Inaugural Emergent Defense Forum - Dayton

About this event

The Aerospace Corridor: Dayton to Cincinnati

Where the region's aerospace and defense industry connects

Date: Tuesday, November 10th, 2026

Location: Hope Hotel & Richard C. Holbrooke Conference Center

Address: 10823 Chidlaw Rd # A, Dayton, OH 45433

Where Industry Leaders Meet, Collaborate, and Shape What’s Next

The Emergent Forum is an exclusive, twice-annual networking experience bringing together 100+ defense industry professionals, innovators, and decision-makers. Designed to spark collaboration and showcase groundbreaking solutions, each forum features a high-profile keynote speaker followed by an extended networking reception—the ideal environment to connect, exchange ideas, and elevate your brand.

Meet and engage with a powerful mix of professionals driving defense innovation:

• Defense contractors and prime integrators

• Government program managers and acquisition specialists

• Defense tech startups and emerging innovators

• Research institutions and universities

• Supply chain and industrial base partners

Please Note: All attendees must have a ticket prior to the event. Walk-ins will not be permitted. Ticket sales and RSVPs will close three (3) days before the event. Registration is non-transferable.

Keynote Speaker : Mark Williams - Senior Vice President of Strategy - Sierra Nevada Corporation

Panelist Speakers :

Suzanne Sumner - Practice Group Co-Chair / Partner - Taft Law

Ben Dietsch - Vice President of Programs - Hawthorn Aero

Carly Devlin - Shareholder and the Chief Information Security Officer - Clark Schaefer Consulting

Dr. Alison Norton - Director of Digital Transformation Initiatives for Unmanned Aerial Systems - Sinclair College

Eric Harmon - Founder & President - Emergent Defense Magazine

Event Format:

Two Hours. Endless Opportunity.

5:00–5:45 PM: Networking reception designed for meaningful conversation and connection

5:45–6:00 PM: The Latest on CMMC - Presented by Carly Devlin , Shareholder and Cybersecurity Leader with Clark Schaefer Consulting

6:00–6:20 PM: Keynote presentation -

6:20 PM - 7:10 PM: Panel Discussion from influential leaders shaping the future of defense

7:10 PM: End of Event

Admission Includes: 1 drink ticket, light Appetizers, attendance to Keynote speaker, and access to industry exclusive networking with ranking professionals in the defense industry.

Why Attend:

• Build relationships with key stakeholders across the defense ecosystem

• Discover and share innovations shaping national security and defense capabilities

• Position your organization as a trusted partner and thought leader

Join us for an evening where innovation meets opportunity—and where the future of defense collaboration takes shape.

Please Note: All attendees must have a ticket prior to the event. Walk-ins will not be permitted. Ticket sales and RSVPs will close three (3) days before the event. Registration is non-transferable.

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Event Disclaimer: This industry networking event requires advance registration and government-issued ID for entry. No classified or controlled information will be shared. Photography or recording is prohibited without authorization. Participation does not imply government endorsement. Event organizers reserve the right to deny entry or remove attendees for non-compliance. Prohibited items may include weapons, recording devices, or restricted electronics. No refunds will be issued for removal due to policy violations.

From Dayton Magazine