XPONENTIAL: A Force in the Uncrewed Arsenal for Democracy
The Hub for Defense Innovation and Collaboration
XPONENTIAL is the hub for uncrewed systems and autonomy in defense, where industry, government, and academia converge to shape the future of mission-ready technology. From strategic discussions to live demonstrations, this is where the defense community aligns on the systems, strategies, and partnerships that define the next generation of capability development. Together, 25,000+ square feet of combined space between MDEX and the Defense Technologies Zone create an unparalleled environment for engagement, collaboration, and discovery.
That spirit of collaboration continues throughout XPONENTIAL’s defense programming, bringing the community together to translate strategy into action.
Defense Programming
The Michigan Defense Expo (MDEX) is co-locating at XPONENTIAL 2026, bringing more than 3,000 government, military, and defense technology professionals to the show floor. Hosted by NDIA’s Michigan Chapter, MDEX is one of the premier defense industry events, connecting DoD buyers, prime contractors, small businesses, and academic partners. Attendees gain direct access to government briefings, industry exhibits, and one-on-one matchmaking with military and procurement leaders.
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Located within MDEX, the AUVSI Defense Theater provides a closed-door forum where senior defense and industry leaders align capture strategies, acquisition priorities, and technology integration. Programming in this theater bridges policy and execution to ensure autonomy moves from concept to capability and remains mission-ready across domains.
The Defense Technologies Zone in the XPO Hall showcases cutting-edge systems and solutions across air, land, and maritime domains, highlighting how autonomy strengthens mission success and advances defense capability.
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Education
Insights from the Front Lines
Across the defense stages and partner pavilions, XPONENTIAL delivers focused sessions on autonomy, AI integration, industrial-base resilience, and mission applications. Hear directly from senior leaders shaping defense policy, procurement, and operational innovation.
Networking
Building the Defense Community
XPONENTIAL brings together military leaders, program managers, and civilian innovators for meaningful conversations that spark collaboration. From informal meet-ups to scheduled receptions, these connections help align government needs with private-sector capabilities and accelerate progress across the defense ecosystem.
Special XPONENTIAL Registration Categories
Onsite | Uniformed Military and First Responders
Members of the military and first responders who register in person while wearing their uniforms will be granted a free XPO Hall pass. The registration personnel at the onsite desk will issue this pass. Those in uniform from the military and first responder community will also be able to attend the AUVSI Defense Theatre on the exhibition floor. Please note that this complimentary pass cannot be obtained online.
Government + Military
Government and Military rates are available to U.S. Federal, state, local, and tribal government employees, to include active-duty members of the military. To register under this category, you must have a valid .gov, .mil, or .org email address. Non-U.S. or Allied Governments may attend under this category as well. Registrants may be required to show their credentials, government employee ID, or military ID.
Please note, contractors do not qualify for government registration and must register under the standard VIP, Full Conference, or XPO Hall Pass.
