Register Now Become A Sponsor

APTA EXPO is the only event that brings the entire industry under one roof, and it only happens every three years. In a hall full of competitors, showing up isn't enough. Sponsorship brings your brand front and center, drives qualified buyers to your booth, and strengthens your pipeline and presence.

Each sponsorship includes opportunity-specific value in addition to core benefits (your logo on the website, in the app, in the attendee 'Know Before You Go' email, and on site).

Ready to rise above the competition? Explore available sponsorship opportunities below or contact us to build a package that fits your goals.
 

 

Elevated Attendee
Experiences

Thought Leadership &
Networking Events

Branding
Opportunities

Hospitality
Opportunities

Digital
Opportunities

 

Elevated Attendee Experiences

Pickleball Court


Call for Pricing | Exclusive
Tap into the hottest activity...pickleball! The pickleball court will be set up right on the show floor and allow attendees to compete against one another throughout EXPO. Branding opportunities are endless, from branded paddles to court clings and freestanding signage and more!
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Sponsor recognition on signage at pickleball court and throughout event promotion activation
  • Opportunity to provide promotional item at pickleball court
  • Special recognition in a Show Daily email & Know Before You Go email to all attendees
  • Core benefits

Caricature Artist

Call for Pricing | Exclusive
This show floor activation features a digital artist who will illustrate attendee caricatures. They will walk away with a print of their caricature that conveniently fits right in their badge holder! This activation creates organic buzz and always has a line.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Sponsor recognition on signage at artist’s booth and throughout event promotion activation
  • Opportunity to provide promotional item at photo booth
  • Logo on the caricature paper
  • Core benefits

360 Photo Booth

Call for Pricing | Exclusive
Create shareable moments by sponsoring a 360 photo booth! Attendees will hop into the booth to take photos with their colleagues and be prompted to share their photo socially. Digital prints will be watermarked with your logo, and the booth will be accompanied with signage featuring your logo.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Special recognition in a Show Daily email & Know Before You Go email to all attendees
  • (1) pre-conference social media post recognizing sponsor
  • Opportunity to provide promotional item at photo booth
  • (1) on-site push notification recognizing sponsor
    Push Notification Title – 30 characters max
    Push Notification Body – 100 characters max
  • Core benefits

Storytelling Booth SOLD OUT

$15,000 | Exclusive
This immersive, branded experience allows attendees to step into a private or semi-private space to share personal stories, industry insights, or confessions related to their professional journey. Your reach extends beyond the show floor as APTA will highlight the captured content on various channels.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Branded confessional booth with sponsor call-to-action
  • Inclusion in Show Daily, app, and on-site mobile app push notification
    Push Notification Title – 30 characters max
    Push Notification Body – 100 characters max
  • Sponsor logo included on video reel (for replay post-event)
  • Sponsor recognition on signage at confessional and throughout event promotion activation
  • Core benefits

International Lounge

$30,000 | Exclusive
This dedicated space on the floor ensures that you can connect and interact with the international public transportation community. The lounge perimeter will be dually branded with your logo, signage will be prominently displayed, and you also can customize branding throughout the lounge.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Sponsor recognition on signage at the international lounge
  • Opportunity to provide promotional item at the lounge
  • Inclusion in Show Daily, app, and on-site mobile app push notification
    Push Notification Title – 30 characters max
    Push Notification Body – 100 characters max
  • Banner with the sponsor’s logo if sponsorship secured by August 21
  • Core benefits

Paint By Numbers Display

Call for Pricing | Exclusive
This interactive, paint-by-numbers activation offers a hands-on, shareable moment that sparks conversation, creativity, and connection. As the sponsor, your brand will be prominently featured on the mural design, signage, and all related promotions, positioning you at the heart of the attendee experience.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Sponsor provides the design
  • Sponsor recognition on signage throughout event promotion activation
  • Opportunity to provide promotional item at photo booth
  • Core benefits

