Defense conferences in 2026 play a central role in how the defense industry, government, and military communities coordinate priorities. These events are not about theory. They focus on national security, readiness, and how emerging technologies move from concept to deployment across the defense industrial base.
As global dynamics continue to shift, defense conferences provide a structured place for discussion, collaboration, and decision making across government, industry, and academia.
Why Defense Conferences Matter in 2026
The defense landscape continues to evolve across air, space, cyber, and ground domains. Defense conferences create an environment where military leaders, government departments, suppliers, and technology providers can share insights and align on priorities.
These conferences support awareness of acquisition programs, sustainment needs, and long term development efforts tied to the future of defense. For many organizations, they are a key opportunity to stay aligned with department goals and national objectives.
Who Attends Defense and DefTech Conferences
Defense conferences bring together a wide range of attendees.
Participants often include representatives from the military, combatant commands, government departments, and the defense industry. Attendees also include suppliers, sponsors, and members of academia who contribute research and technical information.
Common attendee groups include:
- Military and government leaders involved in security and acquisition
- Defense industry suppliers and equipment manufacturers
- Aerospace and technology organizations supporting innovation
- Academia and research institutions supporting development
This mix supports informed discussion across the entire defense ecosystem.
Conference Formats and Programming
Most defense conferences follow a focused program structure.
An annual conference may span a full week, with panel discussions, classes, and briefings that share information tied to current priorities. Sessions often include senior leaders, secretaries, and department officials offering updates on programs, budgets, and future direction.
Panel discussions and technical sessions provide opportunities to learn from real world experience rather than abstract planning.
Technology, Innovation, and Emerging Capabilities
Emerging technologies are a major theme across defense conferences.
Topics often include defense technology, innovation pipelines, sustainment systems, and equipment modernization. These discussions connect development with operational reality, ensuring new capabilities align with mission needs.
Defense conferences also provide space to discuss how technology supports security, resilience, and readiness across the nation.
Meetings, Collaboration, and Real Engagement
Beyond sessions, meetings drive much of the value.
Defense conferences are structured to support collaboration through scheduled meeting time, private discussions, and small group engagement. Organizations attend to connect with government stakeholders, industry partners, and suppliers in a setting designed for productive exchange.
This is where priorities are clarified and future opportunities take shape.
Planning Defense Conferences with Vendelux
With many defense conferences and upcoming events on the calendar, selecting the right ones is critical.
Vendelux helps defense industry teams understand which events attract the right government officials, military attendees, and decision makers. By using attendee data, teams can align conferences with their ideal customer profile and focus on events that support real engagement.
Vendelux Meetings allows organizations to book meetings in advance with relevant attendees, including government representatives, suppliers, and industry leaders. This ensures time on site is spent in purposeful conversations rather than unplanned outreach.
Security, Information Sharing, and Trust
Security and trust remain central to defense conferences.
Information sharing happens in controlled environments designed to protect sensitive topics while still enabling progress. Conferences are hosted with clear guidelines to ensure discussions support security objectives and responsible collaboration.
This balance allows thousands of attendees to engage while maintaining the standards expected in defense settings.
What to Expect from Defense Conferences in 2026
Defense conferences in 2026 continue to serve as a place where strategy becomes action.
They bring together military, government, industry, and academia to learn, share, and collaborate around defense priorities. With careful planning, structured meetings, and tools like Vendelux, organizations can ensure each conference delivers meaningful impact.
For anyone working across defense, security, aerospace, and government programs, these conferences remain a critical opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute to the mission ahead.
Here is a list of the best upcoming Defense events and conferences for 2026:
- January 2026
- February 2026
- March 2026
- April 2026
- May 2026
- June 2026
- July 2026
- August 2026
- September 2026
- October 2026
- November 2026
- December 2026
January 2026 Defense Events
Shot Show 2026
Jan 20, 2026, Venetian Expo | Las Vegas, United States
A large-scale trade show for the shooting sports, firearms, law enforcement, and defense industries, focused on product launches, supplier meetings, and industry networking.
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D2DCON 9 2026
Jan 22, 2026, Mountain America Exposition Center | Salt Lake City, United States
A conference centered on direct-to-door sales organizations, with sessions on leadership, growth strategy, compliance, and team performance.
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APEX Defense 2026
Jan 27, 2026, Walter E. Washington Convention Center | Washington, United States
A defense-focused event bringing together government, military, and industry leaders to discuss modernization, procurement, and national security priorities.
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February 2026 Defense Events
NDA Demolition USA 2026
Feb 4, 2026, TBA | Phoenix, United States
An industry event for demolition and related sectors, focused on safety, equipment, regulation, and contractor best practices.
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WEST 2026
Feb 10, 2026, San Diego Convention Center | San Diego, United States
A defense and technology conference focused on naval platforms, systems integration, cybersecurity, and operational readiness.
