Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Engineering Expo is a vibrant event designed to inspire young minds through hands-on STEM activities. Scheduled for April 10, 2027, at the Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center in Wichita, this expo aims to ignite the imaginations of children from kindergarten to 8th grade.
With over 40 engaging activities, the expo provides a platform for children to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a fun and interactive environment. The Engineering Expo takes place in.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The Engineering Expo takes place on April 10, 2027, at Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center, Wichita, USA.
- 2Scale and Focus: This family-friendly event features over 40 STEM activities for children from K-8th grade.
- 3Organiser: The event is organized by the Society of Women Engineers, Wichita Professional Section.
- 4Visitor Authority: Expected attendance includes over 2,000 children and 1,000 adults, fostering community engagement in STEM.
- 5Entry: Admission is free for all attendees, with no registration required.
Why visit
Visitors can expect a day filled with educational fun, as the expo offers numerous hands-on activities that encourage learning in STEM fields. It's a perfect opportunity for families to engage in science and engineering concepts together, fostering a love for these subjects in the next generation.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors gain visibility and the chance to connect with a diverse audience, including families and educators. Participating in the expo allows organizations to showcase their commitment to STEM education and community involvement, while also providing valuable resources and activities for children. Use The Engineering Expo to strengthen brand visibility, collect qualified leads, and meet buyers face to face.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Engineering students and recent graduates in mechanical, electrical, aerospace, civil, computer and industrial programs comparing employers, graduate schemes and capstone ideas
Practicing design, product and systems engineers evaluating CAD/CAE tools, test instrumentation and components
Manufacturing, process and quality engineers from Wichita's aerospace and advanced-manufacturing supply chain
R&D and lab teams sourcing metrology, additive manufacturing and test equipment
Engineering faculty, department heads and outreach coordinators looking for industry partners and student pipelines
Technical recruiters and workforce development staff hiring engineers, drafters and technicians
Government, defense and infrastructure program engineers with specification and procurement responsibility
Robotics clubs, makers and STEM educators looking for hands-on demonstrations and classroom links
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Aerospace and advanced-manufacturing employers recruiting engineers and technicians in Wichita's core industry cluster
Engineering service firms: design consultancies, systems integrators, and testing and certification labs
CAD/CAM/CAE, simulation, PLM and digital twin software vendors
Automation, robotics, motion-control and industrial control-system suppliers
Machining, fabrication, composites and additive manufacturing equipment suppliers
Metrology, inspection and non-destructive testing instrument makers
Universities, community colleges and workforce programs presenting engineering pathways and apprenticeships
Startups and R&D groups seeking pilot partners, technical talent and supplier introductions
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
CAD, CAM, CAE and simulation software
Product lifecycle management and digital twin tools
Automation, robotics and motion control
CNC machining, fabrication and composites equipment
Additive manufacturing and 3D printing systems and materials
Metrology, inspection and non-destructive testing
Sensors, embedded systems and electronics
Aerospace components, advanced materials and MRO services
Engineering recruitment, education and workforce programs
Testing, certification and professional engineering services
Location & Facilities
Venue
Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center
225 W Douglas, Wichita, KS 67202-3100
Facilities
Parking
Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center in Wichita 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: Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center in Wichita 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 Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Who runs the show
Organisers
Society of Women Engineers, Wichita Professional Section
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Wichita, USA
Why it matters
Attending The Engineering Expo on 2027-04-10 to 2027-04-10 in Wichita 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.
Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport
Primary commercial airport for the region, with connections through DFW, ORD, DEN, ATL and MDW on the major US carriers. Confirm schedules, baggage rules and ground transport before travel
TBA
to venue
Approx. 15-20 minutes to downtown Wichita
by car
Kansas City International Airport
Alternate option with a wider choice of direct flights; only practical if you rent a car or arrange ground transport, and it adds a hotel night on each end of the trip
TBA
to venue
Approx. 3 hours by car
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Hyatt Regency Wichita
4-star
Downtown Wichita, approx. 310 m from Century II Performing Arts & Convention CenterDrury Plaza Hotel Broadview Wichita
3-star
Downtown Wichita, approx. 240 m from Century IIFairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Wichita Downtown
3-star
Downtown Wichita, approx. 540 m from Century IIHilton Garden Inn Wichita Downtown
3-star
Downtown Wichita, approx. 590 m from Century IIHome2 Suites by Hilton Wichita Downtown Delano
3-star
Delano district, walkable to Century II or a short rideshare rideWyndham Garden Wichita Downtown
3-star
Downtown Wichita, approx. 840 m from Century IILocal transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Walk
Estimated costFree
Best forDowntown Wichita hotels to Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center
Captured downtown properties sit about 240 m (Drury Plaza Broadview), 310 m (Hyatt Regency), 540 m (Fairfield Inn & Suites), 590 m (Hilton Garden Inn) and 840 m (Wyndham Garden) from Century II, so the venue is walkable for most downtown stays.