Puppy Lounge SOLD OUT

Contact for Pricing | Exclusive
Did you know that cuddling puppies reduces stress and increases productivity? Your brand will bring the joy of puppies to all attendees in a highly trafficked, feel-good environment, showing your commitment to well-being, community care, and compassion, all while leaving a lasting impression.
VIEW INCLUSIONS
  • Puppy Lounge promoted as "sponsored by [sponsor]"
  • Special recognition in a Show Daily email & Know Before You Go email to all attendees
  • (1) on-site notification recognizing sponsor & puppy lounge
    Push Notification Title – 30 characters max
    Push Notification Body – 100 characters max
  • (1) pre-conference social media post recognizing sponsor
  • Opportunity to greet attendees or provide branded giveaways (e.g., chew toys, stress bones)
  • Opportunity for the puppy handlers to wear sponsor branded swag (provided by sponsor)
  • Sponsor recognition on signage at Puppy Lounge and throughout event promoting Puppy Lounge
  • Core benefits

Park & Ride

$30,000 | Exclusive
With a show floor the size of EXPO, park and ride stations provide attendees with a sanctuary to relax, get a massage, and recharge before heading back out to explore the floor.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Logo included on signage around relaxation station, on vouchers given to attendees and on apparel (provided by sponsor) for the masseuses
  • Logo inclusion whenever station is promoted
  • Marked location on printed floor map (if applicable)
  • 1 mobile app notification inviting attendees to the station during show dates/hours
    Push Notification Title – 30 characters max
    Push Notification Body – 100 characters max
  • 1 social media post on APTA channels leading up to the event
  • Core benefits

Charging Station SOLD OUT

30,000 | Exclusive
One thing all attendees are always looking for? A place to charge their devices! Be the hero by providing a destination for attendees to charge their mobile devices and laptops to keep them powered up.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • The area will include water cooler and electrical
  • Sponsor recognition on signage at the charging station area
  • Opportunity to provide promotional item to hand out
  • Marked location on printed floor map (if applicable)
  • Core benefits
 

Autonomous Vehicle Demonstration

$50,000 Exclusive | $30,000 Multiple
Everyone wants to experience a ride in the newest autonomous vehicles. Bring your vehicle and provide participants with a ride into the future. During the ride, you have a captive audience to show off your vehicle’s features and what sets it apart.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Your branded vehicle on display on EXPO floor
  • Signage throughout the event directing people to the AV demonstration
  • Recognition whenever the experience is mentioned or promoted – including on the EXPO website, in emails, onsite signage, and more
  • Marked location on printed floor map (if applicable)
  • Pre-show marketing of experience in attendee verification pieces
  • Brochure/promo item may be distributed in registration area or in registration bags (if purchased). Sponsor must produce and deliver item
  • 1 complimentary TRANSform conference pass
  • 1 social media post on APTA channels
  • Core benefits

Giant Transit Crossword

$10,000 | Exclusive
Attendees can collaborate to solve puzzles throughout the course of the show. Branded puzzles can have a call to action and include your branding.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Sponsor provides the theme to the crossword
  • Sponsor recognition on signage throughout event promotion activation
  • Opportunity to provide promotional item at photo booth
  • Core benefits

Headshot Lounge

$30,000 | Exclusive
The headshot lounge at EXPO 2023 was one of the busiest areas on the floor. Attendees line up for their complimentary professional headshot.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Experience includes professional photographer with studio set up, placed in a high traffic area
  • Branded signage in headshot area
  • Logo inclusion whenever lounge is promoted
  • Ability to draft headshot recipient delivery email
  • 1 complimentary TRANSform conference pass
  • 1 mobile app push notification inviting attendees to the lounge during show dates/hours
    Push Notification Title – 30 characters max
    Push Notification Body – 100 characters max
  • 1 social media post on APTA channels leading up to the event
  • Core benefits

