IANA Intermodal EXPO 2026 Long Beach — Everything You Need to Know (And How to Build a Booth That Gets Noticed)
September 14–16, 2026 | Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, CA
If you are in the intermodal freight, logistics, rail, or supply chain industry, there is one event every year that you simply cannot afford to miss. The IANA Intermodal EXPO 2026 is heading back to Long Beach, California — and this year it is bigger, more connected, and more valuable than ever before.
Whether you are attending to learn, network, or exhibit, this guide covers everything you need to plan for a successful experience at EXPO 2026. And if you are looking to build a trade show booth that stops people in their tracks, Interior Today LLC is ready to help you make that happen.
What Is the IANA Intermodal EXPO?
The IANA Intermodal EXPO is the premier annual gathering for the North American intermodal transportation industry. Organized by the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), the event brings together railroads, motor carriers, ports, ocean carriers, shippers, 3PLs, technology providers, and equipment manufacturers — all under one roof.
In short, it is the place where the entire intermodal ecosystem comes together to share ideas, form partnerships, close deals, and shape the future of freight.
The 2026 event takes place September 14–16 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, California, just steps from the Pacific Ocean and one of the busiest ports in the United States.
IANA EXPO 2026 Key Dates at a Glance
Sunday, September 13, 2026 Registration and Exhibitor Move-In begins at 8:00 AM. The exclusive Champagne and Cargo VIP Reception runs from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Monday, September 14, 2026 Committee meetings, student tours, shipper facility tours, the FLIP Reception, and the Welcome Reception. Exhibitor Move-In continues through 6:00 PM.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 The Exhibit Hall opens at 10:00 AM and runs until 6:00 PM. General sessions, concurrent education sessions, live podcast recordings, and the Exhibit Hall Happy Hour from 4:30 to 6:00 PM. The night wraps up with IANA After Dark — a brand new evening party.
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 Final day of the Exhibit Hall, open from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Closing sessions, the Farewell Reception, Connie Awards, and Exhibitor Move-Out begins at 4:30 PM.
Thursday, September 17, 2026 Exhibitor Move-Out continues from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Who Will Be Speaking at EXPO 2026?
The 2026 main stage lineup features some of the most influential voices in transportation, logistics, and leadership.
Jim Vena — CEO, Union Pacific Speaking Tuesday, September 15, Jim Vena will take the audience on a deep dive into the future of rail and the evolving intermodal landscape. As one of the industry’s most respected leaders, this is a session you will not want to miss.
Katie Farmer — President and CEO, BNSF Railway Speaking Wednesday, September 16, Katie Farmer brings over 30 years of railroading experience covering operations, service, and safety. Her perspective on strategic leadership in the freight world is invaluable for anyone in the supply chain.
Guenther Steiner — CEO, Red Bull KTM Tech3 The closing keynote on Wednesday, September 16, features Guenther Steiner, the former Haas F1 Team Principal now at the helm of Red Bull KTM Tech3. His talk on leading high-performance teams and making bold decisions in fast-moving environments connects directly to the challenges every logistics professional faces.
What Will You Experience on the Exhibit Floor?
The EXPO 2026 exhibit floor is where the real business of the intermodal industry gets done. Here is what attendees and exhibitors can expect:
Visionary Keynotes from industry leaders shaping the future of freight and intermodal transportation.
Breakthrough Technologies showcased by the companies leading innovation in supply chain, equipment, and logistics software.
Interactive Education Sessions built for real-world problem solving, held right on the exhibit floor so attendees never have to leave the action.
Unmatched Networking with railroads, motor carriers, IMCs, shippers, ports, 3PLs, and technology providers — the broadest cross-section of intermodal stakeholders in North America.
On-Floor Education Sessions that drive booth traffic and create organic conversations between exhibitors and attendees.
Private Meeting Rooms for Diamond Year Long Partners who need a space for confidential business discussions.
Expanded Exhibit Hall Hours in 2026, giving your team more face time with buyers and decision-makers.
Enhanced Networking Opportunities including dedicated lounges and extended breaks built into the schedule.
