Tent Expo - Advanced Textiles Associaiton - ATA 2028
Event Date
January 25–27, 2028
Location
Kissimmee, FL
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryTent Expo is North America's premier event for the tent rental and supply industry, held biennially and produced by the Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) through its Tent Rental Division (TRD). The show gathers hundreds of industry professionals for an immersive look at the latest product innovations, techniques, and trends.
Attendees include CEOs, installers, suppliers, and manufacturers from across the commercial tent marketplace. Visitors can step under the big top to explore large-scale tent displays and gain hands-on training with new products and equipment, and take part in the refreshed "Tour of the Tents" to learn the newest installation techniques directly from leading manufacturers.
Beyond the exhibits, the show serves as a crucial networking hub where CEOs, installers, and suppliers can connect, build strategic partnerships, and gain valuable insights for business growth. It is worth attending for its combination of practical product demos, sourcing opportunities, expert-led education, and dedicated networking with peers who do the same work every day.
Show Highlights
Signature features of Tent Expo include:
- Large-scale tent displays and the "Tour of the Tents." The show features large-scale tent displays and an exclusive "Tour of the Tents" where attendees can learn the latest in tent design, usage, and installation.
- Hands-on product demos and sourcing. Product demos give attendees a chance to comparison shop and see new advancements in the tent rental business.
- Expert-led education. Tent Expo brings leading tent professionals together for two days of top-notch tent training.
- Access to TRD leadership. Attendees can meet the chair, vice chair, and the rest of the steering committee for the Tent Rental Division, which represents companies in the commercial tent marketplace.
- Networking. The entire 2½-day conference is designed to foster networking opportunities among tent professionals.
- Tent Expo Soapbox Derby and a Golf Tournament, plus social functions including an Opening Reception, the Wodetzki Luncheon, and the "Party on the Pad."
Registration
Registration is handled online through ATA's event system, with both individual and group registration options available. Full Registration includes all education, exhibits, and social functions, with an additional fee for the golf tournament and training add-ons. Pricing is organized into Early-Bird and Standard windows, though exact 2028 rates were listed as "TBD" at the time of research.
Available registration types include:
- Full Registration (Attendee or Exhibitor) — all education, exhibits, and social functions.
- One-Day Registration — education, exhibits, and social functions for a single day.
- Social / Companion Registration — social functions only, no education.
- Exhibits Only Registration — access only to the Exhibit Tent(s) and Tent Displays.
- Booth Staff Only Registration — complimentary for exhibitors, for staffing assistance.
- Golf Tournament — add-on.
Key deadlines: the Early-Bird period runs September through December 23, and the Standard period runs December 24 through January 27. Groups purchasing three or more full registrations can contact the organizer for a discount — buy two full registrations at regular price and get any additional full registrations at 20% off.
History
Tent Expo is organized by the Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) and its Tent Rental Division (TRD). It is described as North America's premier event for the tent rental and supply industry and is held biennially for hundreds of industry professionals. The event incorporates the Wodetzki Award, presented as part of the program, along with recurring traditions such as the Soapbox Derby, golf tournament, and the "Party on the Pad." Specific founding-year details were not published on the official site at the time of research.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Tent Expo 2028 held?
Tent Expo 2028 takes place January 25–27, 2028 (Tuesday through Thursday) at Margaritaville Resort Orlando, 8000 Fins Up Circle, Kissimmee, Florida 34747.
Who should attend Tent Expo?
The event is designed for professionals in the tent rental and supply industry, including CEOs, installers, suppliers, and manufacturers. It serves as a networking hub where attendees can connect, build partnerships, and gain insights for business growth.
What can I expect to see and do at Tent Expo?
Attendees can explore large-scale tent displays, take the "Tour of the Tents" to learn new installation techniques, attend hands-on product demos, and participate in expert-led training and networking. Social features include a Soapbox Derby, golf tournament, Opening Reception, and the Wodetzki Luncheon.
How do I register for Tent Expo?
Registration is available online through ATA's event system as an individual or group. Options include Full, One-Day, Social/Companion, Exhibits Only, and Booth Staff registrations, with Early-Bird pricing running September through December 23 and Standard pricing from December 24 through January 27.
Where should I stay and how do I get there?
The host hotel is Margaritaville Resort Orlando, which offers a group rate of $229 per night plus a discounted resort fee through January 3, 2028. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is about 30 minutes away, with rental cars, cabs, and rideshare readily available.
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