Joint Navigation Conference - JNC 2027
Event Date
June 7–10, 2027
Location
Covington, KY
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe Joint Navigation Conference (JNC) is hosted by the Military Division of the Institute of Navigation (ION) for the U.S. military and the Department of Homeland Security. Billed as the largest U.S. military Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) event of the year, it brings together joint service and government participants around technical and operational advances in resilient PNT.
The program focuses on joint development, testing, and support of resilient PNT systems, logistics, and integration. From an operational standpoint, sessions cover advances in military applications of GPS; the critical strengths and weaknesses of field navigation devices; warfighter PNT requirements and solutions; and navigation warfare. The 2027 theme is "Robust, Resilient, Assured PNT for Warfighters and Homeland Security."
Attendees include military PNT professionals, DoD and DHS personnel, government researchers, defense contractors, and technology providers. Because the agenda spans open (CUI) US-only sessions plus a classified session, attendees must meet published attendance and clearance requirements. The conference is worth attending for its concentration of joint-service PNT expertise, hands-on exhibit hall, and networking across the defense navigation community.
Show Highlights
- 50th anniversary: 2027 marks the JNC's 50th conference, a milestone for the U.S. military PNT community.
- 2027 theme: "Robust, Resilient, Assured PNT for Warfighters and Homeland Security."
- Technical program emphasizing joint development, testing, and support of resilient PNT systems, logistics, and integration.
- Operational focus areas: military applications of GPS, field navigation device strengths and weaknesses, warfighter PNT requirements, and navigation warfare.
- Multi-level sessions: open (CUI) US-only sessions Monday-Wednesday, plus a SECRET US-only session on Thursday.
- Commercial exhibit hall featuring leading PNT and defense technology providers.
Registration
Registration for JNC 2027 is expected to open in Spring 2027. All attendees must meet the conference's attendance and clearance requirements, and visit requests must be submitted by the published deadline (May 12 for the current cycle). The JNC's DTS conference ID is N20150610734, which is required for DTS government travel orders.
Save $300: Attendees who book an official JNC conference hotel and enter their hotel confirmation number at the start of registration receive a $300 discount (local residents within 70 miles also qualify). The discount cannot be applied retroactively, so book your hotel before registering.
For reference, published JNC 2026 rates were: Member (full) $1,400 standard / $1,100 with hotel discount; Non-Member (full) $1,490 / $1,190; Single Day $900 / $600; Exhibit Hall Pass $1,000 / $700 when paid on or before April 30, 2026, with higher rates after that date. A Registration Grant Program offers complimentary registrations to eligible local first responders and uniformed military ranked E-4/O-4 and below.
To register another person, log into your ION web account, click "Register Online," choose "I am Registering Another Person," and follow the prompts.
History
The Joint Navigation Conference is organized by the Military Division of the Institute of Navigation (ION), a professional society dedicated to advancing Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT). The 2027 edition marks the 50th JNC conference, reflecting a long history as the premier U.S. military PNT gathering with joint service and government participation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is JNC 2027 held?
The Joint Navigation Conference 2027 takes place June 7-10, 2027, at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington, Kentucky, in the Greater Cincinnati area. A SECRET US-only session on Thursday is held at the Air Force Institute of Technology's Kenney Hall at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.
Who should attend the Joint Navigation Conference?
JNC is intended for the U.S. military and Department of Homeland Security, with joint service and government participation. It draws military PNT professionals, DoD and DHS personnel, government researchers, and defense industry technology providers. Attendees must meet the conference's published attendance and clearance requirements.
How do I register and how much does it cost?
Registration for JNC 2027 is expected to open in Spring 2027 through the ION website. For reference, JNC 2026 full-conference rates were $1,400 for members and $1,490 for non-members at the early rate, with single-day and exhibit hall passes also available. Attendees can save $300 by booking an official conference hotel and entering the confirmation number during registration.
What topics does the conference cover?
JNC focuses on technical advances in Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT), including joint development, testing, and support of resilient PNT systems. Operational topics include military applications of GPS, field navigation device strengths and weaknesses, warfighter PNT requirements and solutions, and navigation warfare. The 2027 theme is Robust, Resilient, Assured PNT for Warfighters and Homeland Security.
What are the closest airport and hotels?
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is about 13 miles (a 20-minute drive) from the convention center. Official headquarters hotels include the Cincinnati Marriott RiverCenter and Embassy Suites RiverCenter, both across the street from the NKYCC, with additional official hotels within walking or short shuttle distance. A complimentary shuttle and the free-with-badge TANK Trolley connect the hotels and venue.
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