ATCA Connect conference & expo

 

ATCA Connect - Charleston, SC

ATCA Connect

The Premier Aviation Exhibition
📍 Charleston Convention Center & Embassy Suites
Charleston, South Carolina
Reserve Your Space

ATCA Connect From Vision to Action

ATCA Connect is the aviation industry's premier exhibition where safety meets innovation across all sectors of flight. From air traffic control and airport operations to aircraft manufacturing and pilot training, Connect brings together every facet of aviation under one roof. With safety as our cornerstone, we showcase the technologies, systems, and solutions that keep millions of passengers secure while advancing the future of aviation. 

Whether you're developing next-generation radar systems, breakthrough communications technology, advanced weather monitoring, cybersecurity solutions, or sustainable aviation innovations, ATCA Connect is where industry decision-makers come to discover what's next. This is your opportunity to demonstrate how your solutions enhance safety, improve efficiency, and drive the aviation industry forward. 

 

Why exhibit at ATCA Connect? Because this is where deals are made, partnerships are forged, and the future of aviation safety is shaped. Position your company at the center of industry transformation and connect directly with the buyers, operators, and leaders who need your solutions most.

Discover Charleston's Premier Event Destination

Experience ATCA Connect in our exciting new location - where Southern hospitality meets world-class facilities.

🏢 Charleston Convention Center

  • State-of-the-art exhibition halls
  • Premium audiovisual capabilities
  • Flexible floor plans for all booth sizes
  • High-speed WiFi throughout
  • Ample loading dock facilities
  • On-site catering services

🏨 Connected Embassy Suites

  • Direct connection to convention center
  • Spacious two-room suites
  • Complimentary evening reception
  • Made-to-order breakfast included
  • 24/7 fitness center and pool
  • Special ATCA Connect rates
🌊

Historic Charleston

Explore America's most charming city with cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture, and world-renowned cuisine just minutes from the venue.

✈️

Easy Access

Charleston International Airport is just 20 minutes away, with direct flights from major cities across North America.

🤝

Networking Paradise

From rooftop receptions to harbor cruises, Charleston provides unforgettable settings for business connections and relationship building.

Coming October 2025

Exhibitor Prospectus • Floor Plans • Contracts Available

Get Notified First

Why Exhibit at ATCA Connect Charleston?

📈

Growing Market

Charleston's aerospace sector is booming with Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and numerous aviation companies establishing significant operations in the region.

🎯

Targeted Audience

Connect with decision-makers from airlines, airports, government agencies, and aviation technology companies across the Southeast and beyond.

🏆

Premium Experience

Our new Charleston location offers enhanced networking opportunities, better logistics, and an unforgettable attendee experience that drives engagement.

💼

Business-Friendly

South Carolina's pro-business environment and competitive costs make Charleston an ideal location for expanding your market reach and building partnerships.

🌟

Comprehensive Support

From booth design to logistics coordination, our experienced team ensures your exhibition experience is seamless and successful.

🔗

Integrated Venue

The convenience of staying where you exhibit means more time for meaningful connections and less time traveling between venues.

Ready to Reserve Your Space?

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of ATCA Connect's exciting new chapter in Charleston.

📧 Exhibition Sales

rugger.smith@atca.org

📞 Direct Line

(703) 299-2430, x318

🌐 Learn More

www.atca.org/connect

Exhibitor prospectus, floor plans, and contracts will be available in October 2025.
Contact us now to be first in line for prime booth locations.

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Exhibit Show Schedule
GENERAL EXHIBITOR MOVE-IN
Sunday, March 1, 2025 • 12:00 PM to 9:00PM*
Monday, March 2, 2025 • 8:00AM to 11:00AM*

EXHIBIT HOURS
Monday, March 2, 2025 • 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Tuesday, March 3, 2025 • 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM
Wednesday, March 4, 2025 • 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Thursday, March 4, 2025 • 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM


EXHIBITOR MOVE OUT
Thursday, March 4, 2025 • 1:00 PM to 11:59 PM


FREIGHT REROUTE BEGINS*
*All outbound carriers must be checked in by this time
Friday, February 27, 2025 | 10:00AM

Exhibiting Application Fees:

Members: $68 per sq. ft. (ATCA members receive a 10 percent discount on their exhibit space fees.*)

Non-Members: $78 per sq. ft.

