How to Prepare to Exhibit at National Safety Council (NSC) Congress & Expo 2026: Tips for Exhibitors

Trade shows are an excellent way to network with industry professionals, nurture new leads and boost exposure for your business. If you’re in an industry concerned with workplace safety, from construction to general worker health and wellness, the 2026 National Safety Council Congress & Expo is the perfect place for you. This weeklong event covers all the industry news and developments that relate to preventable deaths at work, in homes and on the road, with plenty of educational opportunities and new products to give you an edge in the industry.

Learn more about the 2026 National Safety Council Congress & Expo, the world’s largest annual safety event dedicated to workplace safety and well-being.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL CONGRESS & EXPO 2026

As the largest annual event dedicated to workplace safety, the 2026 NSC Congress & Expo showcases innovative solutions to the most crucial safety concerns from hundreds of the industry’s most influential leaders and advocates.

The NSC Congress & Expo takes place September 14-16, 2026, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, with Professional Development Seminars running September 11-13 and September 16-17, 2026. Registration opens in May 2026.

With 13,000-15,000 safety, health and environmental professionals from more than 70 countries expected to attend, the networking and educational opportunities are virtually limitless. Whether you’re looking to connect with new business contacts, find solutions to your most pressing safety challenges or showcase your new products and services, the NSC Congress & Expo is the place to do it.

This event will provide vital safety news and information to owners and individuals in the following industries:

• Construction
• Health care
• Manufacturing
• Mining, gas and oil
• Transportation
• Utilities
• Government/public administration
• And many more

ABOUT THE NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL

For more than 100 years, the National Safety Council (NSC) has been the nation’s leading safety advocate, with the mission of eliminating preventable deaths in homes, communities, workplaces and on the road. Achieving this mission starts by engaging government agencies, elected officials, businesses and the public with education, research and advocacy to end preventable injuries.

The NSC is the leading source of safety research and resources for business owners as well. The Safety + Health magazine provides coverage of safety news and advanced research, and the NSC University offers workplace education opportunities to continue the mission.

Some of the most valuable initiatives from the NSC include:

• The Campbell Institute, a global center of environmental, health and safety research and best practices
• The Distinguished Service to Safety Awards, an annual award given to organizations that make safety a valuable part of their business operations
• Safe Communities America, an accreditation program that recognizes communities that make safety a priority
• Road to Zero, a national initiative to end traffic fatalities
• Green Cross for Safety award for significant safety achievements
• Work to Zero, a program launched in 2023 aimed at eliminating workplace fatalities through technology and data

Through the combined efforts of the NSC and the implementation of better design, better working conditions and accountability for safety hazards, monumental improvements in protecting people and the planet have been achieved.

WHY EXHIBIT?

No matter what industry you’re in, you can experience many benefits of attending the NSC Congress & Expo. It’s a significant investment, but that doesn’t come close to the valuable education, resources and contacts you can gain. The event attracts a highly qualified audience with direct buying influence – approximately 75% of attendees possess buying influence within their organizations, and 65% are high-ranking professionals with over 10 years of experience in the field.

You will have an opportunity to interact with key distributors, decision-makers and innovators in search of the next great idea, product, service and technology. The buyers at this show are looking for new advancements in personal protection equipment, fall protection, emergency response, industrial hygiene, occupational health, general safety and other safety and wellness arenas.

What makes this opportunity particularly valuable is that 78% of attendees report looking to make purchases up to $500,000, with 46% planning to buy within the first six months following the event. This means your exhibit can directly impact your sales pipeline in the near term.

Could your business be the next big thing at NSC Congress & Expo? Exhibit and find out!

TIPS FOR EXHIBITING AT NSC CONGRESS & EXPO 2026

Trade-show attendees often face an overwhelming amount of information and ideas, so it can be easy for an exhibitor to get lost in the noise. When you put a little more work into the design and layout of your booth, however, you can ensure that they visit your booth, spend a little time learning about your business and remember you long after the show.

Booth Planning & Design

If you’re new to the market, you not only need to stand out, but you need your target audience to find you. Use bright, bold copy that’s easy to digest to let an attendee know what you’re all about, and keep your focus on one product or service for the time being. This will help your audience recognize and remember you.

Large photos are a trade-booth go-to, but it’s better to avoid too much static imagery. Keep the color palette clean and simple and put all the focus on a slideshow or video message for your visitors.

Make sure your booth is well-lit and easily viewed from a distance, but not too overwhelming up close.

Key Logistics to Remember

For the 2026 event in Indianapolis, exhibitors should note these important dates:

• Exhibitor Move-In: September 11-13, 2026 (Expo hall open 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sept. 11-12, and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sept. 13)
• Setup Deadline: All booths must be fully installed by 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2026
• Expo Open: September 14-16, 2026
• Exhibitor Move-Out: September 16-17, 2026 (no early tear-down permitted – violators will incur fines)

Remember that advance booth rates are $31.50 per square foot for NSC members and $32.50 per square foot for non-members, with a $200 premium for each corner. Closed-toe shoes are required during move-in and move-out periods, and no one under 16 is permitted on the expo floor at any time.

Make sure to review the Exhibitor Services Manual (expected in June 2026) for critical information about shipping, material handling, labor, electrical services, and other essential booth components that must be ordered separately.

Pre-Show Marketing

Take advantage of the complimentary Exhibitor Guest Passes to invite key clients and prospects. If you’re an NSC member, utilize the pre-show attendee mailing list for targeted outreach.

Promote your booth presence through your company website, email signatures, social media channels, and direct customer communications. Schedule meetings with high-value prospects in advance to guarantee engagement.

We can help! Download our Trade Show Preparation PDF to plan your event and maximize your experience.

PLANNING ON EXHIBITING AT NSC CONGRESS & EXPO 2026?

At the largest annual event for the safety and health industry, you’ll need to set yourself apart from the rest of the pack. At Xibit Solutions, we have over 20 years of experience creating beautiful booth layouts and crafting the entire booth experience, start to finish. Whether you’re looking for top-to-bottom booth design or you just need some help with storage or graphics, the team at Xibit Solutions can find the perfect solution for your needs.

Our comprehensive approach includes:

• Expert design team to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas
• In-house production to maintain quality control and offer competitive pricing
• Efficient shipping to the Indiana Convention Center
• Professional setup using trade show-approved union laborers

If you want to ensure you make the most of your time and investment at the 2026 NSC Congress & Expo, contact the team at Xibit Solutions and see how we can help you!