October Special — 50% off Spotlights and exhibitor listsSee prices

    Dates

    27 Oct 2026

    City / country

    Baltimore, USA

    Venue

    Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor

    20 Floor Picks

    Matched booths for TEDCO's Entrepreneur Expo 2026

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    Notable exhibitors

    Companies exhibiting at TEDCO's Entrepreneur Expo 2026 include Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation, BioHealth Innovation, CLOUDOFFİX, Government Contract Support, LLC and Iron Thread Collective.

    • Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation
    • BioHealth Innovation
    • CLOUDOFFİX
    • Government Contract Support, LLC
    • Iron Thread Collective

    Event overview

    Overview

    Join us at TEDCO's Entrepreneur Expo 2026 on October 27, 2026, at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor.

    This event brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators to explore new opportunities and network within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Date: October 27, 2026
    2. 2Location: Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor
    3. 3Target Audience: Entrepreneurs and investors
    4. 4Networking opportunities available
    5. 5Explore innovative ideas and startups

    Why visit

    Attend TEDCO's Entrepreneur Expo to spend one high-impact day inside Maryland's startup ecosystem. The programme combines workshops, roundtable discussions, live pitch competitions and an exhibitor showcase packed with resources to help companies start, grow and scale. Visitors meet founders, angel and venture investors, university technology transfer teams, corporate innovation groups, economic development agencies and international delegations, and the 2026 BGE fireside discussion on energy sector collaboration is a direct route to partners and customers. Registration and the full agenda are handled through the official Cvent event site.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibiting at the Entrepreneur Expo provides businesses with visibility among potential investors and partners. It is an opportunity to showcase products and services to a targeted audience interested in innovation and entrepreneurship. Networking opportunities available. The Entrepreneur Expo is crucial for fostering innovation and collaboration among startups and investors. It serves as a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and for investors to discover new.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Entrepreneurs seeking funding
    Investors looking for new opportunities
    Startups showcasing innovative ideas
    Business professionals interested in networking
    Industry experts sharing insights
    Students exploring entrepreneurship

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Early-stage and seed-stage startups
    Life sciences, biotech and medtech spinouts
    Venture capital firms and angel investor networks
    Business and professional service providers (legal, accounting, IP)
    Technology innovators and software companies
    Universities and technology transfer offices
    Government and economic development agencies supporting entrepreneurship
    Corporate venture and innovation teams
    International delegations and trade organisations

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Startup technologies and solutions
    Investment opportunities
    Business services and consulting
    Educational resources for entrepreneurs
    Networking tools and platforms
    Innovative consumer products

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Open in Google Maps

    Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor

    Baltimore, USA

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Register

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    TEDCO

    Cvent, Inc.

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    New this edition

    • 1

      BGE energy sector fireside discussion

      The 2026 programme adds a fireside discussion between BGE CEO Tamla Olivier and TEDCO CEO Troy LeMaile-Stovall on energy sector collaboration, opening a corporate-startup route for founders in the energy and cleantech space.

      Source
    • 2

      Return to Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor

      After the 2025 edition at The Hotel at the University of Maryland, the 12th Entrepreneur Expo returns to a downtown Baltimore Inner Harbor venue, putting the show floor, workshops and pitches inside one hotel.

      Source

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    Join us at TEDCO's Entrepreneur Expo 2026 on October 27, 2026, at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor. This event brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators to explore new opportunities and network within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Entrepreneur Expo is crucial for fostering innovation and collaboration among startups and investors. It serves as a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and for investors to discover new opportunities. TEDCO's Entrepreneur Expo 2026, October.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibiting at the Entrepreneur Expo provides businesses with visibility among potential investors and partners. It is an opportunity to showcase products and services to a targeted audience interested in innovation and entrepreneurship. Networking opportunities available. The Entrepreneur Expo is crucial for fostering innovation and collaboration among startups and investors. It serves as a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and for investors to discover new.

    Intelligence

    Market context

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

    Baltimore, USA

    Why it matters

    Attending TEDCO's Entrepreneur Expo 2026 on 2026-10-27 to 2026-10-27 in Baltimore 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.

    01

    Early-stage capital access

    Seed and early-stage funding remains selective, with investors favouring startups that can show traction, defensible technology and a clear path to revenue.

    02

    International market entry

    Startups increasingly pursue customers, distribution partners and pilot projects outside their home market instead of relying only on domestic growth.

    03

    Corporate and startup collaboration

    Large employers now engage startups as co-development partners and suppliers, not only as acquisition targets.

    04

    Research commercialisation

    University and federal laboratory research keeps spinning out ventures in life sciences, medtech and advanced technology.

    05

    State and regional ecosystem funding

    Public and quasi-public programmes shape how quickly regional startups reach their first customers and follow-on capital.

    Related trade fairs near Baltimore

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

    Buyers covering general often plan TEDCO's Entrepreneur Expo 2026 alongside regional peer shows to compare products, pricing, and service coverage across markets.