  • All Locations are sold as 10' x 10' space only and include 8-foot rear and 3-foot side blue pipe and drape.
  • Most 10' x 10' spaces can be increased in 10' x 10' increments up to a 20' x 40'
  • No exhibitor will have frontage space larger than 20 Feet across or equivalent to two 10' x 10' booths next to each other.
  • All Booths include one 6-foot table, two chairs, and one waste can. Any additional furniture must be ordered through the General Contractor, AEX.
  • All items, such as electricity and internet, will need to be ordered from the Show Floor companies. Selection and pricing will be available in the ATCA Exhibitor Zone.
  • All booth designs or builds in the space must first be sent and discussed with the General Contractor, AEX, and copied to Rugger Smith, rugger.smith@atca.org on all correspondence.

*Membership must be in good standing at the time of contract submission, and through Exhibition dates.

Credit Card Processing Fee: A non-refundable fee of 2.9% will be applied to all fees paid by credit card. This fee will not apply to bank transfers or check payments.

Contract Submittal and Booth Confirmation Process

Once you have completed all the required fields on the online application and have clicked the submit button, you will receive an automated email confirmation from ATCA Connect acknowledging receipt of your contract. Your contract will be reviewed by ATCA Connect staff, who will assign your booth a number. Once your booth is assigned, you will receive a second email confirming your booth assignment and providing your login credentials and instructions for accessing the ATCA Connect Exhibitor Zone.  

Should you need any assistance in submitting your contract, please contact Sandra.Strickland@ atca.org

Application Fees Primary Exhibitor Application Fee: $375  
A Primary Exhibitor is the exhibiting company that is named on the contract for the rental of the physical exhibit space and has control over the rented exhibit space.  

Co-Exhibitor (Sharing) Application Fee: $1,000  
This is a non-refundable flat fee, independent of the booth size, which is charged to the Co-Exhibitor.  A Co-Exhibitor is the exhibiting company that is sharing rented exhibit space with a Primary Exhibitor.  

Additional Space Options
Booth plans should indicate the name of the event and booth number, specify the maximum number of occupants allowed, and have a structural engineer’s stamp certifying that the platforms can bear the maximum occupant load.

Additional safety elements may be required upon Fire Marshal review.

For questions: Please contact Rugger Smith or Sandra Strickland for assistance.

A non-refundable fee of 2.9 % will be applied to all fees paid by credit card. This fee will not apply to bank transfers or check payments.

Meeting Space Rental

ATCA has a limited number of Meeting rooms reserved for use by exhibitors only during the ATCA Connect. Rental rates apply, and exhibitor meeting space reservation forms will be available in the Fall of 2026.

Should you have any questions about meeting space reservations, please contact sandra.Strickland@atca.org.

ATCA Exhibitor Benefits

ATCA Exhibitor Benefits

Comprehensive Benefits Package for Maximum ROI

1

Registration and Access Benefits

Complimentary Conference Registrations
Free access to all programming sessions based on booth size allocation
Industry Presentation Opportunities
Reserved speaking slots for exhibitors to showcase expertise (limited availability)
Meeting Space Rentals
Private spaces available for client meetings and business discussions
2

Lead Generation and Networking

Complimentary Lead Retrieval System
Digital contact capture tools included with your booth package
Interactive Virtual Floor Plan
Year-round online presence for pre-show marketing and post-event engagement
Real-Time Company Spotlights
Dynamic highlighting of your company information within the online exhibitor section
3

Security and Support Services

24-Hour Security Surveillance
Continuous monitoring and protection throughout the exhibit hall
On-Site Medical Services
Professional medical staff available during all event hours
4

Digital Presence

ATCA Connect Website Directory
Featured company profile with complete contact information and booth details
Conference Mobile Application
Interactive exhibitor listings accessible to all attendees throughout the event
Online Product & Service Catalog
Searchable database showcasing your solutions and capabilities on the ATCA platform
5

Marketing and Communications

Social Media Promotion
Featured content across all ATCA social media channels to amplify your presence
Press Release Distribution
Publication of your company announcements and news through the ATCA Connect website
Exhibit Hall Navigation
Prominent placement on the official floor plan and digital logo directory
6

Exclusive Exhibitor Opportunities

Premium Sponsorship Packages
Access to specialized advertising and promotional opportunities reserved exclusively for exhibitors
Enhanced Brand Visibility
Multiple touchpoints to connect with conference attendees before, during, and after the event

Ready to Maximize Your Conference ROI?

Join industry leaders at ATCA and take advantage of our comprehensive exhibitor benefits package.