Live Mural

all for Pricing | Exclusive
Sponsor this visual spectacle where a Chicago street artist will craft a mural in the main lobby. Participants will flock to the area to watch the artist bring his vision to life!
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Chicago/transit theme Mural – final product is given to Chicago Transit Authority
  • Sponsor recognition on signage throughout event activation
  • Core benefits

Bag & Coat Check

$15,000 | Exclusive
Every attendee appreciates having a safe place to stow their belongings upon arrival or prior to departure. It’s a heavily utilized service that provides exclusive, off-the-floor branding.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Branded signage in coat/bag check area
  • Logo inclusion whenever utility mentioned
  • 1 social media post on APTA channels leading up to the event
  • Core benefits

Transit Table Topics Café

$13,000 | Exclusive
Designated café -style seating area with branded conversation-starter cards at each table (curated to spark meaningful convos on innovation, leadership, etc.).
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Logo inclusion whenever utility mentioned
  • Sponsor recognition on signage throughout event activation
  • Branded topic cards in café area
  • Marked location on printed floor map (if applicable)
  • Core benefits

Live Blues Band

Call for Pricing | Exclusive
Bring the soundtrack to APTA EXPO with a live local blues band and become the company adding the extra spark to the on-site attendee experience.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Your company’s branded message shared exclusively by APTA EXPO’s Live Blues Band during announcements
  • Branded signage in Live Blues Band set up
  • Logo inclusion whenever experience is promoted
  • 1 complimentary TRANSform conference pass
  • 1 social media post on APTA channels leading up to the event
  • Core benefits

Care Crew – “Ask Me Concierge”

$20,000 | Exclusive
APTA is committed to providing accessibility and concierge services to all its participants. The Care Crew, rocking branded high-visibility shirts featuring your logo, will be placed in high-volume areas to assist attendees with anything that may need.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • The Care Crew, rocking branded high-visibility shirts featuring your logo, will be placed in high-volume areas to assist attendees with anything they may need.
  • Special recognition in Know Before You Go email to all attendee
  • Sponsor logo included on all Ambassador T-shirts (APTA provides the shirts)
  • Core benefits

 
 

Thought Leadership & Networking Events

Presenting Sponsor SOLD OUT

$90,000 | Exclusive
The ultimate branding package, offering exclusive top-tier visibility across all marketing and premium brand presence on show site.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Your logo to accompany TRANSform Conference whenever mention in the format of “TRANSform Conference Presented by [Sponsor]”
  • Company representative may give 3-minute remarks during the Monday opening session
  • Doubled ad space on printed floor map (if applicable)
  • Brochure/promo item may be distributed in registration area (if purchased). Sponsor must produce and deliver item.
  • Four (4) complimentary conference registrations
  • 1 rotating banner ad on APTA EXPO website (specs - 1200px X flexible height)
  • 1 rotating mobile app banner ad (600 x 450 px)
  • Three (3) social media post on APTA channels
  • Logo inclusion on on-site signage, in mobile app, in promotional emails, and on conference website

Opening Reception

$50,000 | Exclusive $30,000 | Co-Sponsor
Be part of the event that sets the tone for the entire week. The Opening Reception brings attendees together for an evening of networking and celebration, positioning your brand at the center of one of EXPO's most anticipated gatherings.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Branding via signage within reception venue
  • Branded table tents on high top tables throughout reception venue
  • Company representative may give 3-minute remarks as a welcome to guests
  • Recognition whenever the event is mentioned or promoted – including on the EXPO website, in emails, onsite signage, and more
  • Brochure/promo item may be distributed in reception area (if purchased). Sponsor must produce and deliver item.
  • Two (2) complimentary TRANSform conference registrations, One (1) complimentary TRANSform conference registration for co-sponsor
  • 1 mobile app push notification inviting attendees to the event during show dates/hours
    o Push Notification Title – 30 characters max
    o Push Notification Body – 100 characters max
  • 1 social media post on APTA channels
  • Core benefits

