If your business operates in the modeling, simulation, and training (MS&T) sectors, I/ITSEC 2026 should be at the top of your agenda.
The world’s largest conference of its kind, it brings together military leaders, defense professionals, government agencies, leading academics, and senior decision-makers—all under one roof.
For exhibitors, it represents the chance to:
- See which training, modeling, simulation, and education technologies are shaping the industry.
- Form effective, long-term partnerships.
- Open up a whole host of business opportunities.
As a seasoned strategic trade show partner, we know why I/ITSEC is such a big date in the trade show calendar.
Our article explains everything you need to know about it and how we’ll help you stand out at this year’s event.
What does I/ITSEC stand for?
I/ITSEC stands for the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference.
It’s organized and sponsored by the National Training & Simulation Association (NTSA), an affiliate of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA). The NTSA promotes international and interdisciplinary cooperation within the fields of modeling and simulation (M&S), training, education, analysis, and related disciplines.
As we alluded to above, I/ITSEC is the world’s largest event dedicated to modeling, simulation, and training technologies, serving sectors such as:
- Defense
- Aerospace
- Healthcare
- Education
- Advanced technology industries
Who attends I/ITSEC?
I/ITSEC attracts over 18,000 industry professionals from the armed services, industry, and academia. This is a highly qualified, engaged group of people with whom you’ll engage and share the show floor.
In terms of international participation, 2,096 attendees from 55 countries participated at I/ITSEC 2025.
Attendees include:
- Leaders
- Policymakers
- Scientists
- Applied researchers
- Engineers
- Simulation professionals
- Military personnel
- First responders
- Teachers
- Trainers
- Instructional designers
Its website also contains the heading ‘Who Should Exhibit?’, under which reads:
- Training System Developers
- Simulation & AI Providers
- Defense Contractors & Integrators
- Cybersecurity & Digital Twin Innovators
- R&D Labs & Tech Accelerators
- Academic Institutions & Research Centers
- Workforce Development & STEM Organizations
This gives you an indication as to who you can expect to see at I/ITSEC 2026 and whether it’s the right fit for you.
What makes I/ITSEC unique is the concentration of operational users and acquisition stakeholders in one place, creating unparalleled opportunities for you to collaborate with industry leaders and generate a pipeline of the highest quality leads.
Where and when is I/ITSEC 2026?
I/ITSEC 2026 is scheduled to take place from November 30 through December 4, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Florida.
It will be held in the center’s SOUTH Concourse, located at 9899 International Blvd, Orlando, FL. The South Concourse is the event building between the Hyatt and Hilton hotels and across the street from the Rosen Centre Hotel.
The OCCC offers extensive exhibit space and provides convenient access to nearby hotels and transportation.
It also has an array of amenities, including high-speed WiFi, business centers, on-site dining, and wheelchair accessibility.
What are the trade show floor hours at I/ITSEC 2026?
Exact hours will be confirmed nearer the time, but you can get an idea by checking out the agenda for last year’s show here.
For more information, contact I/ITSEC directly at (703) 247-2569.
How much does I/ITSEC cost?
Registration fees vary depending on attendee category and timing.
Registration for I/ITSEC 2026 opens in August 2026.
You can find all of the I/ITSEC 2025 registration pricing and information here. This page will be updated with 2026 information in early Spring.
What can I expect at I/ITSEC 2026?
Attendees and exhibitors can expect:
- Cutting-edge simulation and training technologies.
- Peer-reviewed paper presentations on the latest research and applications in MS&T.
- Professional workshops and tutorials.
- Immersive demonstrations and experiential exhibits.
- Networking opportunities with military leaders and government agencies.
- Collaboration across industry and academia.
- Discussions shaping the future of training and operational readiness.
Put simply, if you’re looking to position yourself as a key player in the rapidly evolving global security environment, I/ITSEC gives you the platform to do just that.
How we’ll help you stand out at I/ITSEC 2026
As you know by now, I/ITSEC 2026 is a highly competitive environment, with over 500 companies vying for attention.
That’s why you need a polished trade show booth that instantly grabs a decision-maker’s attention and makes every second of it count.
You need to work with a partner that understands what I/ITSEC entails, who will be there, and how you can maximize both your impact on the show floor and your subsequent ROI.
That’s us.
Reach out to The Trade Group today
At The Trade Group, we’ve helped businesses like yours bring their products and services to life since 1986.
We know that the world’s foremost MS&T professionals will be in the room at I/ITSEC 2026, and that you can’t afford to spend money just to blend in with the crowd.
That’s why we don’t just create booths—we create immersive, engaging, storytelling assets that bring your business to life and allow you to engage key decision-makers and build mission-driven connections.
You can check out six examples of the exhibits we’ve created for our clients here.
Whether you need a fully custom exhibit, rental solutions, or strategic event support, our team will ensure that you make your presence felt at I/ITSEC and achieve measurable business impact.
Whatever your requirements, reach out here or call us at (800) 343-2005.
