Who Attends and Why
Tap into Autonomous Technology at Industrial Scale
XPONENTIAL is where the industry’s greatest minds converge. This year, we’re meeting in Detroit to enable real-world autonomy at scale. This is where new capabilities are launched, big decisions are made, and major deals are closed.
What People are Saying
“ Coming together at XPONENTIAL is very important for the future development of uncrewed systems in all domains, and the opportunity to exchange thoughts and ideas in person with others in the industry is crucial. ”
“ XPONENTIAL is special. Attending the show every year is a great networking opportunity for me, and walking the halls and show floor is just as informative for my work as the education sessions. ”
“ The programming at XPONENTIAL is the best in the industry, and it's a one-stop-shop to meet with all of my vendors that attend every year. ”
“ It's always good to reconnect with our existing customers and find new customers at XPONENTIAL every year. XPONENTIAL is the best uncrewed systems show in the US. ”
Conference Program: Advance Autonomy on your Terms
XPONENTIAL brings together the leaders, implementers, and change agents building what’s next in autonomy. Speakers are hand-selected for their expertise, experience, and perspective to equip attendees with the context, tools, and foresight to navigate today’s most pressing challenges in design, deployment, and policy.
Whether you're setting regulatory strategy, advancing new technology, or working to operationalize autonomous systems, XPONENTIAL delivers timely, relevant content curated for your role, your mission, and your moment. Every session is built to inspire action and drive outcomes.
New learning formats include:
Technical Briefings
Focused, information-rich sessions offering timely updates and deep dives into regulatory, engineering, or research topics.
Hands-On Workshops
Interactive, skill-building experiences that go beyond theory and into application.
Provocative Discussions
Bold, unfiltered conversations designed to challenge assumptions and spark new thinking.
Government-Led Roundtables
Facilitated conversations between agency leaders and stakeholders to align priorities and surface barriers to progress.
Interactive Panels
Structured to involve audience members directly in the discussion.
Lectures & Expert Talks
Traditional presentations delivering high-value content from recognized authorities in the field.
The XPO Hall: Identify the Best Tech for Your Mission
The XPO Hall features the latest innovations in uncrewed and autonomous technology. Review the full exhibitor list to plan your visit, or explore each aisle to discover something new.
Networking: Change Starts With Collaboration
XPONENTIAL is the only gathering for industry leaders and end users worldwide to share use cases, experience new technologies, strike up new partnerships, and address real-world challenges. Together, we shape what’s next for autonomy.
What's New in 2026
Each year, we survey XPONENTIAL attendees to learn what they love and identify new opportunities to make the experience better than ever. Here are a few of the new features we designed with our community’s input:
- Government-Led Roundtables
- Facilitated conversations between agency leaders and stakeholders to align priorities and surface barriers to progress
- Session Formats Built for Engagement
- Expect more roundtables, hands-on demonstrations, audience-driven panels, and technical deep-dives that get beyond the slides and into the substance.
- MDEX Co-Located Event
- Michigan Defense Expo (MDEX), hosted by NDIA’s Michigan Chapter, joins XPONENTIAL 2026 in Detroit to connect the autonomy ecosystem with the defense innovation community. Attendees gain access to DoD buyers, government briefings, industry exhibits, and one-on-one matchmaking with procurement leaders—broadening opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Who Attends
XPONENTIAL is a gathering for everyone interested in pushing the limits of uncrewed and robotic technology. Every year, XPONENTIAL draws thousands of researchers, executives, engineers, program managers, warfighters, acquisition officials, buyers, policymakers, and end users from more than 20 industries.
