When and where is APTA TRANSform & EXPO 2026?

TRANSform runs October 4-7, 2026 and the EXPO October 5-7, 2026, at McCormick Place South Building, 2301 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago. Arrive via Level 1 Main Lobby Gate 4; badge pick-up is at the Level 3 exhibit hall entrance.

What are the EXPO hall hours?

Monday October 5, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM; Tuesday October 6, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM; Wednesday October 7, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM.

Is the EXPO free to attend?

Yes. EXPO-only registration is free, but it does not include TRANSform conference events, which need a paid conference registration. A TRANSform registration automatically includes the EXPO.

How much is TRANSform registration?

After August 21 the standard rate is $1,549 for APTA members and $3,098 for non-members; federal government and university faculty pay $627. Innovation Summit-only registration is $425.

How do I get to McCormick Place?

APTA runs five free shuttle bus routes from most block hotels, and Metra Electric rail runs from Millennium Station directly into the South Building. Parking is available in Lot A, closest to the South Building.

APTA TRANSform Conference & EXPO 2026

Name: APTA TRANSform Conference & EXPO 2026
Start: 2026-10-04T07:30:00+00:00
End: 2026-10-07T15:00:00+00:00
Location: McCormick Place

About this event

APTA TRANSform & EXPO is the American Public Transportation Association's flagship gathering for the public transit industry. The TRANSform conference combines keynotes, education sessions, workshops, committee meetings and technical tours, while the EXPO floor showcases the vehicles, systems and services shaping the next generation of transit. The 2026 edition brings the exposition back to Chicago for the first time since 1981.

TRANSform conference

The programme runs from Sunday committee meetings through a Wednesday Innovation Summit, with general sessions, concurrent sessions and education blocks in between. Topics range from technology and funding to safety and workforce.

Transformative technology and worldwide mega projects
Innovative funding and finance
Safety and security
Workforce development and mental health awareness
Community building
Federal Partners Update general session
Innovation Summit and Ignite Innovation Talks

The EXPO

The exhibition runs October 5-7 and is billed by APTA as the largest showcase of its kind, with more than 800 exhibiting companies. The floor also hosts Learning Zones, lunch in the exhibit hall, a Procurement Summit, APTA Central and an APTA Job Fair.

Sustainability and enhanced mobility
Autonomous, zero-emission and electric vehicles and infrastructure
Passenger experience and cleanliness
Transit technology, safety and security

Who attends

Public transportation professionals from transit agencies, government, industry suppliers, consultancies and universities, alongside students and early-career professionals. APTA cites 12,000+ attendees from 85 countries on its EXPO site.

Tickets & passes

EXPO Only — Free: Exhibit floor only; no TRANSform conference access
Member - Full Conference — USD 1,549: Standard rate after August 21 (early bird was $1,249); includes EXPO
Non-Member - Full Conference — USD 3,098: Includes general and education sessions, Welcome Reception, EXPO, Honors Breakfast and Innovation Summit
Federal Government / University Faculty — USD 627
Student Member - Full Conference — USD 419: APTA student membership required
Innovation Summit Only — USD 425: Innovation Summit access only
Transit Board Administrators Development Day — USD 199: Development day only

APTA TRANSform Conference & EXPO 2026 was an Industrial Engineering event that took place 4-7 Oct 2026 at McCormick Place, Chicago, United States.