Frequently Asked Questions
2026 STN EXPO East Conference & Trade Show
Dates: Thursday, March 26 – Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa
Address: 5400 John Q. Hammons Drive NW. Concord, NC 28027
Registration Information:
For more information on registration options and conference access, please visit the Pricing and Registration page or follow the link below to be taken directly to our registration portal.
How much are registration fees?
Main Conference Attendees:
Register by December 19, 2025, for Super Early Bird pricing at $399 per person
Register by February 13, 2026, for Early Bird Pricing at $499 per person
Standard pricing of $599 per person beings on February 14, 2026. Onsite registration available.
Each registration includes a $5.00 non-refundable administrative service fee.
Trade Show Only:
Standard pricing: $250 per person. Onsite registration also available.
I need to cancel my registration. How do I do that?
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to events@stnmedia.com. Please review the full cancellation and refund policy at:
https://stnexpo.com/east/pricing-registration/
Can someone substitute for me if I cannot attend?
Yes. Substitution requests must be emailed to events@stnmedia.com with the subject line: SUBSTITUTION REQUEST – STN EXPO EAST and provide details on the substitution.
Can I bring a guest or family member?
Guests may attend select social events and trade show with a paid Guest registration. Guests must register on site and do not have access to educational sessions.
This is a professional conference. For safety and liability reasons, children are not permitted at sessions, workshops, the trade show, or evening events. For questions, please contact events@stnmedia.com.
My school district needs to add you as a vendor. How do I obtain a W-9?
Please contact Lisa Douglas, Accounting Executive, at lisa@stnmedia.com or 310.802.7816.
When will the workshop schedule be published?
The workshop schedule will be released approximately two months prior to the conference. Updates will be shared via email, social media, and STNOnline.com.
Where Can I Book Hotel Accommodations?
A limited block of rooms is available at the Embassy Suites Charlotte/Concord for March 26–April 1, 2026, at the conference rate of $180 per night. Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
STN does not reserve hotel rooms on behalf of attendees. Reservations must be made directly through the STN EXPO East’s Hotel & Travel page.
When should attendees arrive in Charlotte, NC?
Conference registration will open on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Embassy Suites Charlotte/Concord. A Welcome Reception will also take place Thursday evening; timing and location will be announced closer to the event.
As sessions begin early Friday morning, attendees are encouraged to arrive by Thursday evening. The conference is scheduled to conclude by Tuesday, March 31, 2026, around noon. Attendees may depart Tuesday afternoon or evening, though staying through the end of the program is optional
Do I have to attend all 6 days?
No. You are welcome to attend only the days and sessions that fit your schedule. Programming, workshops, trainings, and events take place throughout the week, and attendance is flexible based on your interests and availability.
Please note that STN EXPO does not offer a pay-per-day registration option. However, Trade Show Only registrations are available for those who wish to attend just the trade show components.
Details on all registration types can be found here: https://stnexpo.com/east/pricing-registration/
Are meals included?
Food and beverages are provided during select programmed events throughout the conference, including:
- Thursday, March 26: Registration Check-in & Welcome Reception
- Friday, March 27: Transportation Director Summit refreshments
- Saturday, March 28: Breakfast and lunch at Topgolf Charlotte Southwest
- Sunday, March 29: Dinner and drinks at the Ride & Drive + Reception at Charlotte Motor Speedway
- Monday, March 30: Trade Show + Networking Pit Stop Reception on the trade show floor
Additional sponsored Lunch & Learn sessions may be offered and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you choose to attend a Lunch & Learn and receive a provided meal, we kindly ask that you remain for the full session out of courtesy to the sponsoring organization and fellow attendees.
On days without hosted meals, attendees should plan to dine independently. Please note that the Embassy Suites Charlotte/Concord may be undergoing renovations in 2026 and the main restaurant (Rocky River Grille) may be closed. Alternative food and beverage options will be available in the Atrium (breakfast and Manager’s Happy Hour area).
For those who prefer to explore nearby options, Concord Mills and other local favorites and nationally known restaurants are a short drive away, ensuring plenty of culinary choices during your stay.
Are education sessions translated or transcribed?
STN uses Snapsight to provide real-time translation and live text for select educational sessions. This feature can be accessed during the conference through the official conference mobile app.
Availability varies by session. Please check the mobile app for session listings. Access to this feature is limited to registered attendees only.
Can I drive at the Ride & Drive?
Driving opportunities at the Ride & Drive are limited and subject to availability. Participation requirements may include a valid driver’s license, completion of a liability waiver, and meeting any manufacturer or insurance requirements.
Details, eligibility, and whether driving is permitted will be communicated closer to the event. Please check the conference mobile app or visit the Registration Desk on site for the most up-to-date information.
What is the Dress Code?
Business casual attire is recommended for all sessions and networking events. For off-site activities or trainings, closed-toe shoes are required for safety. Certain tours or activities may require additional safety attire; details will be provided closer to the event.
Will I receive a certificate of attendance?
Yes. Certificates of Participation are available through the conference mobile app. To download your certificate, open the app, select the Survey button in the bottom menu, and click Download Participation Certificate. You may email, print, or save the certificate as a PDF.
If you are unable to access the mobile app, please contact events@stnmedia.com for assistance.
I have dietary restrictions. Will accommodations be available?
During registration, attendees may indicate dietary restrictions or food allergies. This information is shared with the venue in advance for events where meals are provided.
While we make every reasonable effort to accommodate common dietary needs, we cannot guarantee accommodations at all meals or events, especially those with limited quantities. If you have a severe allergy or medical dietary need, please contact events@stnmedia.com prior to the conference for further instructions.
Meals are provided only during select programmed events. On non-meal days, attendees should plan to dine independently.
I require accessibility accommodations. What should I do?
If you require accommodations due to a disability, please indicate your needs during registration or contact events@stnmedia.com as early as possible.
The host hotel is ADA compliant and offers accessible guest rooms, meeting spaces, restrooms, elevators, and parking. Additional details on accessible features and rooms can be found here:
https://www.hilton.com/en/help-center/hotel-information/accessible-features-and-rooms/
Attendees requiring accessible guest rooms should be sure to note their ADA request when booking their hotel accommodations.