City bus (Wichita Transit)
Estimated costApprox. $1.75 one-way; confirm current fare and pass options
Best forDowntown Wichita transit routes to the Douglas Avenue / Century II area
Wichita Transit covers the city but frequencies are modest and evening or Sunday service is limited; check the trip planner for a route and walking transfer to Century II before relying on it.
Rideshare or taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from ICT to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forWichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) to Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center
Roughly 13 km / 8 miles and 15-20 minutes in normal traffic. Use the terminal's designated rideshare pickup zone and expect surge pricing around early-morning departures.
Rental car
Estimated costApprox. $40-70 per day plus fuel and parking; confirm rates
Best forICT airport to downtown Wichita hotels and Century II
Useful if you are combining the show with supplier visits across the Wichita aerospace cluster; otherwise downtown walking plus rideshare is usually cheaper than paying for a car and hotel parking.
Parking (self-drive)
Estimated costApprox. $8-12 per day; confirm event rates
Best forCentury II surface lots and downtown Wichita garages
Century II has adjacent surface lots and a garage, with more downtown parking within a few blocks. Arrive early on the opening morning and confirm whether the organiser validates parking.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from MCI to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forKansas City International Airport (MCI) to Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center
Approx. 3 hours by car; Alternate option with a wider choice of direct flights; only practical if you rent a car or arrange ground transport, and it adds a hotel night on each end of the trip.
Weather
April in Wichita is early spring: typical daytime highs of 19-22 C (66-72 F), overnight lows of 6-9 C (43-48 F), gusty south winds and a rising chance of thunderstorms. Snow is rare but a late cold snap is possible. These are climatological bands, not a forecast for the 2027 show days - check a local forecast within a week of travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
US mobile networks (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) cover downtown Wichita well; travellers from abroad should arrange an eSIM or local SIM before landing, since airport SIM kiosks are limited. Venue and hotel Wi-Fi is normally available for email and exhibitor demos, but do not rely on public Wi-Fi for confidential design files - use a VPN or a mobile hotspot.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Restaurant servers expect 15-20 percent, bar staff $1-2 per drink, hotel housekeeping a few dollars a day and rideshare or taxi drivers around 10-15 percent. Card terminals usually offer a tip screen.
Business dress
Business casual is the norm at Midwest engineering events: collared shirt or blouse and trousers. Suits are rare outside formal receptions, and comfortable shoes matter more than a jacket on the show floor.
Greetings and small talk
A firm handshake and first names straight away are standard. Weather, travel and the local aviation industry are safe openers; direct questions about technical specifications are welcomed.
Payments and cash
Cards and mobile payments work almost everywhere in downtown Wichita, including parking kiosks. Keep a little cash for tips and small vendors.
Local context
Downtown Wichita is compact and walkable around Century II, with restaurants along Douglas Avenue; the city's identity is tied to aircraft manufacturing, so aerospace references land well with local exhibitors.
