International Space Expo

• DatesDecember 19–21, 2026
• VenueSandton Convention Centre
• LocationJohannesburg, South Africa
• CategoryAerospace

About International Space Expo

International Space Expo is an aerospace trade show taking place December 19–21, 2026 at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. It runs for three days, opening on Saturday and closing on Monday. With about 10 weeks to go, exhibitors still have time to order booth services and book hotels at reasonable rates.

Shows like this one typically draw aircraft manufacturers, airlines, MRO providers, suppliers, defense buyers and engineers. We have not been able to confirm an official website for this show yet, so contact the organizer before making any plans.

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 International Space Expo

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 three 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. 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 International Space Expo

Here is a working timeline counted back from the opening day, December 19, 2026:

1. 16 weeks before (Aug 29, 2026) · date passed, do it now if you haven't
   Confirm your booth space and read the exhibitor manual. Book hotels near Sandton Convention Centre while rates are still normal.
2. 8 weeks before (Oct 24, 2026)
   Order booth services (power, internet, furniture, cleaning) before the early-rate deadlines, and send graphics to print.
3. 4 weeks before (Nov 21, 2026)
   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 (Dec 12, 2026)
   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 International Space Expo

• 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 Sandton Convention Centre 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 three days wears people out, and tired staff let good leads walk past.
• If you expect local buyers in South Africa, bring key material in the local language as well as English, and have prices ready in the local currency.
• 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 International Space Expo

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 (by Dec 22, 2026)
   Send a short personal email to every hot lead. Mention one detail from your conversation so they remember you.
2. By Dec 24, 2026
   Send everything you promised at the booth: prices, samples, demo links. Log each lead in your CRM with its rating and notes.
3. By Jan 4, 2027
   Make a second, useful touch: a case study, a short video or an answer to the question they asked. Warm leads often reply to this one.
4. By Jan 20, 2027
   Review results: how many leads became meetings, what each lead cost, and whether International Space Expo is worth returning to.

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

Getting to Johannesburg

O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) is linked to Sandton by the Gautrain. Major venues include the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand and the Johannesburg Expo Centre at Nasrec.

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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