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 | Modern Warfare Conference 2026Remove Modern Warfare Conference 202629–30 Sept 2026 | NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days 2026Remove NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days 202619–20 Sept 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | 29–30 Sept 20262 days | 19–20 Sept 20262 days |
| Registration | — | — |
| Location | Bucharest, RomaniaROMEXPO | Ostrava, Czech RepublicLeoš Janáček Ostrava Airport (Mošnov) |
| Format | Conferences & summitsEurope | Trade shows & exhibitionsEuropeNATO |
| Attendanceestimate | Not disclosed; senior-leader conference format (typically a few hundred delegates) | ~100,000 visitors in 2025 (25th edition); organizers historically cite up to ~200,000 |
| Exhibitorsestimate | Not disclosed | — |
| Delegationsestimate | Not disclosed; NATO and allied military leaders attending | Under flags of 17 partner nations and NATO in 2025; distinguished guests include Czech government, NATO/EU officials, ambassadors and military attachés |
| Floor spaceestimate | Not disclosed | — |
| Budget tierestimate | Mid | — |
| Exhibitor costestimate | Sponsorship/exhibition packages priced on request via prospectus | — |
| Visitor costestimate | Paid commercial delegate passes with early-bird discounts (e.g. €500 sale, €100 early saving); serving senior officers/government typically attend free — exact rates on request | Free admission for all visitors (both days) |
| Audience | PrimesSMEsStartupsInstitutions | PrimesInstitutionsSMEs |
| Topics | UAS / DronesC-UASAir & Missile DefenceProcurementC2 / Battle Management | AirLand systemsAir & Missile DefenceUAS / Drones |
| Organiser | Defence iQ (IQPC) | Jagello 2000 (with the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces and regional integrated rescue services) |
| Editionestimate | 2026 edition (first known edition at ROMEXPO Bucharest) | 26th NATO Days & 17th Czech Air Force Days in 2026 (first held 2001) |
| Patronageestimate | Delivered in official partnership with the Romanian Defence Staff; attended by the Romanian Chief of Defence | Held under the auspices of the President of the Czech Republic and under NATO flags; supported by the Czech MoD, MFA and NATO's Public Diplomacy Division |
| Why it matters | The event offers defence suppliers direct access to NATO commanders, Romanian and allied military leadership, and procurement decision-makers on NATO's Eastern Flank at a time of accelerated regional spending. Its focus on accelerated procurement, SAFE-fund allocation and rapid innovation adoption makes it a relevant business-development venue for SMEs and startups seeking to align products—counter-UAS, air defence, C2, EW, ISR and autonomy—with alliance requirements. | As NATO's flagship public-communications event in Central Europe, it puts allied air, land and rescue capabilities in front of national leadership, ambassadors, military attachés and hundreds of thousands of visitors, giving suppliers high-visibility exposure alongside primes and government forces. The Special Partner Nation mechanism (Germany in 2026) has historically opened industrial and political cooperation opportunities, and the show serves as a debut platform for new platforms and modernization programs relevant to Czech and allied procurement. |
| 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: Modern Warfare Conference 2026 — medium; NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days 2026 — medium.