Who Attends the IANA Intermodal EXPO?
This is not a general business conference. The IANA EXPO audience is purpose-built for the intermodal industry:
- 90% of attendees are buyers or influencers of intermodal products and services
- 98% of attendees say the EXPO meets or exceeds their expectations
- Most attendees spend 3 or more hours per day on the exhibit floor
- Over 1,800 intermodal decision-makers attend from across the entire supply chain
You will connect with professionals from railroads, motor carriers, ports and terminal operators, ocean carriers, shippers and beneficial cargo owners (BCOs), 3PLs and logistics providers, and technology innovators and equipment manufacturers.
This is a highly engaged, active audience — not passive attendees killing time. These are professionals looking for partners, solutions, and their next big idea.
Where to Stay: Official EXPO 2026 Hotels
IANA has negotiated discounted room blocks at four hotels near the Long Beach Convention Center. Book before the housing block deadline of Friday, August 21, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST to lock in these rates.
Fairmont Breakers Long Beach — One block from the Convention Center (3-minute walk). 210 E Ocean Blvd. Rate: $338/night single or double.
Hyatt Regency Long Beach — Adjacent to the Convention Center. 200 S. Pine Avenue. Rate: $306/night single or double.
Marriott Long Beach Downtown — One block from the Convention Center (5-minute walk). 111 E. Ocean Boulevard. Rate: $300/night single or double.
Westin Long Beach Hotel — Two blocks from the Convention Center (7-minute walk). 333 E. Ocean Boulevard. Rate: $284/night single or double.
Important Housing Warning: Beware of unauthorized third-party companies calling or emailing to offer hotel deals for EXPO. These “housing pirates” are not affiliated with IANA. Only book through the official IANA links to guarantee your negotiated rate.
If you need to arrange a sub-block of 10 or more room nights, contact Victoria Washburn at vwashburn@intermodal.org before June 19, 2026.
Getting There: Airport Transportation
Karmel Shuttle is the official shuttle partner for IANA Intermodal EXPO. Attendees receive 10% off roundtrip airport transfers from LAX, SNA, and LGB airports.
To book, use promo code IANA25 when making your reservation at client.karmel.com or call 714-670-3480 (within 15 hours of pickup, reservations required).
Exhibitor Value: Why Brands Exhibit at IANA EXPO
Exhibiting at the IANA Intermodal EXPO gives your company unmatched access to the people who make purchasing decisions in the intermodal industry. Key benefits include:
- Competitive per-square-foot exhibit rates
- Complimentary exhibitor registrations included with your booth space
- IANA member discounts and exclusive access to premium sponsorships
- Revenue reinvested back into the intermodal industry through IANA programs
- Access to Dialogue Box presentation slots (20-minute case study presentations on the exhibit floor — speaker proposals open with a deadline of July 10)
Our Exhibition Stand Design Portfolio In Long Beach
At Interior Today we are offering flawless services for the exhibition and trade shows. We are working with brands and businesses of all sizes, designing and installing amazing stands. We believe in combining excellent design and superior project management to deliver high quality custom built exhibition stands. Just take a glance at some of our recent work given below.
Frequently Asked Questions About IANA Intermodal EXPO 2026
Q.1 When and where is IANA Intermodal EXPO 2026?
Ans.1 The event runs September 14–16, 2026 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, California.
Q.2 Who should attend IANA Intermodal EXPO 2026?
Ans.2 Anyone working in or with the intermodal freight industry — railroads, motor carriers, ports, ocean carriers, shippers, 3PLs, technology providers, logistics companies, and equipment manufacturers.
Q.3 How many people attend the IANA EXPO?
Ans.3 The event attracts over 1,800 intermodal decision-makers from across North America and beyond.
Q.4 What are the exhibit hall hours for EXPO 2026?
Ans.4 The exhibit hall is open Tuesday, September 15 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Wednesday, September 16 from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Q.5 When does exhibitor move-in begin?
Ans.5 Exhibitor move-in begins Sunday, September 13 at 8:00 AM and continues through Monday, September 14 until 6:00 PM.