Opening General Session SOLD OUT

$40,000 | Exclusive
Kick off APTA's TRANSform with an impactful and exclusive sponsorship of the opening general session.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Branded signage at entrance doors – likely in meter board format
  • Provide a 90-second video at session
  • Recognition whenever the event is mentioned or promoted – including on the EXPO website, in emails, onsite signage, and more
  • Brochure/promo item may be distributed in the opening session at a table. Sponsor must produce and deliver item.
  • Three (3) complimentary TRANSform conference registrations
    o Push Notification Title – 30 characters max
    o Push Notification Body – 100 characters max
  • 1 social media post on APTA channels
  • Core benefits

APTA Honors Luncheon SOLD OUT

$30,000 | Exclusive

Show your support for excellence in public transportation by sponsoring APTA Honors. This event recognizes organizations and leaders in the public transportation industry in North America who have demonstrated significant leadership, are outstanding role models of excellence, and whose accomplishments and innovations have greatly advanced public transportation.
VIEW INCLUSIONS
  • Sponsor highlighted in ‘APTA Honors Invite’ emailed to all attendees
  • (1) complimentary conference registration
  • Pre-conference social media post
  • Exclusive opportunity to distribute promotional item at APTA Honors
  • (1) on-site push notification recognizing sponsor
    Push Notification Title – 30 characters max
    Push Notification Body – 100 characters max
  • Provide a 60-second video at session
  • Sponsor logo and recognition with APTA Honors description in mobile app
  • Sponsor recognition on signage at APTA Honors
  • Branded table tents on high top tables throughout reception venue
  • Core benefits

TRANSform Education Sessions

1 for $4,000, 2 for $7,000 | Multiple Available
Sponsor an educational session exploring cutting-edge hot topics, including transformative technology, community building, innovative funding, and finance, safety and security, workforce development, worldwide mega projects, and more.
VIEW INCLUSIONS    
  • Exclusive opportunity to educate TRANSform attendees based on your organization’s expertise
  • Opportunity to distribute branded materials at event at sponsor’s expense
  • Opportunity to introduce the session moderator
  • Logo on walk-in slides on main projection screen (if screens available)
  • Core benefits

General Sessions

Tuesday: $30,000 [SOLD] and Wednesday: $25,000
Position your organization alongside industry powerhouse speakers during keynote and general session in the grand ballroom.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Branded signage at entrance doors – likely in meter board format
  • Provide a 60-second video at session
  • Recognition whenever the event is mentioned or promoted – including on the EXPO website, in emails, onsite signage, and more
  • Brochure/promo item may be distributed in the opening session at a table. Sponsor must produce and deliver item.
  • Two (2) complimentary TRANSform conference registrations.
  • 1 mobile app push notification
    Push Notification Title – 30 characters max
    Push Notification Body – 100 characters max
  • 1 social media post on APTA channels
  • Core benefits

LGBTQ+ Reception SOLD OUT

$20,000 | Exclusive $12,000 | Co-Sponsor
Sponsor the LGBTQ+ Reception, a signature APTA event fostering connection among LGBTQ+ professionals, allies, and transit agencies.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Branding via signage within reception venue
  • Branded table tents on high top tables throughout reception venue
  • Napkins provided by show management with sponsor logo. (lead)
  • Opportunity to distribute branded materials at event at the sponsor’s expense (lead)
  • Recognition whenever the event is mentioned or promoted – including on the EXPO website, in emails, onsite signage, and more. Top billing goes to the lead sponsor.
  • Two (2) complimentary TRANSform conference registrations; One (1) complimentary TRANSform conference registration for co-sponsor
  • List of scanned attendees for the reception
  • 1 mobile app push notification inviting attendees to the event during show dates/hours
    Push Notification Title – 30 characters max
    Push Notification Body – 100 characters max
  • 1 social media post on APTA channels
  • Core benefits

 

 
 

