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 | Digital BalticRemove Digital Baltic18–19 Mar 2026 | 2026 Hunter Defence ConferenceRemove 2026 Hunter Defence Conference26–27 Aug 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | 18–19 Mar 20262 days | 26–27 Aug 20262 days |
| Registration | — | — |
| Location | Gdynia, PolandOBR CTM S.A. (Naval Technology Centre) | Lovedale, AustraliaRydges Resort Hunter Valley |
| Format | Conferences & summitsEurope | Conferences & summitsAustralia & Oceania |
| Attendanceestimate | Not disclosed; intimate audience of government, military and industry experts | ~280 delegates from defence, government, and industry nationally |
| Exhibitorsestimate | Not applicable; technology partners of OBR CTM rather than a formal exhibitor floor | Not publicly disclosed; sponsors and exhibitors present across both days |
| Delegationsestimate | Not disclosed; participants from public administration, armed forces and services across the Baltic region | All three ADF services (Navy, Army, Air Force) and Joint Capabilities represented; no formal delegation count published |
| Floor spaceestimate | Not applicable; hosted at OBR CTM headquarters, Gdynia | Not publicly disclosed; boutique conference format at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley |
| Budget tierestimate | Mid | Mid |
| Exhibitor costestimate | Not published; not a classic exhibition (workshop-based conference) | Sponsorship/exhibitor packages available on request; no public per-sqm rate listed |
| Visitor costestimate | Not published; registration required and closed (invitation/registration-based conference) | AUD $1,190 + GST (member); AUD $1,290 + GST (non-member); includes catering and Gala Dinner |
| Audience | PrimesSMEsStartupsInstitutions | PrimesSMEsStartupsInstitutions |
| Topics | MaritimeISR & SensorsC2 / Battle ManagementCyberDual-use | ProcurementMaritimeAIAutonomy & RoboticsISR & Sensors |
| Organiser | OBR CTM S.A., Ministry of National Defence (Poland) and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) | HunterNet Co-op |
| Editionestimate | 4th edition (Digital Baltic 2026); first held June 2023 | ~17th edition (10th Anniversary held c.2019; conference running since c.2010) |
| Patronageestimate | Honorary patronage of the Deputy Prime Minister / Minister of National Defence and the Ministry of State Assets; the 2025 edition took place under the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU | Australian Minister for Defence Industry keynoted the 2025 edition; NSW Government is a named Key Stakeholder |
| Why it matters | The conference convenes Polish and Baltic government, military and critical-infrastructure operators alongside defence primes and technology suppliers, making it a targeted venue for firms working on situational awareness, maritime security and dual-use systems. Its workshop format lets vendors demonstrate solutions in realistic crisis scenarios and open direct dialogue with public buyers and infrastructure operators. Backing from the Ministry of National Defence and PGZ signals real procurement and partnership relevance for SMEs and startups in this niche. | 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: Digital Baltic — medium; 2026 Hunter Defence Conference — medium.