Comparison matrix
Two to four shows, side by side, on the numbers that decide a booth: delegations, attendance, floor space and what a credible stand costs. Rows marked estimate come from the research layer, not from an organiser price list.
| Attribute | European Defence Innovation Forum (EDIF) 2026Remove European Defence Innovation Forum (EDIF) 202611–12 Nov 2026 | 2026 Hunter Defence ConferenceRemove 2026 Hunter Defence Conference26–27 Aug 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | 11–12 Nov 20262 days | 26–27 Aug 20262 days |
| Registration | — | — |
| Location | The Hague, NetherlandsWorld Forum The Hague | Lovedale, AustraliaRydges Resort Hunter Valley |
| Format | Conferences & summitsEurope | Conferences & summitsAustralia & Oceania |
| Attendanceestimate | ~1,000+ participants projected (organiser claim for 2026 edition, based on 2025 inaugural) | ~280 delegates from defence, government, and industry nationally |
| Exhibitorsestimate | Not publicly disclosed; 50+ Ukrainian innovators/companies featured at 2025 edition | Not publicly disclosed; sponsors and exhibitors present across both days |
| Delegationsestimate | Senior ministerial delegations from Netherlands and Ukraine confirmed; other partner nations expected | All three ADF services (Navy, Army, Air Force) and Joint Capabilities represented; no formal delegation count published |
| Floor spaceestimate | Not publicly disclosed | Not publicly disclosed; boutique conference format at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley |
| Budget tierestimate | Mid | Mid |
| Exhibitor costestimate | On request via exhibitor registration form; sponsorship packages from EUR 20,000 | Sponsorship/exhibitor packages available on request; no public per-sqm rate listed |
| Visitor costestimate | ~EUR 250 early bird (until 15 Sep); EUR 300 standard | AUD $1,190 + GST (member); AUD $1,290 + GST (non-member); includes catering and Gala Dinner |
| Audience | PrimesSMEsStartupsInvestorsInstitutions | PrimesSMEsStartupsInstitutions |
| Topics | Dual-useUAS / DronesAutonomy & RoboticsProcurementFunding | ProcurementMaritimeAIAutonomy & RoboticsISR & Sensors |
| Organiser | Embassy of Ukraine in the Netherlands, DeltaQuad, VN Strategies (with support of Dutch MoD, Ministry of Economic Affairs NL, MoD Ukraine, RVO, NIDV, ROM-Nederland, Municipality of The Hague) | HunterNet Co-op |
| Editionestimate | 2nd edition (inaugural held 25 September 2025, The Hague) | ~17th edition (10th Anniversary held c.2019; conference running since c.2010) |
| Patronageestimate | Supported by Ministry of Defence of the Netherlands, Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands, Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, RVO, NIDV, ROM-Nederland, Municipality of The Hague | Australian Minister for Defence Industry keynoted the 2025 edition; NSW Government is a named Key Stakeholder |
| Why it matters | EDIF is one of the few European forums explicitly designed to convert operational frontline experience — particularly from Ukraine — into co-production agreements, procurement pipelines, and industrial partnerships, making it a direct route to Dutch and broader EU MoD decision-makers. For SMEs and startups, the curated B2B matchmaking and presence of investors and venture capital funds creates concrete pathways to funding, certification support, and integration into European supply chains. The forum's backing by national ministries, NIDV, and RVO gives participating companies direct access to government procurement officers and defence attachés in a single venue. | This is the only dedicated regional defence conference in Australia that places prime contractors and SMEs in the same room for structured, direct engagement — making it a critical pipeline event for Hunter-region and NSW suppliers seeking to enter or grow within ADF programs. Senior leaders from all three services and Joint Capabilities attend, providing rare first-hand insight into current capability priorities and procurement pathways. For SMEs and startups, the small-group discussion format offers direct access to decision-makers that larger trade shows rarely replicate. |
| Links | DossierOfficial site | DossierOfficial site |
Estimates are compiled from public organiser material and press coverage, and are indicative only. Confirm pricing with the organiser before committing budget. Research confidence: European Defence Innovation Forum (EDIF) 2026 — medium; 2026 Hunter Defence Conference — medium.