Conference, forums, matchmaking and live action at the premiere
EURO DEFENCE EXPO (EUDEX) is more than a showcase for the defence industry: From 22 to 25 September 2026, the new trade fair at Messe Essen will bring together companies, government agencies, armed forces, the scientific community and international delegations. Taking place alongside Security Essen, it creates a platform that connects military and civil security. A diverse supporting programme complements the exhibitors’ presentations with security policy dialogue, professional knowledge transfer, practical insights and targeted international networking.
From civil-military cooperation and national resilience to innovative defence technologies, international cooperation and new business contacts: conferences, forums, live demonstrations and matchmaking formats provide additional opportunities and insights on all four days of the trade fair.
EUDEX Forum on all four days of the trade fair
Throughout the event, the EUDEX Forum in Hall 3 serves as the central stage for knowledge transfer, professional exchange and the latest developments in the defence and security industry. Following the EUDEX Conference by CPM on Tuesday and Wednesday, the focus on Thursday and Friday will shift to international networking formats and specialist presentations by companies. Experts will provide insights into technological developments and specific applications – ranging from AI and data-centric security to drone detection and robotics, as well as sovereign IT solutions, logistics and cyber resilience. Attendance at the EUDEX Forum is free of charge for trade fair visitors.
Details and full programme: EUDEX Forum
Conference on civil-military cooperation and resilience
On 22 and 23 September, the EUDEX Conference by CPM, organised by CPM Verlag, will take centre stage at the EUDEX Forum in Hall 3. Experts and decision-makers from the military, politics, business and emergency response organisations will discuss current security and defence challenges. The keynote address will be delivered by retired Lieutenant General Alfons Mais, former Inspector General of the Army. Other panellists include State Secretary Paul Höller from the North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy; Lieutenant General Thorsten Poschwatta, Commander of Air Component Command; retired Lieutenant General Jürgen Knappe, former Commander of the NATO Joint Support and Enabling Command (JSEC); and Prof. Dr Angelika Eggert, Chair of the Executive Board and Medical Director of University Hospital Essen.
The programme covers topics ranging from military requirements and civilian capabilities to the structures needed for effective total defence, healthcare and military medicine in times of crisis, innovations in security preparedness and CBRN defence.
Details and full programme: EUDEX Conference by CPM
Live operational scenario in the outdoor exhibition area
A live demonstration by Training Base Weeze will show how different forces and technologies interact in a complex operational scenario. Using a simulated helicopter crash in a military operational area, visitors will see how reconnaissance, hazard assessment, technical rescue and pre-hospital emergency care work together under time pressure.
Rather than focusing on individual technologies, the demonstration highlights their integration into tactical procedures and the coordinated interaction of different operational forces and command levels. It provides practical insights into the requirements of modern disaster response and civil protection operations. Demonstrations will take place on Wednesday and Thursday at 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm and 4 pm in Outdoor Area 2. On all four days of the trade fair, companies will also have the opportunity to showcase and fly their drones in this area.
International dialogue and matchmaking
With the International Diplomatic Forum, EUDEX also provides an exclusive setting for cross-border security policy dialogue. International delegations, consuls, ambassadors and experts from the security and defence sectors will come together to discuss current challenges, expand their networks and initiate new partnerships. Participation is by personal invitation only.
Further formats are specifically designed to promote international networking within the defence and security industry. On 24 September, Keep in Touch with the Dutch will bring together companies from the Netherlands, Germany and other countries. In addition, the EUDEX Match & Meet B2B matchmaking format enables participants to arrange meetings in advance with potential business and cooperation partners during the trade fair. At V4 Business Matchmaking @ EUDEX on 23 September, German companies will meet representatives from the security and defence industries of Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. Advance registration or an appointment is required for these networking and matchmaking formats; participation without prior registration is not possible.
Plan your visit to the trade fair
With its extensive supporting programme, EUDEX offers trade visitors numerous opportunities beyond the exhibitors’ presentations to gain a better understanding of current developments, discover technological solutions and build international networks.
Full programme at a glance: EURO DEFENCE EXPO – Supporting programme
Plan your visit to the trade fair!
