Time / Duration

Activity

Location

10:30

5:30

Expo Floor Open for Attendees

Exhibition Hall

10:45

10:55

MDEX 2026 Kickoff

Welcome Remarks from Mrs. Jennifer Swift (Senator Peters Office),

MDEX Chair LTC(R) Misty Martin

Defense Theater

11:00

12:30

Army Leadership Panel

Moderator: Misty Martin (M3 Defense)

Defense Theater

12:35

1:35

TACOM’s Campaign Plan: Driving Transformation for Future Readiness
BG Beth Behn, TACOM Commander

Strategic overview of the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command Campaign Plan & its focus on strengthening Army-industry partnership to support modernization. BG Behn will outline TACOM’s seven Transformational Initiatives and discuss industry’s role in Organic Industrial Base modernization, advanced manufacturing, & supply chain agility to ensure Soldiers maintain a decisive edge in future conflict.

Defense Theater

1:40

2:40

OIB Modernization: Strengthening the Army’s Industrial Base Core

This panel provides a 360-degree view of OIB modernization by connecting strategy, execution, and enablement. Attendees will gain insight into the strategic requirements, operational needs, and contracting pathways that are shaping modernization efforts. The discussion will give industry a clear understanding of where and how they can contribute to strengthening the Army’s industrial base.

Defense Theater

2:45

3:15

DoD: Drone Dominance

U.S. DoD Drone Dominance initiative focused on expanding and strengthening the U.S. drone industrial base by encouraging new suppliers to enter the market, helping existing suppliers increase production capacity, clarifying demand and production expectations, and strengthening ties w/ U.S.-based manufacturers and component providers.

Military Advisor to the Test Resource Management Director and Co DDP Program Lead, Lt Col Leo Burkardt

Defense Theater

3:20

4:20

Defense Budget Insights & Outlook

Director, Combat & Tactical Wheeled Vehicles, Cypress International

Mr. Michael Clow

Defense Theater

4:20

Wrap Up and Invite to Networking Event

MDEX Chair LTC(R) Misty Martin

Defense Theater

4:30

5:30

Free Networking Event (Sponsored by United CNC)

MDEX

Exhibition Hall

Time / Duration

Activity

Location

10:30

5:30

Expo Floor Open for Attendees

Exhibition Hall

10:45

10:55

Day 2 of MDEX: MDEX Chair LTC(R) Misty Martin

NDIA MI Chapter President Mr. Valde Garcia

Defense Theater

11:00

12:30

CPE Ground / ACC-DTA

Mission, Vision, Current and Future Requirements

Defense Theater

12:35

1:35

Support to the OIB and Advanced Manufacturing

Discussion of TACOMs efforts regarding Advanced Manufacturing, the ties we have to industry, academia, and the organic industrial base. Further discuss business development as it relates to sUAS and utilizing the facility to full capacity (formerly Sky Foundry), and how industry and the OIB can partner (P3) to achieve unified goals.

Defense Theater

1:40

2:35

From Global Markets to U.S. Missions: Partnering Across Borders in Defense

Experienced OEM, government, and business development leaders will discuss how companies successfully pursue international defense markets while supporting U.S. defense priorities. The panel will address Foreign Military Sales, direct commercial sales, international partnerships, supply chain integration, export controls, and lessons learned from executing cross-border defense programs.

Defense Theater

2:40

3:40

CPE Mission Autonomy

Mission, Vision, Current and Future Requirements

Defense Theater

3:45

5:15

US Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) Partnership Pathways

The U.S. Army’s Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) will cover a variety of pathways for industry partners to consider for entry into its Science & Technology (S&T) ecosystem for the specific purpose of collaborating on future Army ground vehicle technologies. 

Defense Theater

5:20

Wrap Up & What’s Tomorrow

MDEX Chair, LTC(R) Misty Martin

Defense Theater

Time / Duration

Activity

Location

10:30

3:00

Expo Floor Open for Attendees

Defense Theater

10:45

10:55

Welcome to the Last Day of MDEX 2026

MDEX Chair Misty Martin

Defense Theater

11:00

12:30

CPE Combat Sustainment / ACC-DTA:

Mission, Vision, Current and Future Requirements

Defense Theater

12:35

1:05

Camp Grayling / MI National Guard – Update and Opportunities

BG Wagh, Assistant Adjutant General, Michigan Army National Guard

Defense Theater

1:10

1:40

Space Force Association

Mr. Jack Smith, VP of Chapter Operations, SFA National Chapter

Ms. Kristen Jenkins, President, Michigan Chapter SFA

Defense Theater

1:45

2:45

Bridging Commercial Innovation and Defense Needs

As the Department of Defense expands its use of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) solutions, this panel will examine what that shift means in practice. Leaders from government, traditional defense, and commercial industry will discuss where commercial technologies are gaining traction, where barriers remain, and how companies can realistically position for defense opportunities. Topics include OTAs, acquisition pathways, and aligning commercial capabilities to mission needs.

Defense Theater

2:50

Final Thoughts from the MDEX Chair: Reflections and The Road to 2027

Defense Theater

*3:00

Exhibition & Briefing Halls Close/ Booth Breakdown Starts

All Areas