Air, Space & Cyber Conference 2026
Event Date
September 14–16, 2026
Location
National Harbor, MD
Expected Exhibitors
300
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe Air, Space & Cyber Conference (ASC) is the flagship annual event of the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA). It is the leading professional development event for Air Force and Space Force officers, enlisted members, civilians, veterans, and defense industry leaders and representatives. The 2026 edition carries the theme "Advancing Air & Space Dominance: An Urgent Call to Build and Sustain the Forces," reflecting a focus on modernization, operational readiness, and emerging defense technologies.
The event provides first-class professional military development, facilitates the sharing of emerging requirements and technologies, and strengthens connections among airmen, guardians, government, industry, and academia. It brings together military leadership, defense organizations, industry representatives, and technology providers to examine current priorities across air, space, and cyber operations.
For senior leaders, program managers, and defense contractors, ASC is one of the most important gatherings of the year. With keynote addresses from senior leaders, more than 40 sessions, and nearly 300 exhibits, the Air, Space & Cyber Conference offers unmatched insight into the priorities and innovations shaping air, space, and cyber power.
Show Highlights
- Senior leadership keynotes: In recent years the conference has featured major addresses from top Department of the Air Force officials. The 2025 event featured the first major address from the new Secretary of the Air Force, Dr. Troy Meink.
- Extensive program: The 2026 show will feature 40+ sessions with insights from leaders across the Department of War and defense industry.
- Large technology exhibition: Attendees can explore nearly 300 booths in the technology exhibit halls.
- Innovation showcase: In recent editions, AFWERX has hosted "Spark Street," showcasing dozens of Department of the Air Force Spark Cells, Innovation Partners, and ground-breaking technology.
- Aircraft and systems on display: Exhibitors bring full-scale and scale models of aircraft, drones, munitions, and mission systems to the show floor.
- Virtual option: Virtual registration includes access to streamed main ballroom sessions, with on-demand recordings available afterward.
Attendance
The Air & Space Forces Association drew nearly 18,000 registered attendees and more than 300 exhibitors to its 2025 Air, Space & Cyber Conference at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. The three-day 2025 event featured 170 speakers. The audience is heavily weighted toward Air Force and Space Force personnel (officers, enlisted, and civilians), government officials, veterans, and defense-industry decision-makers.
Registration
Registration is handled through the official AFA conference website. For the 2026 edition, registration is expected to open in advance of the event.
Both in-person and virtual passes are offered. Attendees have the option to participate virtually, and virtual registration includes access to streamed main ballroom sessions throughout September 14-16, with on-demand recordings available through September 30, 2026.
Prospective exhibitors can arrange booth space through AFA's show partner, National Trade Productions. Booth sales are handled by Ron Bates at NTP - National Trade Productions (Ron.Bates@ntpevents.com, 703-706-8230).
History
The Air, Space & Cyber Conference is the long-running annual professional development event of the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) (formerly the Air Force Association). The 2021 conference celebrated the association's 75th anniversary. More than 12,500 registrants attended three days of speaker sessions and more than 150 exhibitor booths covering 62,410 square feet at AFA's 2021 conference. The event has grown substantially since then; by 2025 it drew nearly 18,000 registered attendees and more than 300 exhibitors. Over the years the conference has hosted high-profile speakers ranging from senior military and government leaders to notable figures from industry and academia.
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Last updated: July 24, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 Air, Space & Cyber Conference?
The 2026 conference takes place September 14-16, 2026 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C. A virtual attendance option is also available.
Who should attend the Air, Space & Cyber Conference?
It is the leading professional development event for Air Force and Space Force officers, enlisted members, civilians, veterans, and defense-industry leaders and representatives. It brings together military leadership, government officials, industry, and academia.
What can attendees expect at the 2026 event?
The 2026 show is built around the theme 'Advancing Air & Space Dominance,' featuring more than 40 sessions with senior military and defense-industry leaders and nearly 300 exhibits in the technology halls. Recent editions have drawn nearly 18,000 attendees.
How do I register or exhibit?
Registration is available through the official AFA conference website, with both in-person and virtual passes offered. Companies interested in exhibiting can contact AFA's show partner, National Trade Productions (NTP), which handles booth sales.
How do I get to the venue and where can I park?
The Gaylord National is about 8 miles (roughly 15 minutes) from Reagan National Airport (DCA); Uber runs about $20 and taxis about $35. On-site self and valet parking are available, and the WMATA NH2 bus stops a short walk from the hotel.
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