Branding Opportunities

Lanyards SOLD OUT

$40,000 | Exclusive
Place your brand around the necks of more than 12,000 APTA EXPO participants. As the official lanyard sponsor, your logo will be one of the first things attendees see when they arrive and one of the few branding elements they carry with them throughout the entire event.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Company Logo on Lanyards
  • 1 social media post on APTA channels
  • Core benefits

Attendee Bags

$40,000 | Exclusive
Give attendees a place to stow all their APTA EXPO merchandise. Not only will they carry them around for the duration of the event, but they will also take them back home, providing you with extended brand impressions among their organizations.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Co-branded with your logo and APTA EXPO logo on outside of bag
  • Attendee bags handed out at registration
  • 1 social media post on APTA channels leading up to the event
  • Core benefits

Hotel Key Cards

$40,000 | Exclusive
Sponsor the Official 2026 APTA TRANSform & EXPO Hotel, the Hilton Chicago! Place your brand directly in the hands of attendees staying at the official host hotel with branded key cards, complete with your sponsored artwork.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Your branding and message on host hotel key cards (Hilton Chicago)
  • 1 social media post on APTA channels leading up to the event
  • Core benefits

Restroom Signage

$20,000+ | Exclusive
Be the sponsor of the one place every single attendee is sure to visit — the restroom! As part of this sponsorship, you can place your design on mirrors or a QR code to a meeting scheduler to set appointments in your booth space.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Logo and company name placed on clings on the bathroom mirror throughout restrooms in EXPO hall
  • 1 social media post on APTA channels leading up to the event
  • Core benefits

Floor Map Advertisement

Call for Pricing | Multiple Available
The printed floor map is one of the most utilized navigation tools for attendees. Place your advertisement in this printed piece that attendees are actively using to find exhibits, drive them to yours with an advertisement!
Learn more here

Friend of APTA

$2,000 | Exclusive
By donating to this fund, you will be supporting the future of public transportation and receive prominent brand recognition across APTA.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Logo included in on-site sponsor recognition signage
  • Logo and media link in event app
  • Logo and media link on conference website
  • Logo included in attendee ‘Know Before You Go’ email
 
 

Venue Signage

McCormick Place Signage

Prices Vary | Multiple Available
The McCormick Place Convention Center offers a wide variety of signage to amplify your branding throughout the venue. Placements range from floor and window decals to oversized rigged banners, to stair clings, escalator clings, and more.
Check out all opportunities here
 

Light Boxes

$7,500 | Multiple Available
Light up your message — literally! Standing at 6 feet, these LED lightboxes, placed in the main lobby, have stopping power.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Strategically placed in the main atrium, lobby, or trade show floor
  • Single-sided display (1) 36" x 96" illuminated lightbox
  • Core benefits

Floor Decals

$4,000 | Multiple Available
Help attendees navigate their way to your booth with customizable, highly visible decals on the EXPO floor.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • (2) 3x3 or (1) 6x6 floor decals placed in high-traffic pathways in the Expo Hall or Meeting Room Corridor
  • Core benefits
 

Double-Sided Meter Panels

$4,000 | Multiple Available Going FAST!
Use these large signs as a guide for attendees throughout the hallways of the event, leading them directly to the center of all the action.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • 1/2M x 87" doubled sided sign
  • Core benefits

 

Hospitality

Breakfast

$20,000 | 3 Available (Exclusive Per Day)
Power up attendees each morning as they fuel up for an action-packed day at EXPO. As conversations begin and schedules fill up, your brand will be there to kickstart the excitement and help attendees make the most of every moment on the show floor.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Sponsor recognition on signage and tent cards at breakfast
  • Recognition whenever the event is mentioned or promoted – including on the EXPO website, in emails, onsite signage, and more
  • Brochure/promo item may be distributed in breakfast area. Sponsor must produce and deliver item.
  • 1 complimentary TRANSform conference registration pass
  • 1 social media post on APTA channels
  • Core benefits

