Dates, Speakers and What to Expect

More than 750 defense exhibits, senior Army leaders and thousands of military professionals will converge on Washington, D.C., Oct. 12–14 for the Association of the United States Army’s (AUSA) 2026 Annual Meeting and Exposition, one of the nation’s largest gatherings focused on land warfare and military modernization.

The three-day conference, held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, brings together military leaders, defense industry executives, policymakers, service members and international partners to examine the Army’s priorities and the technologies shaping the future battlefield.

Military.com will be on the ground throughout the conference, reporting on major announcements, interviewing military and industry leaders, and examining what new developments mean for service members, veterans and their families.

What to Expect at AUSA 2026

This year’s theme, “America’s Army: The Foundation of the Joint Force,” reflects the Army’s efforts to modernize its capabilities while maintaining its central role in supporting military operations across every domain.

According to AUSA, the annual gathering draws more than 40,000 attendees and features over 750 exhibits showcasing military equipment, emerging technologies and defense innovations.

Among the scheduled speakers are Acting Secretary of the Army Adam R. Telle; Gen. Christopher C. LaNeve, the Army’s vice chief of staff who is also serving as acting chief of staff; and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael R. Weimer.

The conference will feature discussions on military readiness, modernization, recruiting, training and the evolving challenges facing American soldiers.

A major focus will be how the Army is adapting to a battlefield increasingly shaped by drones, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and long-range precision weapons.

Attendees will also have opportunities to explore new equipment and technologies designed to improve battlefield effectiveness and protect American forces.

More Than Weapons and Technology

Although new military technology often attracts significant attention, AUSA also provides a forum for addressing issues affecting soldiers and their families.

Scheduled discussions include military quality of life, permanent change-of-station moves, family support and initiatives intended to improve the experience of serving in today’s Army.

The conference also recognizes outstanding soldiers and Army leaders, including winners of the Best Squad Competition and Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year honors.

Military.com will provide reporting throughout the event, including interviews with senior military officials, defense industry leaders and innovators developing the next generation of military capabilities.

Coverage will examine not only what the Army and defense companies are announcing, but also how those developments could affect military operations, readiness and the people serving in uniform.

Have a story idea, announcement or perspective worth sharing during AUSA? Contact Douglas Lindsay, Military.com’s Deputy Editor, at douglas.l@military.com.

Readers can follow the latest news, interviews and analysis on Military.com’s dedicated AUSA 2026 coverage hub.

For those attending in person, registration information and the conference schedule are available through the official AUSA Annual Meeting website.