Q.6 Who are the keynote speakers at IANA EXPO 2026?
Ans.6 Jim Vena (CEO of Union Pacific), Katie Farmer (President and CEO of BNSF Railway), and Guenther Steiner (CEO of Red Bull KTM Tech3) are the featured speakers.
Q.7 What hotels are near the Long Beach Convention Center for EXPO?
Ans.7 IANA has negotiated rates at the Fairmont Breakers, Hyatt Regency Long Beach, Marriott Long Beach Downtown, and Westin Long Beach Hotel. Book before August 21, 2026.
Q.8 What is the housing block deadline?
Ans.8 The official housing block deadline is Friday, August 21, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST.
Q.9 Can I submit a speaker proposal for EXPO 2026?
Ans.9 Yes. IANA is accepting Dialogue Box speaker proposals from exhibiting companies through July 10, 2026. Selected speakers receive a 20-minute presentation slot on the exhibit floor.
Q.10 How do I book a booth at IANA Intermodal EXPO 2026?
Ans.10 Contact IANA exhibit sales representative Mark Miller at mmiller@intermodal.org or call 703-851-2544.
Q.11 How do I build a custom booth for IANA Intermodal EXPO 2026?
Ans.11 Contact Interior Today LLC. We design and build custom trade show stands for exhibitors at IANA EXPO and other major industry events. Reach out early — our calendar fills quickly ahead of major shows.
Q.12 What airport should I fly into for EXPO 2026?
Ans.12 Long Beach Airport (LGB), Los Angeles International (LAX), and John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County are all served by the official shuttle partner Karmel Shuttle with a 10% discount for IANA attendees using promo code IANA25.
Q.13 What are future IANA EXPO dates?
Ans.13 September 13–15, 2027 in Long Beach, CA. 2028 in Dallas, TX. September 10–12, 2029 in Long Beach, CA. 2030 in Nashville, TN.
Build Your IANA EXPO 2026 Booth with Interior Today LLC
Now that you know how powerful IANA Intermodal EXPO 2026 is, let us talk about how to show up at your very best.
At Interior Today LLC, we specialize in designing and building custom trade show booths and exhibition stands that represent your brand the way it deserves to be represented. We understand that in a room full of 1,800 industry professionals, your booth is your first impression — and you only get one.
Why exhibitors choose Interior Today LLC:
We design booths with strategy in mind. We look at your brand, your goals, your audience, and the floor plan — and we create a stand that draws people in, starts conversations, and keeps attendees at your booth longer.
We handle everything from design concept to installation, so your team can focus on what matters: meeting buyers, closing deals, and making the most of every hour on the EXPO floor.
We have experience building stands for high-traffic trade shows and know what works in environments where competition for attention is fierce. At the IANA EXPO, where most attendees spend over three hours on the exhibit floor each day, a well-designed booth is the difference between a productive show and a forgettable one.
What we offer:
- Custom booth design tailored to your brand and booth size
- Complete build and installation at the Long Beach Convention Center
- Modular and reusable display systems for exhibitors attending multiple shows
- Graphics, lighting, signage, and interactive display integration
- On-site support throughout the event
Ready to get started? Contact Interior Today LLC today to discuss your IANA Intermodal EXPO 2026 booth. Space at the EXPO fills up fast, and so does our build schedule. The earlier you plan, the better your result.
Final Thoughts
The IANA Intermodal EXPO 2026 is not just another industry event. It is the single most important gathering for anyone who moves freight in North America. With a powerhouse speaker lineup, expanded exhibit floor hours, new networking formats, and over 1,800 qualified buyers walking the floor, this is your best opportunity of the year to put your brand in front of the right people.
If you are exhibiting, do not settle for a basic booth. Partner with Interior Today LLC and show up with a stand that reflects the quality of your brand and the seriousness of your business.
Let us build something great together for Long Beach 2026.
Interior Today LLC is a professional trade show booth builder serving exhibitors at major industry events across the United States. Contact us today to start planning your IANA Intermodal EXPO 2026 booth.
