National Guard Association of the United States - NGAUS General Conference & Exhibition 2026
Event Date
August 28–31, 2026
Location
Indianapolis, IN
Expected Exhibitors
350
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe NGAUS General Conference & Exhibition is the annual gathering of the National Guard Association of the United States, the nation's oldest military association. The 2026 edition marks the 148th General Conference & Exhibition and takes place in Indianapolis, Indiana. The conference brings more than 4,000 professionals, including defense leaders, from the 50 states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
The event combines a legislative workshop, professional development, and a large exhibition floor. Exhibitors come to generate leads, meet industry experts, and showcase their products at this three-day event. Attendees include Army and Air National Guard officers, adjutants general, senior enlisted and warrant officers, spouses, and corporate partners from across the defense industry.
Beyond the exhibit hall and business sessions, the conference features a full slate of social and networking events, tours, caucuses, and receptions hosted by the state association. For anyone connected to the National Guard community — from uniformed leaders to defense-industry suppliers — it is the premier annual forum for advocacy, networking, and showcasing new capabilities.
Show Highlights
Key features of the 2026 Indianapolis conference include:
- Exhibition floor showcasing defense-industry products, with simulators and a drone show planned for the closing day at the Indiana State Museum.
- Signature social events, including the States Dinner in the Sagamore Ballroom (with the Lt. Dan Band), the Governor's Farewell Reception, a Fun Run along the Canal, and mixers at Victory Field during Indianapolis Indians baseball games.
- Tours and activities such as the IMS Museum & Track Tour at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a Monuments walking tour of war memorials, and NGAUS golf tournaments at Brickyard Crossing Golf Course.
- Professional caucuses and luncheons for warrant officers, retired/separated members, and spouses.
- A legislative workshop focus that has been central to the conference since its founding.
Attendance
The NGAUS General Conference & Exhibition draws more than 4,000 professionals, including defense leaders, from the 50 states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. More than 350 exhibitors participated in the 2025 conference in Milwaukee.
Registration
Registration for the 148th General Conference & Exhibition is handled through the official NGAUS event page. Both attendees and exhibitors register for the conference online. Additional details and registration information for the various conference events are published closer to the event. Prospective exhibitors and sponsors can also arrange participation through the host state association.
History
NGAUS is the nation's oldest military association; militia officers formed the association in 1878 to obtain better equipment and training by educating Congress on militia requirements. While the conference has grown into a multi-faceted business event with important industry and membership aspects, it has consistently served as a legislative workshop since the first conference in 1878. The 2026 Indianapolis meeting is the 148th edition. Today NGAUS supports a membership of more than 40,000 Army and Air National Guard officers. Future host cities are already set: Salt Lake City in 2027, San Juan in 2028, and Columbus in 2029.
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 21, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 NGAUS General Conference & Exhibition?
The 148th General Conference & Exhibition takes place August 28 to 31, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is held at the Indiana Convention Center at 100 South Capitol Avenue.
Who attends the NGAUS conference?
The conference brings more than 4,000 professionals, including defense leaders, from the 50 states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. Attendees include Army and Air National Guard officers, adjutants general, warrant and enlisted members, spouses, and defense-industry partners.
How many exhibitors take part, and how do I exhibit?
More than 350 exhibitors participated in the 2025 conference in Milwaukee. Exhibitors register for the conference through the official NGAUS event page, where booth setup and exhibitor information are provided; sponsorship opportunities are handled through the host state association.
What hotels are near the venue?
The Indiana Convention Center is connected via an enclosed skywalk system to about 12 hotels with roughly 5,200 rooms. Skywalk-connected options include the JW Marriott, Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, Westin, Hyatt Regency, Crowne Plaza at Union Station, and Omni Severin.
How do I get to the venue from the airport?
Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is about 13 miles from the convention center. A taxi takes roughly 23 minutes and costs $30–$40, rideshare runs around $25, and IndyGo's Route 8 bus is a budget option at about $2.
From the blog
Recent guides and industry insights for exhibitors and planners.
August 6, 2026Trade Show Lead Capture: What Actually Works
Why scan counts mislead, the three questions that qualify a visitor in thirty seconds, and the 48-hour follow-up window where trade show ROI is won or lost.
Read more
July 30, 2026Drayage Explained: The Trade Show Cost Nobody Warns You About
What material handling actually pays for, why it is billed per hundredweight, the surcharges that double estimates, and six decisions that genuinely reduce it.
Read more
July 23, 2026How to Choose the Right Trade Show for Your Business
Attendance numbers are close to useless on their own. Five questions that tell you whether a show will work, and how to build a portfolio instead of a list.
Read more
July 16, 2026The 12-Month Trade Show Planning Timeline
Every deadline that matters, counted backwards from show open — including the advance-order deadline that saves 20–40% and the 48-hour window that decides your ROI.
Read more
July 9, 2026Trade Show Booth Sizes Explained: 10x10 to Island
What each booth size actually gives you, the height and setback rules that catch first-timers, and how to size a booth from your staffing rather than your budget.
Read more
July 2, 2026What Does It Actually Cost to Exhibit at a Trade Show?
A line-by-line breakdown of the nine costs of exhibiting — including drayage and staff time, the two that blow up budgets and never appear in the quote.
Read more
June 10, 2026Top Trade Shows in Las Vegas in 2026
A guide to the biggest trade shows and exhibitor opportunities in Las Vegas through 2026 — dates, industries, exhibitor counts, and what each show is best for.
Read more- September 2, 2025tradeshows.fyi
Trade Shows Demystified: Your Ultimate Guide to Exhibiting, Attending, and Everything in Between
Introduction to Trade Shows Trade shows serve as significant events in various sectors, acting as a focal point
Read on tradeshows.fyi 
November 14, 2024tradeshows.fyi10 Essential Tips for Successfully Attending Trade Shows
10 Essential Tips for Attending Trade Shows Attending trade shows offers a unique platform to showcase products, network,
Read on tradeshows.fyi- November 13, 2024tradeshows.fyi
The Ultimate Trade Show Exhibitor Checklist: Planning, Preparation, and Execution
Trade Show Exhibiting Checklist Trade shows present a unique opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their products, network with
Read on tradeshows.fyi
Advertisement