Accessibility
Ask the venue about step-free access, mobility equipment and quiet rooms before you travel; Century II is a multi-hall complex, so confirm which hall your session or booth uses.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: ICT
Google Flights captures for New York JFK to Wichita ICT on 9 April 2027 show American itineraries connecting at Dallas/Fort Worth (2 hr 42 min connection) and Chicago O'Hare (2 hr 32 min connection), taking about 7 hr 50 min to 8 hr 11 min in total; fares were still loading in the capture, so compare live prices and bag fees before booking. ICT is served by the major US carriers with most itineraries connecting through DFW, ORD, DEN, ATL or MDW, so book 6-10 weeks out for April travel and allow at least 60-90 minutes for connections at DFW or ORD.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT): Approx. 15-20 minutes to downtown Wichita; Kansas City International Airport (MCI): Approx. 3 hours by car. Allow road or rail time to Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center: Downtown Wichita, approx. 310 m from Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center: Hyatt Regency Wichita; Downtown Wichita, approx. 240 m from Century II: Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview Wichita; Downtown Wichita, approx. 540 m from Century II: Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Wichita Downtown.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft both operate in Wichita, including pickups at ICT and drop-offs at Century II. An airport-to-downtown trip typically runs 15-20 minutes and roughly $25-35 depending on demand and time of day. Confirm the quoted fare in the app, use the terminal's marked rideshare zone, and allow extra time on the opening morning of the show.
Public transit: Wichita Transit runs city buses with modest frequencies and limited evening or Sunday service. Check the trip planner for a route toward the Douglas Avenue and Century II area, allow a walking transfer, and note that single rides are roughly $1.75 with discounted passes available; confirm current fares and schedules on the Wichita Transit site before relying on the bus.
Parking: Century II has adjacent surface lots and a parking garage, with additional downtown Wichita garages within a few blocks. Expect roughly $8-12 per day depending on the lot, arrive early on the opening morning, and confirm event-day rates and any organiser validation with the venue before you drive in.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: April 2027
Temperature: Typical April highs 19-22 C (66-72 F) and lows 6-9 C (43-48 F), with a late cold snap or an early warm spell capable of shifting those by several degrees. Treat as climatological bands, not a forecast for the show days.
Seasonality: Spring is Wichita's windier and wetter season, with roughly 7-9 rain days across April and a real chance of strong thunderstorms and gusty south winds. Severe weather watches are worth monitoring in the week before travel, and outdoor evening plans should have an indoor fallback.
Packing: Pack layers: a warm daytime layer plus a jacket or sweater for cool mornings, a compact rain jacket or umbrella for spring showers, comfortable walking shoes for the downtown blocks between hotels and Century II, and business-casual clothing for the show floor. Add a power bank and a light bag for datasheets and samples.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at The Engineering Expo usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
14 days out - Confirm exact 2027 show days, floor hours and badge pickup location on wichitaengineeringexpo.org
T-2
14 days out - Book the ICT flight and a downtown Wichita hotel; the closest rooms to Century II go first in April
T-3
12 days out - Check passport validity and, if coming from abroad, the status of your ESTA or B-1 visa
T-4
10 days out - Download the exhibitor list and mark the employers, software vendors and labs you actually want to meet
T-5
7 days out - Pre-register if the organiser offers it and save the confirmation to your phone and email
T-6
5 days out - Plan ground transport from ICT to the hotel and decide between rideshare, rental car or Wichita Transit
T-7
3 days out - Check the Wichita forecast and pack layers, a rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes
T-8
1 day out - Charge devices, load the floor plan or show app and set a realistic meeting schedule by hall
T-9
Show day - Arrive 30-45 minutes before the floor opens to clear badge pickup and do a first walk-through
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2The Engineering Expo registration concourse
Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
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 The Engineering 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 and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing CAD, CAM, CAE and simulation software solutions and benchmarking suppliers at The Engineering Expo in Wichita.
Min. budget
$500.00
Timeline
4–8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change — confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching CAD, CAM, CAE and simulation software products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,250.00
Timeline
3–6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall — confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Wichita show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is The Engineering Expo in Wichita?
It is an engineering-focused exhibition and gathering at Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center in downtown Wichita, bringing together engineering employers, technology and equipment suppliers, universities and practicing engineers. Confirm the 2027 programme, exhibitor list and hall layout on wichitaengineeringexpo.org before you plan travel.
When and where is the 2027 edition held?
The 2027 edition is scheduled for April 2027 at Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center, 225 W Douglas Ave, Wichita, Kansas. Check the official site for the exact show days and daily opening hours, since those govern flight and hotel bookings.
Who attends The Engineering Expo?
Expect engineering students and graduates, practicing design and manufacturing engineers, aerospace and advanced-manufacturing employers, faculty and workforce program staff, and technical recruiters. The mix means exhibitors should prepare both a recruiting pitch and a technical product pitch.
