Introduction
September 2026 is set to be a particularly active month for B2B exhibitions across the United States. From advanced manufacturing and enterprise technology to printing, gaming, water management, smart-home technology, security, food and beverage, workplace safety, and packaging, the month brings together a wide range of industries and business communities.
For companies looking to expand their customer base, find new distributors, introduce products, or build strategic partnerships, September offers multiple opportunities to meet highly relevant business audiences under one roof.
But simply attending an exhibition is not enough. The strongest trade show strategies begin before the event. Identifying relevant prospects, introducing your company, planning meetings, and creating a structured follow-up process can help businesses turn exhibition participation into measurable sales and partnership opportunities.
This guide highlights 10 major U.S. trade shows taking place in September 2026, with a quick look at their dates, locations, audience size, exhibitor presence, business focus, and lead-generation potential.
1. IMTS – the International Manufacturing Technology Show in 2026
Dates: September 14–19, 2026
Venue: McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois
Attendees: ~89,000+
Exhibitors: 2,000+
Industry: Manufacturing Technology & Industrial Automation
Venue: McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois
Attendees: ~89,000+
Exhibitors: 2,000+
Industry: Manufacturing Technology & Industrial Automation
Why IMTS 2026 Deserves Attention
IMTS is one of the biggest manufacturing technology conferences in the Western Hemisphere. The 2026 event runs from September 14 to 19 at McCormick Place in Chicago. It brings together innovators, suppliers, engineers, and decision-makers who are looking for new solutions and technologies.
Manufacturers and technology suppliers can use IMTS to showcase their equipment, launch new solutions, find potential customers, and build relationships in the manufacturing industry.
For whom is the event relevant?
- Manufacturing companies
- Industrial technology providers
- Automation businesses
- Robotics companies
- Engineering firms
- Equipment manufacturers
- Production technology suppliers
- Industrial software providers
- Procurement and manufacturing teams
Why IMTS Can Be a Strong Lead-Generation Opportunity
Because IMTS is so large, there are many chances to make business contacts. However, the big audience also means there is strong competition for attention.
Rather than waiting for random booth visitors, companies that know their ideal prospects can focus on reaching the right manufacturing professionals.
The best outreach targets are decision-makers in manufacturing, engineering team members, procurement professionals, automation buyers, and users of industrial technology.
2. Dreamforce 2026
Dates: September 15–17, 2026
Venue: Moscone Center, San Francisco, California
Attendees: 40,000+ in person*
Exhibitors: N/A / Large partner and sponsor ecosystem
Industry: Enterprise Technology, CRM, AI & Digital Transformation
Venue: Moscone Center, San Francisco, California
Attendees: 40,000+ in person*
Exhibitors: N/A / Large partner and sponsor ecosystem
Industry: Enterprise Technology, CRM, AI & Digital Transformation
What Makes Dreamforce Different?
Dreamforce brings together people from across the Salesforce ecosystem to focus on technology, enterprise innovation, AI-powered CRM, customer experience, analytics, platform development, and business transformation.
The 2026 Salesforce event will be held from September 15 to 17 at Moscone North, South, and West in San Francisco. The event will include keynotes, product announcements, hands-on learning sessions, technology showcases, and plenty of chances for customers, developers, partners, and the broader Salesforce community to network.
Unlike a typical product-focused trade show, Dreamforce offers opportunities across the broader enterprise technology ecosystem.
Potential Audience
- Enterprise technology leaders
- Salesforce professionals
- Developers
- Digital transformation teams
- Marketing leaders
- Sales executives
- Customer experience professionals
- Technology partners
- Software companies
- Business consultants
Business Opportunity
For SaaS companies, consultants, integration partners, AI providers, data companies, and enterprise technology businesses, Dreamforce offers value that goes beyond just booth conversations.
A wWith focused outreach, businesses can find companies already using enterprise technology platforms and start conversations about integrations, consulting, implementation, automation, and other solutions that work well together.he most effective focus for outreach should be technology decision-makers, enterprise IT leaders, professionals who are part of the Salesforce ecosystem, partners, and innovation teams.
3. PRINTING the United Expo 2026
Dates: September 23–25, 2026
Venue: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
Attendees: 30,000+
Exhibitors: 800+
Industry: Printing, Packaging, Commercial Print & Production Technology
Venue: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
Attendees: 30,000+
Exhibitors: 800+
Industry: Printing, Packaging, Commercial Print & Production Technology
A Major Meeting Point for the Print Industry
United Expo, organized by PRINTING, brings together key areas of the printing industry, including commercial, apparel, packaging, and wide-format applications.