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Munich Security Conference 2026
Feb 13, 2026, TBA | Munich, Germany
A high-level global forum for defense, security, and foreign policy leaders to discuss geopolitical challenges and international cooperation.
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DLAC Ignite 2026
Feb 18, 2026, TBA | Sacramento, United States
A leadership and advocacy event focused on public safety, justice reform, and community engagement initiatives.
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National Congress on Counter UAS Technology 2026
Feb 18, 2026, Admiral Baker Clubhouse | San Diego, United States
A specialized conference focused on counter-drone technologies, policy, and operational use cases across defense and security sectors.
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Enforce Tac 2026
Feb 23, 2026, NurnbergMesse | Nuremberg, Germany
An international trade show for law enforcement and security professionals, covering tactical equipment, technology, and operational solutions.
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Defense IT Summit 2026
Feb 26, 2026, Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City | Arlington, United States
A summit focused on defense IT modernization, cybersecurity, data systems, and digital transformation within government and military organizations.
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March 2026 Defense Events
DVCon U.S. 2026
Mar 2, 2026, Hyatt Regency | Santa Clara, United States
A technical conference for design and verification engineers, focused on verification methodologies, tools, and best practices.
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Air Force Contracting Summit 2026
Mar 16, 2026, Carahsoft Conference & Collaboration Center | Reston, United States
A government-focused event addressing Air Force acquisition, contracting processes, and supplier engagement.
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TechNet Pacific Northwest 2026
Mar 18, 2026, American Lake Conference Center | Tacoma, United States
A regional defense IT and communications conference focused on mission systems, infrastructure, and emerging technologies.
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Dixie Crow Symposium 2026
Mar 22, 2026, TBA | TBA
A defense-focused symposium bringing together military leaders, government agencies, and industry partners to discuss national security priorities.
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DUPHAT 2026
Mar 24, 2026, Dubai World Trade Centre | Dubai, United Arab Emirates
A healthcare and pharmaceutical exhibition with strong government, defense health, and medical procurement participation.
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AUSA Global Force Symposium & Exposition 2026
Mar 24, 2026, TBA | Huntsville, United States
A U.S. Army–focused event addressing force modernization, readiness, and technology development.
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April 2026 Defense Events
Axon Week 2026
Apr 7, 2026, Music City Center | Nashville, United States
A public safety technology conference focused on connected devices, evidence management, and law enforcement operations.
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DeepFest 2026
Apr 13, 2026, TBA | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
An AI and advanced technology event with strong participation from government, defense, and public sector organizations.
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LAAD Defense and Security Expo 2026
Apr 14, 2026, Transamerica Expo Center | São Paulo, Brazil
A major defense and security trade show for Latin America, covering military, law enforcement, and public safety sectors.
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Modern Day Marine 2026
Apr 28, 2026, Walter E. Washington Convention Center | Washington, D.C., United States
A U.S. Marine Corps–focused exposition highlighting equipment, technology, and mission support solutions.
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May 2026 Defense Events
Hill AFB Technology Expo 2026
May 5, 2026, TBA | Layton, United States
A technology showcase focused on mission support, IT systems, and innovation for Air Force personnel and partners.
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Border Security Expo 2026
May 5, 2026, TBA | Phoenix, United States
An event focused on border protection, homeland security technology, and operational coordination across agencies.
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SOF Week 2026
May 18, 2026, TBA | TBA
A global event for special operations forces and partners, focused on capability development, technology, and collaboration.
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AOC Europe 2026
May 19, 2026, TBA | Helsinki, Finland
A conference focused on electronic warfare, information operations, and spectrum dominance.
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CANSEC 2026
May 27, 2026, EY Centre | Ottawa, Canada
Canada’s largest defense and security trade show, connecting government, military, and industry suppliers.
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June 2026 Defense Events
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July 2026 Defense Events
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August 2026 Defense Events
NGAUS General Conference & Exhibition 2026
Aug 28, 2026, TBA | Indianapolis, United States
A major event for the National Guard community, focused on policy, readiness, and industry engagement.
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September 2026 Defense Events
Defense TechConnect Innovation Summit and Expo 2026
Sep 21, 2026, TBA | Washington, United States
A technology and innovation event connecting defense, government, and research communities around advanced solutions.
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Military Influencer Conference 2026
Sep 23, 2026, JW Marriott | Tampa, United States
A conference focused on leadership, communication, and digital influence within the military and veteran community.
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IT Arena 2026
Sep 25, 2026, TBA | Lviv, Ukraine
A large technology conference with strong public sector, defense-adjacent, and innovation-focused participation.
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October 2026 Defense Events
GSOF Symposium Europe 2026
Oct 6, 2026, TBA | Rome, Italy
A special operations–focused symposium addressing capability development, interoperability, and security challenges.
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November 2026 Defense Events
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December 2026 Defense Events
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