    Pre-show

    Confirm exhibitor meetings and product demos for TEDCO's Entrepreneur Expo 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

    Hotel tiers

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

    Upscale (4-star)
    Inner Harbor, 401 W Pratt St

    Not yet confirmed

    Midscale (3-star)
    Downtown / Convention Center

    Not yet confirmed

    Midscale (3-star)
    Inner Harbor

    Not yet confirmed

    Midscale (3-star)
    Inner Harbor

    Not yet confirmed

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    On-site self-parking

    Estimated costAbout USD 36 per day

    Covered self-parking garage at Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor (401 W Pratt St) with EV charging and limited capacity; confirm availability with the hotel when you book.

    Nearby parking garages and lots

    Estimated costFrom about USD 6 per day

    Inner Harbor garages and lots are listed from around USD 6 and rise closer to the venue; pre-booking through ParkMobile, SpotHero or Parkopedia is common.

    Taxi or ride-hail from downtown

    Estimated costApprox USD 10-20 per trip

    Trips of roughly 5 to 10 minutes between Inner Harbor and downtown hotels; allow extra time for the morning peak.

    MTA bus, Metro SubwayLink and Light RailLink

    Estimated costLow-cost single-ride MTA fare (check MTA Maryland for current rates)

    Moovit provides step-by-step bus, metro and light rail routes to Hilton Baltimore; Baltimore Penn Station is a short ride from 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
    TypeWho needs itFeeProcessing
    B-1 business visitor visaCitizens of countries without a US visa waiver agreement who are travelling for business meetings, conventions or contract negotiations.$185.00Varies by consulate; interview wait times range from days to several weeks, so apply well before 27 October 2026.
    Visa Waiver Program / ESTACitizens of participating Visa Waiver Program countries travelling for short business visits, who must hold an approved ESTA before boarding.$21.00ESTA decisions are usually fast but should be requested and confirmed well before departure.

    Travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries may enter the United States without a visa for qualifying business visits if they hold an approved ESTA. Check the US Customs and Border Protection international visitors page for the current list of participating countries and conditions.

    Official visa page

    Weather

    Late October in Baltimore is mid-autumn: average highs about 66-69 F (19-21 C) and lows about 52-53 F (11-12 C), with day-to-day highs ranging roughly 58-77 F. Rainfall averages near 3.5 inches (82-89 mm) across roughly 6 to 12 wet days in the month, so brief showers are possible on the expo day. Pack layers and a light rain jacket. Sources: WeatherSpark, AccuWeather and historicalclimate October climate summaries for Baltimore.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    Downtown Baltimore has strong 4G/5G coverage on the main US carriers, so business visitors usually buy a US prepaid SIM or a US data eSIM rather than paying roaming charges, and hotel and venue Wi-Fi is standard. Add a VPN and keep a backup eSIM or hotspot plan if you run live demos or video calls. Sources: GoMoWorld and timetransfers business travel connectivity guides for the United States.

    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

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

    Visa

    Foreign nationals generally need a US visitor visa to attend a business convention or conference. The B-1 business visitor visa, or a combined B-1/B-2 visa, covers attending conferences, business meetings and contract negotiations. Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries may instead travel visa-free with an approved ESTA.

    Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).

    Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.

    Attending a business convention or conference is an approved B-1 activity, so carry your expo registration confirmation and an invitation letter from TEDCO for the visa interview and for border inspection. Visitors already in another valid US nonimmigrant status may be able to change to B-1 status using Form I-539.

    Official

    Hotels

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

    Check-in (recommended)

    2026-10-26

    Check-out (recommended)

    2026-10-28

    Areas to stay

    Downtown / Convention Center · Inner Harbor · Inner Harbor, 401 W Pratt St

    upscale (4 star)

    Not yet confirmed

    midscale (3 star)

    Not yet confirmed

    midscale (3 star)

    Not yet confirmed

    midscale (3 star)

    Not yet confirmed

    Transport

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

    Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Baltimore; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor: Inner Harbor, 401 W Pratt St: Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor; Downtown / Convention Center: Hampton Inn Baltimore-Downtown-Convention Center; Inner Harbor: Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore Inner Harbor.

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

    Public transit: Baltimore's MTA bus routes, Metro SubwayLink and Light RailLink connect the Inner Harbor to the wider city, and Moovit publishes step-by-step routes and live schedules to Hilton Baltimore and Inner Harbor. Light rail and metro stops are within walking distance of the waterfront, and Baltimore Penn Station links to regional Amtrak and MARC services.

    Parking: On-site parking is available at Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: October 2026

    Temperature: Average October high 66-69 F (19-21 C) and average low 52-53 F (11-12 C); late-October forecast daily highs range roughly 58-77 F (14-25 C) with overnight lows 45-59 F (7-15 C).

    Seasonality: October is a transition month in Baltimore as summer heat fades. Rainfall averages about 3.5 inches (82-89 mm) over roughly 6 to 12 wet days, so rain is possible but seldom lasts all day.

