow up by email within a few days.
Arrival
Collect your badge early on day one before the Expo opens and pick up a floor plan so you can prioritise the destinations and suppliers you want to meet.
Southern hospitality
Birmingham is a friendly, mid-sized Southern US city; expect a relaxed pace outside session hours and plenty of nearby dining in the downtown and Uptown districts.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: BHX
Book flights into Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) when possible, as it is the closest gateway to the downtown conference district. If BHM connections or fares are poor, compare a connecting flight through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) against a 2.5-3 hour ground transfer. Book early, as late-October conference weeks tighten seating and prices.
Hotels
Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.
3 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: Birmingham Airport (BHX): Birmingham Airport (BHX) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45–60 min by road or rail to Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau.; Coventry Airport (CVT): Coventry Airport (CVT) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45–60 min by road or rail to Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau.; East Midlands Airport (EMA): East Midlands Airport (EMA) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allo
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau: Sheraton Birmingham Hotel; The Westin Birmingham; Tutwiler Hotel Birmingham, a DoubleTree by Hilton.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft operate in Birmingham and are the easiest way to reach downtown hotels and the venue from BHM airport. Trips within the downtown core are short and inexpensive. Confirm app coverage and pricing at the time of travel.
Public transit: Birmingham's public bus network, BJCTA MAX, serves downtown, the airport area, and surrounding neighbourhoods, but frequencies are lower than in larger US cities. Check current routes and hours on the BJCTA website before relying on it for conference travel; rideshare or a taxi is usually quicker for airport transfers.
Parking: Downtown Birmingham venues and hotels typically offer paid parking in adjacent decks, and BHM airport has on-site garages and lots. Daily rates vary; confirm rates and hall access with your hotel or the organiser once the exact TEAMS venue is published.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026 (late October, autumn)
Temperature: Daytime highs typically around 22-25 C (72-77 F); overnight lows around 10-13 C (50-55 F).
Seasonality: October is generally one of Birmingham's drier months, though occasional rain showers are possible; confirm the local forecast closer to the event.
Packing: Pack light layers for mild days and a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, comfortable walking shoes for the Expo floor, and a compact umbrella just in case.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day for qualified buyer meetings: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Teams Conference & Expo usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Networking spots
2Teams Conference & Expo registration concourse
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Teams Conference & Expo fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
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
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4–8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published — confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3–6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources — confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Min. budget
Not yet confirmed
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- RFP (Request for Proposal)
- The formal document an event owner issues to candidate destinations, setting out dates, facility, hotel, and service requirements a host city must meet.
- Rights holder
- The organisation that owns a sports event or property, such as a league, national governing body, or sanctioning body, and controls where and how it is staged.
- Sports commission
- A city or regional agency whose job is to recruit sporting events and coordinate venues, hotels, and volunteers to host them.
- DMO (Destination Marketing Organisation)
- A tourism body that promotes a city or region; many sports-event bids are led by a DMO working alongside a sports commission.
- NGB (National Governing Body)
- The national federation for a sport, responsible for sanctioning competitions and often for selecting host cities.
- Room block
- A reserved allocation of hotel rooms at a negotiated rate held for an event's teams, officials, media, and fans.
- Host city agreement
- The contract between an event owner and a destination that sets out venue use, funding, services, and each side's obligations.
- Site visit / FAM tour
- An organised trip in which event owners inspect a candidate city's venues, hotels, and infrastructure before bidding.
- Sports tourism
- Travel motivated by taking part in or watching a sporting event, and the economic activity it generates for a host destination.
- Bid city
- A destination actively competing to host a specific event by submitting a proposal to the rights holder.
- Room-night
- One hotel room occupied for one night; a key metric used to measure an event's economic impact on a host city.
- Economic impact study
- A post-event analysis estimating visitor spending, room-nights, and jobs generated by hosting a competition.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Teams Conference & Expo
- Teams Conference & Expo 2026
- Teams Conference & Expo Birmingham
- Teams Conference Birmingham 2026
- Teams Expo Birmingham 2026
- Teams Conference Expo
- sports event industry conference 2026
- sports event conference Birmingham
- sports tourism conference USA
- sports event industry expo
10 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.