MS&D Expo & Conference

With its evolution into the MS&D Expo & Conference, Hamburg Messe und Congress is significantly expanding the format in 2026. Hall B8 will serve as the naval hub of SMM, bringing together the expo, conference and central Naval Stage.

The MS&D Expo will run throughout the full exhibition period from 1 to 4 September, showcasing technologies for maritime security and defence. The MS&D Conference will take place on 3 and 4 September on the central Naval Stage, which, as an open stage integrated into the exhibition floor, will host a continuous four-day programme.

Under the guiding theme “Maritime Security & Defence in a Rapidly Changing World”, the MS&D Conference brings together representatives from navies, industry, government and research. The focus is on the future security architecture of Europe, the capability development of European navies, as well as key issues in defence procurement and technological innovation.

Key topics of the 2026 conference programme include:

– Europe’s Maritime Capabilities
– Maritime Warfare Requirements
– The Underwater Domain
– IT, Cyber, and Space Aspects of Maritime Security
– Manned and Unmanned Systems