The future of public transportation is about more than buses, rail and infrastructure. It is increasingly being shaped by technology, sustainability, mobility solutions and the businesses capable of helping transit agencies solve their next generation of challenges.
That future will be on display in Chicago when the American Public Transportation Association brings APTA TRANSform & EXPO 2026 to the city October 4–7. TRANSform runs October 4–7, while the EXPO takes place October 5–7 at McCormick Place.
For diverse entrepreneurs and small businesses working in transportation, or looking for an entry point into the sector, the gathering offers a window into where the industry is heading and the kinds of products, services and expertise transit organizations are seeking.
APTA describes EXPO as the premier event for advancing the public transportation industry and exchanging ideas and information. More than 12,000 attendees from 85 countries and 800-plus exhibiting companies are expected, bringing together transit agency executives, government officials, manufacturers, consultants, suppliers and other industry professionals.
The show floor will feature innovations across zero-emission and electric vehicles, autonomous mobility, cybersecurity, communications, software, fleet management, passenger information systems, sustainable manufacturing, safety and security, engineering and other areas supporting modern transportation systems.
TRANSform adds an educational and strategic component. Workshops, technical tours, keynote presentations and educational sessions will examine transformative technology, innovative funding and finance, workforce development, safety and security, community building and major transportation projects around the world.
A Marketplace for Diverse Businesses
For minority-, women- and other diverse-owned businesses, one of the event’s most important features may be who is in the room.
APTA says attendees include purchasing, procurement and contracting officers, C-suite executives, transit agency directors, city managers, engineers, sustainability professionals and business development teams. That creates opportunities for entrepreneurs to learn directly from industry decision-makers, identify potential partners and better understand the needs of transit agencies and their prime contractors.
APTA also offers a discounted exhibit rate for qualifying Disadvantaged Business Enterprises. Women-owned, minority-owned and veteran-owned businesses that submit the required state certification may qualify for the special rate.
The opportunity extends well beyond companies that manufacture vehicles or transportation equipment. The exhibitor categories include consulting and engineering, computer hardware and software, cybersecurity, communications, electrical systems, signage, sustainable materials, passenger information technology and safety and security services.
For small and diverse businesses pursuing public-sector and corporate supply-chain opportunities, APTA TRANSform & EXPO represents something increasingly valuable: a place to see emerging demand, understand the industry ecosystem and build relationships with the people shaping transportation investment.
In an industry undergoing rapid technological and infrastructure transformation, being positioned for the next opportunity begins with understanding where the market is going, and who is helping take it there.
