HELI-EXPO 2026

• DatesMarch 2–5, 2026
• VenueKay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center
• LocationDallas, TX, United States
• CategoryAerospace
• Official websiteheliexpo.com

About HELI-EXPO 2026

HELI-EXPO 2026 is an aerospace trade show that took place March 2–5, 2026 at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, TX, United States. It ran for four days, from Monday to Thursday.

Shows like this one typically draw aircraft manufacturers, airlines, MRO providers, suppliers, defense buyers and engineers. For registration, exhibitor packages and the floor plan, go to the official website, heliexpo.com.

ShowFloorTips is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the organizer. Dates, venues and rules can change, so confirm the details with the organizer before you book.

What to expect at HELI-EXPO 2026

Aerospace events are large, technical and international, often with static aircraft displays and trade days followed by public days. Supplier relationships are long-term and qualification is strict.

Over four days, traffic usually peaks on the first two days and thins out on the last one. The quieter final day is a good time for longer conversations, visiting other stands and meeting suppliers. At events like this, expect most visitors to be aircraft manufacturers and their colleagues, often with a short list of suppliers they want to see.

How exhibitors should prepare for HELI-EXPO 2026

Planning for the next edition (dates expected, not yet confirmed), here is a working timeline counted back from March 8, 2027:

1. 16 weeks before (Nov 16, 2026)
   Confirm your booth space and read the exhibitor manual. Book hotels near Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center while rates are still normal.
2. 8 weeks before (Jan 11, 2027)
   Order booth services (power, internet, furniture, cleaning) before the early-rate deadlines, and send graphics to print.
3. 4 weeks before (Feb 8, 2027)
   Ship freight to the advance warehouse if the organizer offers one. Book meetings with the visitors you most want to see. Set up lead capture and train the team on it.
4. One week before (Mar 1, 2027)
   Confirm freight arrived, share the staffing schedule, charge every device, and test your lead capture app with Wi-Fi turned off.

Preparation tips for aerospace shows

• Bring quality certifications and approvals relevant to aerospace supply.
• Schedule meetings with primes and tier suppliers well in advance.
• Check export control rules for anything you display or discuss.

Booth tips for HELI-EXPO 2026

• Show capability and quality evidence clearly.
• Ask about programs and timelines to qualify opportunities.
• Keep a private meeting space for technical discussions.
• Walk the hall at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center during move-in to see which entrances and aisles carry the most traffic, and set up your booth so it faces that flow.
• Plan shifts of three to four hours. Standing and talking for four days wears people out, and tired staff let good leads walk past.
• Capture every conversation the moment it ends: scan the badge or card, add a one-line note about what the visitor needs, and rate the lead hot, warm or cold. Notes written that evening are already half forgotten.

For a full list of what to bring, use the free booth checklist, and plan the money side with the trade show ROI calculator.

Following up leads after HELI-EXPO 2026

Most of the value of a trade show is created after it closes. Supplier qualification takes time, so offer documentation and a capability review as next steps.

1. Within 24 hours
   Send a short personal email to every hot lead, mentioning one detail from your conversation.
2. Within 3 days
   Send what you promised at the booth and log every lead in your CRM with its rating and notes.
3. After two weeks
   Make a second, useful touch: a case study, a short video or an answer to their question.
4. After a month
   Review results: meetings booked, cost per lead, and whether the show is worth repeating.

Ready-to-edit messages for each step are in our trade show follow-up email templates.

Getting to Dallas

Dallas has two airports: DFW International and Dallas Love Field (DAL). The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center is downtown and served by DART light rail, which also runs to DFW. International visitors should check whether they need a visa or an ESTA before booking travel.

Hotels closest to the venue sell out first during show week, and many organizers offer discounted room blocks that close weeks before the show, so book early. Our city travel guides cover hotels, transport and budgeting for the busiest show cities.

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