# Capital Ballroom InterContinental — Unmanned Aerospace & Defense Systems Forum 2026 — Aerospace, Defense & GovTech Conference & Exhibition at Capital Ballroom at the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin (Austin, TX)
- **Canonical Guide:** https://conventions.com/events/capital-ballroom-at-the-intercon-unmanned-aerospace-defense-systems-forum-2026
- **Dates:** Dec 8–10, 2026 (2026-12-08 to 2026-12-10)
- **Host Facility:** Capital Ballroom at the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin (Austin, TX)
- **Host Facility Engineering Dossier:** https://conventions.com/venues/capital-ballroom-at-the-intercontinental-stephen-f-austin-austin
- **Organizer:** Aerospace & Defense Technology Society (Austin Chapter) (https://www.austin.intercontinental.com/meetings-and-events/event-venues.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=ConferenceGMB)
- **Attendance & Format:** Attendance not yet verified | Credentialed Industry & Trade Professionals | B2B Conference & Trade Show
- **Labor Jurisdiction:** Right-to-Work State
- **Hotel Compression Index:** Austin Corridor Schedule Verified
- **Federal GSA Per-Diem Benchmark:** $184/night Lodging | $80/day M&IE
- **Official Housing Registry:** Aerospace & Defense Technology Society (Austin Chapter) Official Housing Desk (austin.intercontinental.com, onpeak.com, connectionshousing.com)
## Executive Summary
Within Austin (TX), Capital Ballroom InterContinental 2026 gathers technical Aerospace, practitioners inside Capital Ballroom set for Dec 8–10, 2026. Coordinated through Aerospace &, operators weigh $29.20 (regional) AV (documented) benchmarks, $30.14 (baseline) electrician pay, The Westin lodging, Fleming’s Prime dining, matched with 690 (standard) public chargers.
## Key Event Benchmarks
- **Dates:** Dec 8–10, 2026
- **Host Venue:** Capital Ballroom at the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin (Austin, TX)
- **Format:** Credentialed Industry & Trade Professionals
- **Sales Tax (ZIP 78701):** 8.25% combined
- **TX Commercial Power:** 8.96¢/kWh (2026-08)
## Audience Composition
## Arrival, Badge Pickup & Floor Timing
- **Airport & Badge Strategy:** Check GSA FY2027 per-diem rates and ground transit options into the Austin, TX convention corridor.
- **Peak Floor Hours:** Primary scheduled dates: Dec 8–10, 2026 at Capital Ballroom at the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin.
- **Hand-Carry & Union Policy:** Capital Ballroom at the (Austin) Exhibitor Carry-In Policy (Right-to-Work State): One exhibitor badge-holder may hand-carry personal display materials or a single rolling luggage case in one trip through main public/hotel entrances without drayage charges; two-wheel dollies, pushcarts, and crated dock deliveries route through official material-handling labor.
## Walkable Corridor Hotels (Austin)
| Hotel | Access / Connection | Show-Week Rate | Off-Peak Rate | Block Status | Rooms |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Hilton Austin | ≈9 min walk (0.35 mi) | ~$0/nt | ~$0/nt | Unverified | 0 |
| Four Seasons Hotel Austin | ≈13 min walk (0.5 mi) | ~$0/nt | ~$0/nt | Unverified | 0 |
| Fairmont Austin Hotel | ≈14 min walk (0.53 mi) | ~$0/nt | ~$0/nt | Unverified | 0 |
| Outsite Austin - Travis Heights | ≈4 min rideshare (1.68 mi) | ~$0/nt | ~$0/nt | Unverified | 0 |
| Webber East | ≈4 min rideshare (1.69 mi) | ~$0/nt | ~$0/nt | Unverified | 0 |
| Hotel Viata | ≈14 min rideshare (5.66 mi) | ~$0/nt | ~$0/nt | Unverified | 0 |
## Exhibitor Building Services vs. Open-Market Local Suppliers
| Service | Facility Policy | Show-Manual Rate | Local Market Benchmark | Savings |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Electrical, Compressed Air & Ceiling Rigging | Exclusive Building Service | Per official exhibitor service kit | Exclusive Capital Ballroom at the (Austin) authorized contractor | Order before advance deadline |
| Dock-to-Booth Freight Handling (Drayage) | Exclusive Building Service | Per show decorator rate sheet | Hand-carry rules vary by show |  |
| Booth AV, Monitors & Exhibit Builds (EAC) | Independent Suppliers Permitted | Official contractor show kit | Independent Austin EAC quotes |  |
## Private Client Dining & VIP Buyout Venues
| Venue | Cuisine | Walk / Transit | Private Capacity | Typical F&B Minimum | AV Ready |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| BOA Steakhouse | Restaurant () | ≈6 min walk (0.21 mi) • 300 W 6th St #100, Austin, TX 78701, USA |  |  | No |
| J-Prime Steakhouse | Restaurant () | ≈8 min walk (0.3 mi) • 301 Brazos St ste 150, Corner of, San Jacinto Blvd and 3rd, Austin, TX 78701, USA |  |  | No |
| Dean's Italian Steakhouse | Steak House () | ≈9 min walk (0.35 mi) • 110 E 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701, USA |  |  | No |
| III Forks Prime Steakhouse | Steak House () | ≈11 min walk (0.44 mi) • 111 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701, USA |  |  | No |
| The Guest House | American Restaurant () | ≈13 min walk (0.5 mi) • 110 San Antonio St Ste R140, Austin, TX 78701, USA |  |  | No |
## Verified Logistics & Procurement FAQs
### When and where is Capital Ballroom InterContinental — Unmanned Aerospace & Defense Systems Forum 2026 held?
Capital Ballroom InterContinental — Unmanned Aerospace & Defense Systems Forum 2026 is scheduled for Dec 8–10, 2026 at Capital Ballroom at the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin in Austin, TX, organized by Aerospace & Defense Technology Society (Austin Chapter).
*Source: Capital Ballroom InterContinental — Unmanned Aerospace & Defense Systems Forum Schedule*
### What are the prevailing trade wages and retail sales tax rate in Austin, TX?
Per U.S. BLS OEWS data for Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX MSA (BLS OEWS), prevailing mean hourly wages are $26.75/hr for carpenters, $30.14/hr for electricians, and $29.20/hr for AV technicians. Combined retail sales tax in Austin (ZIP 78701) is 8.25%.
*Source: U.S. BLS OEWS + State Revenue*
### What live entertainment or arena events are scheduled in Austin via Ticketmaster?
Ticketmaster Discovery API listings in Austin, TX include Mr. Fantasy - Sexy Saturday Nights Tour at Scoot Inn (2026-10-31), Kennedy Ryon: The Can We Evolve? Tour at Antone's Nightclub (2026-10-31), Gospel Brunch: The Levites at Stubb's Indoors (2026-11-01). Nearest CMS-verified emergency hospital: Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas ((512) 324-7000).
*Source: Ticketmaster Discovery API + CMS Care Compare*