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FAQ

NDIA POST

Attending the Conference

How can I make a strong case for my organization to attend the Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference & Exhibition (ETC)? 
Visit the Attendee Justification page for more information to make a case for your organization. 

 

Who should attend ETC? 
The Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference & Exhibition is ideal for government officials, program managers, scientists and engineers, military personnel, industry professionals, and academic researchers interested in exploring the latest innovations shaping the defense industry. Attendees will gain valuable insights into commercial and defense emerging technologies while connecting and networking with peers and leaders across the defense community. 

 
How can I determine which events or sessions to attend at ETC? 
ETC has both general sessions and breakout sessions, in addition to engagements and activations in the Exhibit Hall. We encourage you to plan your week before arriving at the conference by reviewing the conference agenda on our website. 
 
You should attend the ETC technical presentation sessions and visit the posters in the Exhibit Hall if you want to learn more about the state of the art in emerging technologies. Visit the booths in the Exhibit Hall if you want to see (or showcase your own) products and services. Attend the networking opportunities if you want to meet government, military, and industry leaders. Attend the Hackathon (in the Exhibit Hall) if you are interested in participating in solving real technical and operational challenges in real time.  

 
How do I register for the conference? 
Visit the Registration Page and follow the directions. Registration will open soon.
 
What does conference registration include? 
Full registration fees include access to all ETC events at the convention center. It also includes certain meals and snacks: Breakfast (W-Th AM) Coffee Breaks (W-Th AM, W-Th PM), and Networking Receptions (W-Th PM). At registration, you may also register for the Classified sessions being held September 8, 2026. 
 

What clothes/uniform should I wear? 
The conference dress code is business casual for civilians and Class A uniforms for military. 

 

How do I access conference proceedings? 

The conference proceedings will be made available after the conference to all registered attendees. Proceedings will include presentations which have been appropriately marked and approved for release by presenters. 

Technical Abstract Presentations

What are the technical abstract presentations like? 
Technical abstract presentations discuss emerging technologies, including those highlighted in DoD’s critical technology areas, and their use in addressing some of the highest priority mission challenges facing the DoD today. Topics include Game Changing Technologies, Allies and Partners, Data Analytics, Digital Engineering, Energy and Power, Biotechnology, and Advanced Technologies for Acquisition and Financial Management Operations. 

There will be two rooms in the Exhibit Hall, where technical presentation sessions will run concurrently during breakout sessions. Speakers stand at a podium in front of the room and deliver their presentations with the aid of a projector and slides. Each presenter is given 15 minutes, which typically includes a 10-minute presentation followed by five minutes of questions. 

E-Poster Presentations

What are the electronics poster presentations like? 
Electronic poster presentations address the same topics as technical abstract presentations in a different format.  

There will be a row of electronic posters in the Exhibit Hall. Each presenter is given a space including a high-top table and the electronic screen, which they connect their personal computers to. Electronic poster presenters are assigned one full day at the conference (Wednesday or Thursday). 

Breakout Sessions

What are the breakout sessions like? 
There are three hours of breakout sessions each day. During these sessions, there are several concurrent tracks running programming in breakout rooms.  Breakout sessions have a number of possible formats including panel sessions, fireside chats, and solo speakers. 

Hackathon

What is the Hackathon for Global Defense? 
ETC also brings together warfighters, the acquisition community, and problem solvers for the Global Hackathon for Defense, September 7-10. Kicking off ahead of ETC, this event links Department of War challenges with industry innovation in real time across the globe. Hackathon organizers are currently working with DOW partners to identify uses cases/challenge problems and data sets for the hackathon participants to work. 

One-on-One Meetings

What are the one-on-one meetings? 
NDIA organizes one-on-one sessions for industry and government to meet during the conference in the Exhibit Hall. Interested government participants should register their interest before July. Industry participants will then apply to meet for 10-minute sessions with the government groups. These applications are reviewed by the government organizations before a final schedule is created.  

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