EXPO Hall Coffee Breaks

$25,000 | Multiple Available
Sponsor the hottest commodity at EXPO...caffeine! Attendees will flock to grab a “cup of Joe” and will be exposed to your branding at the station.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Sponsor recognition on signage and tent cards at break
  • Recognition whenever the event is mentioned or promoted – including on the EXPO website, in emails, onsite signage, and more
  • Brochure/promo item may be distributed during the break. Sponsor must produce and deliver item.
  • Napkins provided by show management with sponsor logo.
  • Core benefits

EXPO Hall Dessert Hour

30,000 | Multiple Available
Provide sweets and refreshments during this special dessert station located directly on the show floor. Whether attendees are satisfying a sweet tooth or taking a quick break, your brand will be part of it!
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Sponsor recognition on signage and tent cards at dessert area
  • Recognition whenever the event is mentioned or promoted – including on the EXPO website, in emails, onsite signage, and more
  • Brochure/promo item may be distributed during the break. Sponsor must produce and deliver item
  • Napkins provided by show management with sponsor logo.
  • Core benefits
 
 

Digital Opportunities

Mobile App Title Sponsor

$25,000 | Exclusive
  “2026 APTA TRANSform & EXPO Mobile App Powered by [Sponsor Name]”
As the title sponsor, your company will receive prominent placement across all mobile app promotions, ensuring consistent visibility before, during, and throughout the event experience.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Exclusive branding on the introductory splash page of the app seen after initial download
  • Recognition whenever the app is mentioned or promoted – including on the EXPO website, in emails, onsite signage, on the printed show map (pending), and more
  • Opportunity to include promo item in registration bag (sponsor to produce and provide item)
  • First position rotating banner ad within app (600 x 450 px)
  • 1 mobile app push notification
    Push Notification Title – 30 characters max
    Push Notification Body – 100 characters max
  • 1 social media post on APTA channels
  • Core benefits

Website Advertisements

$2,500 | 5 Available
Secure prominent visibility with a rotating banner ad on the official APTA TRANSform & EXPO homepage. This high-impact placement keeps your brand consistently in view as attendees register and plan their time on-site.
VIEW INCLUSIONS    
  • One (1) rotating banner ad displayed on the homepage of the APTA EXPO website (1200px wide x flexible height)
  • Specs: 728 px X 90 px
  • Core benefits

Mobile App Push Notifications

$2,500 | 5 Available
Send your message directly to every attendee’s phone with a branded push notification through the APTA TRANSform & EXPO Mobile App.
VIEW INCLUSIONS    
  • A featured push notification highlighting your company’s message
  • Specs
    Push Notification Title – 30 characters max
    Push Notification Body – 100 characters max
  • Core benefits

Exhibitor Spotlight Email

$2,500 | Multiple Available
Place your banner ad and message in one of the monthly email newsletters sent to all registered attendees in the months leading up to APTA TRANSform & EXPO.
VIEW INCLUSIONS  
  • Pre-show email
  • Specs: Featured exhibitor block with logo (650 x 200 px), Booth number, and brief description/message (300-character limit)
  • Core benefits
 

Show Daily Email

$2,500 | 3 Available
Get your brand in front of every attendee each morning with a placement in an APTA TRANSform & EXPO "Show Daily" email, one of the most-read communications of the event.
VIEW INCLUSIONS    
  • 1 featured advertisement in one of the daily emails sent to all attendees during show date
  • 1 social media post on APTA channels leading up to the event
  • Specs: Featured exhibitor block with logo (650 x 200 px), booth number, and brief description/message (300-character limit)
  • Core benefits

 

Customized Sponsorship Packages

Upon your sponsorship selection, our sales representatives will tailor your package to ensure that your sponsorship aligns with your organization’s marketing objectives. We can accommodate any budget and build strategic packages.

 

Christine Von Steiger 

sales@aptaexpo.com

In the U.S.: 703-706-8252
Outside the U.S.: +1 703-683-8500

 

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