Liability insurance with minimum policy limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate is required in order to exhibit at ATCA Connect. This insurance must be in force during the ATCA Connect dates November 3 - November 8, 2024, naming as additional insured: ATCA and Walter E. Washington Convention Center. No additional insurance is required for your participation in ATCA Connect.

Download form: Exhibitor COI Form_Rainprotection.pdf

 

Additional Space Options

Booth plans should indicate the name of the event and booth number, specify the maximum number of occupants allowed, and have a structural engineer’s stamp certifying that the platforms can bear the maximum occupant load. Additional safety elements may be required upon Fire Marshal review.

For questions: Please contact Rugger Smith or Sandra Strickland for assistance.

Option 1: Payment by Credit Card (VISA, MasterCard, or American Express, 2.9 % credit card  processing fee applies)

Option 2: Payment by Check. Please make checks payable to ATCA.

Option 3: Bank Transfer - Should you wish to make a bank transfer, please contact sandra.strickland@atca.org or call +1 703.299.2430, ext. 304 for bank transfer information. 

Payment Schedule

All fees are due in full within 30 days of receipt of the invoice. Should a contract be received less than 30 days before the Exhibition setup start dates, full payment must be included with the contract.

Cancellation/Space Reduction*

Application Fee: 

 Non-Refundable Booth space rental fee refund schedule: 75 percent refund with receipt of written cancellation by February 1, 2026

 50 percent refund with receipt of written cancellation by January 5, 2026

 25 percent refund with receipt of written cancellation by February 1, 2026

 No refunds/Credits after February 1, 2026, will be made for any booth cancellations, booth space 

 Reduction or booth-type changes.

Cancellations must be made in writing via email to: sandra.strickland@atca.org. All cancellations must be approved to receive refunds, and ATCA retains the right to review each cancellation request to determine the impact on the Connect event. Approvals and refunds are not guaranteed.

*Space reduction/booth type changes must be submitted in writing via email to rugger.smith@atca.org and sandra.strickland@atca.org.

Allocation of Exhibition Space

We encourage exhibitors to visit the ATCA Connect booth onsite to meet with ATCA Connect staff and plan and reserve your exhibit space for 2025.

All ATCA Connect Exhibitors who contracted in 2024 will receive priority placement in the ATCA Connect 2026 Exhibition Hall, as long as their contracts are received by November 24, 2025. After November 24, 2025, all exhibitor contracts will be placed on a first-come, first-served basis. A completed Exhibitor Contract must be received before placement in the Hall can occur.   

Priority Placement

1. All ATCA Global Exhibitors have the right of first refusal of current booth space upon ATCA’s receipt of the Exhibitor Space Contract by November 24, 2025.

2. Exhibitors who wish to move or change/increase in size will be placed on the following criteria.   Priority is given first to:

i.              ATCA corporate members.  

ii. The exhibitor’s company spend during ATCA Connect the previous year. (Exhibit space, sponsorship, advertising fees). If the spend is equal to the previous year, then priority is given in order of contract received.  

iii. After November 24, 2025, priority placement ends, and all contracts received after that date will be placed on a first-come, first-served basis with payment.  

Exhibitor Insurance: Liability insurance with minimum policy limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate is required in order to exhibit at ATCA Connect. This insurance must be in force during the ATCA Connect dates March 2 -4, 2025, naming as additional insured: Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA) and ASM Global. No additional insurance is required for your participation in ATCA Connect.

Exhibition Sales and Support

Rugger Smith
Alexandria, VA, USA
P: +1 703 299 2430 ext. 318
rugger.smith@atca.org

Sandra Strickland
Alexandria, VA, USA
P: +1 703 299 2430 ext. 304
sandra.strickland@atca.org

Meeting Rooms Rental
Sandra Strickland
Alexandria, VA, USA
P: +1 703 299 2430 ext. 304
Sandra.Strickland@atca.org

Sponsorship and Advertising Sales
Rugger Smith
Alexandria, VA, USA
P: +1 703 299 2430 ext. 318
rugger.smith@atca.org

Sandra Strickland
Alexandria, VA, USA
P: +1 703 299 2430 ext. 304
Sandra.Strickland@atca.org

Exhibitor/Sponsors Thought Leadership Sessions
ATCA , Alexandria, VA USA
P: +1 703 299 2430 ext. 306
deborah.brice@atca.org

Media and Press
Bridget Dongu
Alexandria, VA, USA
P: +1 703 299 2430 ext. 309
bridget.dongu@atca.org

Communications and Editorial
Mathew Garretson
mat.garretson@atca.org