For an international exhibitor, attending a trade fair in the United States is a significant investment. There’s travel to arrange and products to showcase, but there’s also an opportunity to meet American buyers who could help their business grow.
As an organizer, you want your guests’ investment to be worthwhile. Choosing among trade fair venues means finding a destination where your guests can spend less time navigating an unfamiliar city and more time building valuable business relationships.
At Overland Park Convention Center, we help you bring those opportunities to Kansas City—the heartland of America. We’ve got exhibition spaces and nearby meeting rooms that give international businesses more ways to connect.
Helping International Guests Settle In
After a long flight, exhibitors want an easy route to their hotel and time to prepare for the event. Overland Park Convention Center is approximately 30 minutes from Kansas City International Airport, and the attached Sheraton Overland Park Hotel puts accommodations in the same complex. That means that guests can return to their rooms between sessions without traveling across town.
We can also direct you toward our venue maps and nearby lodging information, so your guests know what to expect when they arrive.
Make Room for Business Connections
A product demonstration might introduce an overseas manufacturer to an American buyer. Often, the conversation needs somewhere quieter to continue, especially when they’re discussing orders or future partnerships.
Our 7 Courtyard Rooms give organizers options for scheduled buyer meetings and smaller industry presentations near the exhibition floor. That keeps meaningful conversations close to the event, rather than sending guests elsewhere.
Give Attendees More Reasons to Participate
Our experience hosting VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo offers a useful example. In 2025, automotive professionals from 37 states, Canada, and Australia gathered at Overland Park Convention Center for 4 days of training and exhibitions.
For your own event, our in-house audiovisual and culinary teams can help you plan presentations and hosted meals around your schedule. This leaves more time for guests to learn from one another and build relationships
Frequently Asked Questions
Guests traveling internationally need clear information well before arrival. We’ve gathered answers to help you coordinate their visit with confidence.
Can international exhibitors ship products and equipment to Overland Park Convention Center?
International exhibitors can arrange shipment of equipment and displays, but check delivery instructions with your show organizer and our team before shipping. Overseas freight will likely need a specialist to handle U.S. customs clearance.
At Overland Park Convention Center, we have 8 loading docks and 2 drive-in ramps that offer direct access to the Exhibition Hall. Those features help with unloading, but customs and international freight forwarding will require separate coordination.
Can your team help coordinate hotel accommodations and airport transportation for international guests?
We can connect you with the attached 412-room Sheraton Overland Park Hotel to discuss group accommodations. The hotel and convention center operate separately, so the Sheraton handles reservations and room blocks. However, we can help communicate your needs to the hotel.
For airport arrivals, we recommend making transportation arrangements in advance, as the Sheraton doesn’t provide an airport shuttle. We can point you toward local transportation options to help guests prepare. That clarity is useful when evaluating trade fair venues for travelers unfamiliar with Kansas City.
What accessibility accommodations are available for international trade fair attendees?
Our building has accessible entrances, parking, restrooms, and elevators serving both public levels. We’re also KultureCity-Certified Sensory Inclusive, with a dedicated Sensory Room near Exhibition Hall A and complimentary sensory bags available on request.
Encourage guests to share accommodation needs before traveling, then include our accessibility resources in their pre-event information. Accessible navigation and sensory support deserve attention when selecting trade fair venues for an international audience.
Let’s Bring Your Trade Fair Together
Tell us where your guests are coming from and what you hope they’ll accomplish. We’ll help you explore event spaces and discuss the on-site support that your trade fair needs.
