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 | NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days 2026Remove NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days 202619–20 Sept 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dates | 18–19 Mar 20262 days | 26–27 Aug 20262 days | 19–20 Sept 20262 days |
| Registration | — | — | — |
| Location | Gdynia, PolandOBR CTM S.A. (Naval Technology Centre) | Lovedale, AustraliaRydges Resort Hunter Valley | Ostrava, Czech RepublicLeoš Janáček Ostrava Airport (Mošnov) |
| Format | Conferences & summitsEurope | Conferences & summitsAustralia & Oceania | Trade shows & exhibitionsEuropeNATO |
| Attendanceestimate | Not disclosed; intimate audience of government, military and industry experts | ~280 delegates from defence, government, and industry nationally | ~100,000 visitors in 2025 (25th edition); organizers historically cite up to ~200,000 |
| 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 | 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 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 | Free admission for all visitors (both days) |
| Audience | PrimesSMEsStartupsInstitutions | PrimesSMEsStartupsInstitutions | PrimesInstitutionsSMEs |
| Topics | MaritimeISR & SensorsC2 / Battle ManagementCyberDual-use | ProcurementMaritimeAIAutonomy & RoboticsISR & Sensors | AirLand systemsAir & Missile DefenceUAS / Drones |
| Organiser | OBR CTM S.A., Ministry of National Defence (Poland) and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) | HunterNet Co-op | Jagello 2000 (with the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces and regional integrated rescue services) |
| Editionestimate | 4th edition (Digital Baltic 2026); first held June 2023 | ~17th edition (10th Anniversary held c.2019; conference running since c.2010) | 26th NATO Days & 17th Czech Air Force Days in 2026 (first held 2001) |
| 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 | 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 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. | 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 | 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; NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days 2026 — medium.