    Packing: Pack layers: a light jacket or sweater for mornings and evenings in the 45-59 F range, a compact rain jacket or umbrella for possible showers, and comfortable walking shoes for the Inner Harbor. Business casual is appropriate for the expo.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    1

    Confirm your registration — Register online at tedcomdexpo.cventevents.com/event/2026 to secure your badge for the 27 October 2026 expo day.

    2

    Check US entry requirements — Work out whether you need a B-1/B-2 visa or an approved ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program, and start the application immediately if required.

    3

    Book flights to the Baltimore region — Fly into the Baltimore-Washington area and allow a buffer so you arrive the evening before the expo.

    4

    Reserve a hotel near the venue — The venue is Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor, 401 W Pratt St; Inner Harbor and downtown hotels are within walking distance and late-October rates rise closer to the date.

    5

    Plan local transport — On-site self-parking runs about USD 36 per day and nearby lots start around USD 6; Moovit lists bus, metro and light rail routes to Hilton Baltimore.

    6

    Download the programme — Review the workshop, roundtable and live pitch sessions for 27 October 2026 and shortlist the ones that match your goals.

    7

    Request B2B meetings — Contact exhibitors and investors listed on the 2026 exhibitor page and book meeting slots before the day fills up.

    8

    Prepare your materials — Bring a one-page summary, business cards and a laptop or tablet for demos and quick follow-up.

    9

    Check weather and pack — Late October in Baltimore averages highs near 66-69 F with possible showers; pack layers, a rain jacket and comfortable shoes.

    10

    Confirm travel documents — Carry your registration confirmation, photo ID or passport, and a TEDCO invitation letter if you are travelling internationally.

    11

    Plan badge collection — Arrive early on 27 October 2026 to collect your badge and walk the exhibitor showcase before sessions start.

    12

    Plan follow-up — Set aside time after the expo to follow up with contacts, request decks and schedule calls.

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Build your working budget

    Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

    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 business visitor visa

    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

    Maryland founders and early-stage teams hunting customers, investors and state support, plus service providers and investors scouting the regional ecosystem in a single day.

    Min. budget

    $350.00

    Timeline

    3-4 weeks to register, book an Inner Harbor hotel and arrange travel and badge collection.

    Risks

    Inner Harbor hotel rates climb for late-October dates, so book early.

    International attendees face B-1 visa interview lead times of several weeks.

    Popular workshop and pitch sessions fill up; plan your agenda in advance.

    exhibit

    Assess how this option fits your objectives.

    Best for

    Startups, economic development agencies and professional service firms that want a stand or tabletop to demo products and book meetings with founders, investors and corporate innovation teams.

    Min. budget

    $2,200.00

    Timeline

    8-12 weeks for stand booking, design and build, marketing and staff travel.

    Risks

    Exhibit space is limited after 108 exhibitors and 50 startup exhibitors in 2025.

    Hotel ballroom venues restrict rigging, signage and delivery windows.

    A one-day show compresses lead volume; pre-booked meetings matter most.

    skip

    Assess how this option fits your objectives.

    Best for

    Companies with no US East Coast customer base, no interest in the Maryland startup ecosystem and no near-term need to meet early-stage ventures or their funders.

    Min. budget

    Not yet confirmed

    Timeline

    No lead time needed; revisit if you add US Mid-Atlantic distribution or investment plans.

    Risks

    Missing the expo means missing the single largest gathering of Maryland founders, investors and ecosystem agencies this year.

    International agreements and corporate pilot conversations announced around the show go to attending companies.

    Book with

    Partners

    Recommended providers

    Visa

    US Department of State

    Gallery

    Photos

    Official imagery from TEDCO's Entrepreneur Expo 2026
    Official imagery from TEDCO's Entrepreneur Expo 2026

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Glossary

    1
    B2B matchmaking
    Pre-scheduled, time-boxed meetings arranged so attendees, investors and exhibitors meet the right counterparties during a one-day show instead of meeting by chance.
    2
    Pitch competition
    A timed stage session where founders present their business to a panel of investors and judges, competing for funding, prizes or visibility.
    3
    Angel investor
    A private individual who invests their own money in very early-stage companies, often the first outside capital a startup raises.
    4
    Venture capital (VC)
    A fund that invests pooled institutional money in startups in exchange for equity, typically at seed stage or later.
    5
    Seed round
    The first significant equity funding a startup raises to build its product and reach its first customers.
    6
    Series A
    The first large priced equity round, usually raised once a startup shows repeatable traction and a working business model.
    7
    Technology transfer
    The process of moving research or intellectual property from a university, hospital or federal lab into a commercial venture or licence.
    8
    SBIR / STTR
    US federal grant programmes that fund small businesses and their research partners to commercialise new technology.
    9
    B-1 visa
    A US business visitor visa that covers attending conferences and conventions, business meetings and contract negotiations.
    10
    ESTA / Visa Waiver Program
    The visa-free travel scheme that lets citizens of participating countries enter the United States for short business or tourism visits after an approved online ESTA application.
    11
    Exhibitor showcase
    The expo hall area where startups, agencies and service providers staff tables and stands to demo products and meet attendees.

    Digital business cards for the show floor

    Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.

    Create a free card