The 2026 event will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center from September 23 to 25. Official information highlights the use of AI in printing and features special areas for apparel and other print technologies.
Which group should be prioritized?
- Commercial printers
- Packaging companies
- Print equipment buyers
- Apparel decorators
- Wide-format printing businesses
- Graphic production companies
- Print technology providers
- Distributors
- Production managers
- Print service providers
Lead-Generation Potential
This event is especially relevant for companies that sell equipment, software, substrates, automation solutions, finishing systems, production services, or similar technologies to buyers in the printing industry with ongoing purchasing needs.
Rather than aiming at the whole Instead of targeting all attendees, group prospects by their applications and purchasing needs, such as commercial printing, packaging, apparel, wide format, or production technology. This helps focus lead generation more effectively.utreach should be print-service providers, production managers, purchasing teams, equipment buyers, and packaging professionals since they are the ones most likely to make the purchase.
4. G2E, Global Gaming Expo 2026
Dates: September 28–October 1, 2026
Venue: The Venetian Expo, Las Vegas, Nevada
Attendees: 25,000+
Exhibitors: 400+
Industry: Gaming, Casino Technology & Entertainment
Venue: The Venetian Expo, Las Vegas, Nevada
Attendees: 25,000+
Exhibitors: 400+
Industry: Gaming, Casino Technology & Entertainment
Why G2E Is Important
G2E focuses on the global gaming industry and creates a space where gaming operators, technology providers, suppliers, and other professionals can explore new products, services, and trends.
The event gives companies in gaming technology and related services a great place to build relationships and discuss business opportunities.
Who Can Benefit?
- Gaming technology providers
- Casino suppliers
- Gaming equipment companies
- Software providers
- Digital gaming businesses
- Payment technology providers
- Hospitality technology companies
- Entertainment businesses
- Security solution providers
- Gaming consultants
Business Opportunity
G2E is especially valuable for companies that offer solutions to casino operators, gaming businesses, hospitality groups, and technology teams.
Ongoing contact before the event cBy reaching out before the event, exhibitors can connect with key operators and decision-makers before the busy show floor opens.reach should be casino operators, buyers of technology, gaming executives, people who make decisions about hospitality, and solution providers.
5. WEFTEC 2026
Dates: September 26–30, 2026
Exhibition: September 28–30, 2026
Venue: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
Attendees: 20,000–23,000+
Exhibitors: 950+
Industry: Water & Wastewater Technology
Exhibition: September 28–30, 2026
Venue: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
Attendees: 20,000–23,000+
Exhibitors: 950+
Industry: Water & Wastewater Technology
Water Industry Innovation in Focus
WEFTEC 2026 marks the 99th annual Technical Exhibition and Conference organized by the Water Environment Federation. It is considered one of the top water-quality events in North America.
The event runs from September 26 to 30 in New Orleans, with the exhibition held from September 28 to 30. More than 20,000 water professionals from over 100 countries are expected to attend, representing industries like utilities, consulting, technology, regulation, research, and manufacturing.
Key Audience Segments
- Water utilities
- Wastewater professionals
- Engineering firms
- Technology providers
- Environmental consultants
- Equipment manufacturers
- Government and regulatory professionals
- Researchers
- Infrastructure companies
- Industrial water users
Why Businesses Should Consider WEFTEC
Water and wastewater projects often involve many stakeholders and require more time for decision-making.
Because of this, building relationships is especially important. Companies that identify utility professionals, engineering firms, procurement teams, and technology buyers before the event can attend with a more focused business development strategy.
The most effective focus for outreach should be utility decision-makers, engineering professionals, procurementThe best outreach targets are utility decision-makers, engineering professionals, procurement teams, buyers of environmental technology, and infrastructure companies.
6. CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026
Dates: September 1–4, 2026
Venue: Colorado Convention Center, Denver, Colorado
Attendees: 15,000+
Exhibitors: 300+
Industry: Smart Home, AV, Security & Connected Technology
Venue: Colorado Convention Center, Denver, Colorado
Attendees: 15,000+
Exhibitors: 300+
Industry: Smart Home, AV, Security & Connected Technology
Where Smart-Home Professionals Connect
The CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026 gathering brings together people who are engaged in the design, installation, and integration of smart-home, AV, security, and connected technologies.
