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 | MSPO – International Defence Industry ExhibitionRemove MSPO – International Defence Industry Exhibition8–11 Sept 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dates | 18–19 Mar 20262 days | 26–27 Aug 20262 days | 8–11 Sept 20264 days |
| Registration | — | — | — |
| Location | Gdynia, PolandOBR CTM S.A. (Naval Technology Centre) | Lovedale, AustraliaRydges Resort Hunter Valley | Kielce, PolandTargi Kielce Exhibition & Congress Centre |
| Format | Conferences & summitsEurope | Conferences & summitsAustralia & Oceania | Trade shows & exhibitionsEurope |
| Attendanceestimate | Not disclosed; intimate audience of government, military and industry experts | ~280 delegates from defence, government, and industry nationally | ~39,000 visitors from 56 countries (2025) |
| Exhibitorsestimate | Not applicable; technology partners of OBR CTM rather than a formal exhibitor floor | Not publicly disclosed; sponsors and exhibitors present across both days | ~1,000 exhibitors from 35 countries (2026 record; 811 in 2025) |
| 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 | 170 official delegations from 42 countries (2025) |
| Floor spaceestimate | Not applicable; hosted at OBR CTM headquarters, Gdynia | Not publicly disclosed; boutique conference format at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley | ~40,000 sqm, fully sold out for 2026 |
| Budget tierestimate | Mid | Mid | Flagship |
| Exhibitor costestimate | Not published; not a classic exhibition (workshop-based conference) | Sponsorship/exhibitor packages available on request; no public per-sqm rate listed | Est. EUR 200-400/sqm raw space; typical stand EUR 15,000-80,000+ (no public rate card; 2026 sold out) |
| 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 | 180 PLN (~€42) single-entry; 330 PLN (~€76) 4-day pass; free for military/uniformed services with invitation |
| Audience | PrimesSMEsStartupsInstitutions | PrimesSMEsStartupsInstitutions | PrimesSMEsStartupsInstitutions |
| Topics | MaritimeISR & SensorsC2 / Battle ManagementCyberDual-use | ProcurementMaritimeAIAutonomy & RoboticsISR & Sensors | Land systemsAirMaritimeCyberUAS / DronesC-UASAutonomy & RoboticsAir & Missile DefenceMunitions & MissilesSoldier SystemsC2 / Battle ManagementISR & SensorsEWAISimulation & TrainingCBRNDefence MedicalLogisticsProcurement |
| Organiser | OBR CTM S.A., Ministry of National Defence (Poland) and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) | HunterNet Co-op | Targi Kielce S.A. |
| Editionestimate | 4th edition (Digital Baltic 2026); first held June 2023 | ~17th edition (10th Anniversary held c.2019; conference running since c.2010) | 34th edition (annual since 1993) |
| 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 | Honorary patronage of the President of Poland; co-organized with the Ministry of National Defence, PGZ as Strategic Partner |
| 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. | MSPO is one of the highest-value contracting forums in Europe: the 2025 edition saw over PLN 6 billion in defence contracts signed on-site, making it a critical venue for business development in Central and Eastern European procurement markets. Poland's status as one of the EU's most active defence spenders — with the largest NATO GDP-percentage defence budget — gives suppliers direct access to live procurement pipelines and senior ministry decision-makers. For SMEs and startups, the Canadian Lead Nation programme, B2B matchmaking, and the DEFENDER awards offer structured pathways to partnerships, export opportunities, and visibility with global primes and government buyers. |
| Links | DossierOfficial site | 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; MSPO – International Defence Industry Exhibition — high.