Is the show open to students and the public?
Student attendance is a core part of the engineering expo format, but access rules can differ between the exhibition floor and any career or recruitment zone. Confirm visitor eligibility and any registration requirement on the organiser site before traveling.
How do I register as a visitor or exhibitor?
Registration is handled through the organiser, not the venue. Use the official wichitaengineeringexpo.org pages for visitor and exhibitor forms, and keep the confirmation email with your badge details for pickup at Century II.
Which airport should I fly into?
Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) is the closest commercial airport, roughly 13 km or 8 miles from downtown, with a 15-20 minute drive to Century II. Kansas City International (MCI) is about a 3 hour drive and only makes sense if you are combining the trip with other stops.
Is there parking at Century II?
Yes, Century II has adjacent surface lots and a parking garage, with additional downtown garages within a few blocks. Expect roughly $8-12 per day depending on the lot, and confirm event-day rates and any organiser validation before you drive in.
What is the weather like in Wichita in April?
April is early spring: typical highs of 19-22 C (66-72 F), lows of 6-9 C (43-48 F), gusty winds and a rising chance of thunderstorms. Pack layers and a rain jacket, and check a local forecast within a week of travel rather than relying on long-range outlooks.
Do I need a visa to attend from outside the United States?
Entry rules depend on nationality: eligible travellers typically use ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program for business visits, while others need a B-1 visitor visa arranged through a US embassy or consulate well in advance. Carry an invitation letter from the organiser and confirm current rules on official US government sites.
How far are the downtown hotels from the venue?
Several downtown properties are within a short walk: Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview about 240 m, Hyatt Regency about 310 m, Fairfield Inn & Suites about 540 m, Hilton Garden Inn about 590 m and Wyndham Garden about 840 m. Home2 Suites in the Delano district is a longer walk or a short rideshare ride.
Glossary
- CAD (computer-aided design)
- Software for creating and editing 2D drawings and 3D models of parts and assemblies; the model is usually the master definition that downstream analysis, machining and inspection build on.
- CAM (computer-aided manufacturing)
- Toolpath generation and machine programming from a CAD model, used to drive CNC mills, lathes, routers and additive machines.
- CAE and FEA
- Computer-aided engineering applies simulation to a design; finite element analysis divides a part into small elements to estimate stress, deflection, vibration and thermal behaviour before hardware is cut.
- CFD (computational fluid dynamics)
- Simulation of airflow, cooling and fluid systems, common in aerospace, HVAC and turbomachinery work.
- CNC machining
- Computer numerical control machining, where a program drives cutting tools to tolerances typically measured in thousandths of an inch or hundredths of a millimetre.
- PLM (product lifecycle management)
- The system of record for CAD data, bills of materials, engineering change orders and revision control across a product's life.
- Digital twin
- A simulation-ready virtual model linked to a real asset or production line, used for performance monitoring, predictive maintenance and what-if testing.
- Additive manufacturing
- Layer-by-layer production of parts from polymer, metal or composite feedstock; used for prototypes, tooling, low-volume parts and consolidated assemblies.
- Metrology and GD&T
- Metrology is the science of measurement; geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) is the symbolic language that defines allowable form, orientation and location variation on a drawing.
- NDT (non-destructive testing)
- Inspection methods such as ultrasonic, eddy current, radiography and dye penetrant that find internal or surface flaws without destroying the part, standard practice in aerospace manufacturing.
- Tolerance stack-up
- The arithmetic of how individual part tolerances accumulate in an assembly, used to predict fit, clearance and rework risk.
- Systems engineering
- The discipline of defining requirements, interfaces and verification across a whole product, especially where mechanical, electrical and software subsystems interact.
- AS9100
- The aerospace quality management standard that many Wichita suppliers must hold to bid on aircraft and defence work.
- Capstone project
- A final-year engineering project where students take a design from requirements through prototype and review, often sponsored by a local manufacturer.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- The Engineering Expo 2027
- Engineering Expo Wichita
- Wichita engineering expo
- Engineering Expo Century II
- engineering career fair Wichita
- Kansas engineering event 2027
- Wichita STEM expo
- Century II Wichita events 2027
- engineering suppliers Kansas
- Wichita convention center expo
3 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.