The event will take place in Denver from September 1 to 4. According to CEDIA, it brings together over 15,000 industry professionals and more than 300 leading brands in fields including lighting, security, audio, video, and smart-home technology.
Who Attends?
- Smart-home integrators
- AV professionals
- System designers
- Technology installers
- Architects
- Security professionals
- Commercial integrators
- Manufacturers
- Technology distributors
- Connected-home specialists
Lead Opportunity
The event is of great importance to manufacturers and technology suppliers who want to get their message across to integration companies and the professionals in charge of specifying and installing technology.
Best outreach focus: integrators, installers, system designers, technology manufacturers, and commercial AV professionals.
7. GSX – the Global Security Exchange in 2026
Dates: September 14–16, 2026
Venue: Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia
Attendees: 14,000+
Exhibitors: Hundreds
Industry: Security, Risk Management & Protection
Venue: Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia
Attendees: 14,000+
Exhibitors: Hundreds
Industry: Security, Risk Management & Protection
Why GSX Matters
GSX 2026 will take place from September 14 to 16 in Atlanta; according to the official schedule the event will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center and will feature educational sessions, learning in the exhibit hall, networking, and sessions focused on the industry.
The event serves as a meeting point for professionals involved in physical security, risk, protection, technology, and organizational resilience.
Relevant Business Audiences
- Security executives
- Security technology buyers
- Corporate security teams
- Risk management professionals
- Security consultants
- Technology providers
- Access-control companies
- Surveillance solution providers
- Emergency management professionals
- Government and institutional security teams
Outreach Strategy
The decision to purchase security measures often involves a number of different stakeholders. Instead of sending a general message to all their contacts, companies can divide their outreach according to type of organisation, job role, level of security responsibility, and technological requirements.
Best outreach focus: security directors, corporate security teams, technology buyers, risk professionals, and solution providers.
8. The Food & Beverage Show in the Americas in 2026
Dates: September 14–16, 2026
Venue: Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach, Florida
Attendees: 12,000+
Exhibitors: 900+
Industry: Food, Beverage, Import & Export
Venue: Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach, Florida
Attendees: 12,000+
Exhibitors: 900+
Industry: Food, Beverage, Import & Export
A Strong Platform for Food & Beverage Businesses
The Americas Food & Beverage Show offers an international business environment to food and beverage companies which are looking for buyers, distributors, retailers, importers, exporters, and other commercial partners.
For companies that are entering new markets, increasing their distribution capabilities, or launching new product lines, the event can be particularly valuable since purchases of food and beverage products usually rely on supplier relationships and distribution networks.
Potential Buyer Groups
- Food importers
- Food exporters
- Distributors
- Supermarket buyers
- Grocery retailers
- Hospitality buyers
- Food manufacturers
- Wholesale buyers
- Private-label businesses
- International sourcing teams
Where Outreach Can Help
Food companies have the opportunity to carry out outreach before an event in order to promote their products, find out about distributors, and set up meetings with buyers whose product categories match those that the company supplies.
The most effective focus for outreach should be importers, distributors, retail buyers, wholesalers, hospitality purchasing teams, and sourcing professionals.
9. NSC Safety Congress & Expo 2026
Congress & Expo: September 14–16, 2026
Venue: Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendees: 12,500+
Exhibitors: 1,100+
Industry: Workplace Safety, Health & Environmental Management
A High-Value Event for Safety Professionals
The NSC Safety Congress & Expo brings together safety, health, and environmental professionals for education, networking, technology discovery, and business connections.
The official event information lists more than 12,500 safety, health, and environmental professionals and an expo floor featuring approximately 1,100 exhibiting companies. The Congress & Expo dates are September 14–16 in Indianapolis.
The event also emphasizes buying influence among its audience, making it particularly relevant for safety-product manufacturers and solution providers.
Who Should Target This Event?
EHS professionals
Safety managers
Workplace safety executives
Industrial organizations
Compliance professionals
Safety equipment manufacturers
Training providers
Risk management teams
Environmental professionals
Industrial technology providers
Commercial Opportunity
Businesses selling workplace safety equipment, training, compliance tools, monitoring systems, protective solutions, or related services can use targeted outreach to connect with professionals responsible for safety programs and purchasing decisions.
Best outreach focus: EHS leaders, safety managers, compliance teams, industrial buyers, and safety technology decision-makers.
10. LOUPE Americas 2026
Dates: September 15–17, 2026
Venue: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, Illinois
Attendees: 12,000+*
Exhibitors: 400+ range
Industry: Labels, Packaging & Printing Technology
A Focused Event for Labels and Package Printing
LOUPE Americas 2026, formerly known as Labelexpo Americas, is focused on label and package printing technology.
The event takes place September 15–17 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. Official event information describes it as a major dedicated event for label and package printing, covering areas such as digital presses, flexographic technologies, hybrid systems, finishing, substrates, automation, flexible packaging, and folding-carton converting.
Who Can Benefit?
Label manufacturers
Packaging companies
Print production businesses
Converters
Packaging technology providers
Equipment manufacturers
Substrate suppliers
Finishing technology companies
Automation providers
Printing professionals
Why Pre-Event Outreach Matters
Because LOUPE has a focused industry profile, businesses can build highly specific prospect segments rather than approaching a broad general-business audience.
Companies selling printing equipment, packaging technologies, materials, automation, finishing solutions, or production software can prioritize prospects according to their specific manufacturing requirements.
Best outreach focus: converters, label printers, packaging manufacturers, equipment buyers, production managers, and technology providers.
The September Trade Show Advantage
One of the biggest advantages of September’s trade show calendar is its industry diversity.
A manufacturing technology company can target IMTS. A SaaS provider can build relationships around Dreamforce. A packaging technology company can choose PRINTING United or LOUPE. Environmental technology providers can focus on WEFTEC, while safety solution providers can target NSC.
This makes September especially useful for companies operating in specialized B2B markets.
The key is not simply choosing a large event. The goal is choosing an event where the people who can buy, recommend, distribute, or partner with your product are already gathering.
Pre-Event vs. Post-Event Outreach
| Stage | Main Objective | Recommended Action |
| Before the Expo | Build awareness | Identify prospects and introduce your company |
| 1–2 Weeks Before | Book meetings | Send targeted meeting invitations |
| During the Expo | Qualify prospects | Hold meetings and capture requirements |
| Immediately After | Maintain momentum | Send personalized follow-ups |
| 3–5 Business Days Later | Move opportunities forward | Share proposals, demos, and next steps |
| Following Weeks | Convert relationships | Continue sales conversations |
Get the Right Contacts for September 2026 Trade Shows
If you’re planning to attend a U.S. trade show in September, reaching out to the right companies and contacts ahead of time can give your sales team a real advantage.
ExpoLeads gives businesses access to contact details for attendees and exhibitors at specific events. This helps you find the right prospects and create focused trade show campaigns.
Whether you want to connect with manufacturers at IMTS, tech professionals at Dreamforce, printing industry buyers at PRINTING United Expo, security experts at GSX, or water industry specialists at WEFTEC, you can focus your prospecting on the group that matters most to your business.
Choose the Data You Need
Request contact data that fits your campaign needs:
- Attendee Lists
- Exhibitor Lists
- Attendee & Exhibitor Lists
- Custom Data Requirements
Turn Event Research Into Targeted Outreach
Instead of reaching out to everyone at an event, companies can narrow their search by factors such as:
- Job title and decision taking role
- Company and industry
- Geographic market
- Business type
- Attendee or exhibitor category
This makes it easier for sales and marketing teams to prioritize prospects and plan their outreach before the event begins.
Other Trade Show Data Resources
If you’re looking for more event intelligence or contact databases, you can also check out other providers like:
- ExpoLake – Trade show and event intelligence resources
- ExpoAttendeeList – Attendee-focused databases for exhibitions and trade shows
Conclusion
September 2026 will feature major B2B events in manufacturing, technology, printing, gaming, water, security, food, safety, and packaging.
By choosing the right audience and reaching out on time, you can make your trade show attendance more focused and productive.
Plan ahead. Target the right people. Make every trade show you attend count.
FAQ's
Which of the expos in September 2026 is most suitable for manufacturing companies?
For companies that are concerned with manufacturing technology, industrial equipment, automation, engineering, and production solutions, IMTS is the most suitable of the events described in this guide.
Would it be possible for you to give us the data of the attendees or exhibitors for the expo in September?
Yes, businesses may ask for attendee lists for a particular event, exhibitor lists, both types of lists, or for customized data, depending on their campaign objectives and the event data available.
What event is most suitable for smart-home technology companies?
CEDIA Expo/CIX is designed in such a way that it caters to professionals who work with smart-home, AV, security, and connected technologies.
When should businesses start pre-event outreach?
Outreach should start several weeks before the event, so that potential customers have sufficient time to go over your message, get back to you, and arrange a meeting prior to the exhibition.