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 | XPONENTIAL Europe 2027Remove XPONENTIAL Europe 202716–18 Mar 2027 | Annual Meeting of the Supply ChainRemove Annual Meeting of the Supply Chain19–20 Oct 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | 16–18 Mar 20273 days | 19–20 Oct 20262 days |
| Registration | — | — |
| Location | Düsseldorf, GermanyDüsseldorf Exhibition Centre (Messe Düsseldorf) | Lévis, CanadaLévis Convention Centre, 5750 J.-B.-Michaud Street |
| Format | Trade shows & exhibitionsEurope | Trade shows & exhibitionsNorth America |
| Attendanceestimate | ~4,321 visitors from 66 countries (2025 edition) | ~750 participants (based on 2025 edition) |
| Exhibitorsestimate | 360 exhibitors from 43 countries (2026 edition), up from 189 from 33 nations at 2025 debut | ~65 exhibitors (based on 2025 edition) |
| Delegationsestimate | Not disclosed; country pavilions from China, Israel, Taiwan and Spain at debut | Senior government officials and international delegations present; exact count not published |
| Floor spaceestimate | Not disclosed; 2027 to add an additional exhibition hall | Not publicly disclosed |
| Budget tierestimate | Mid | Mid |
| Exhibitor costestimate | Per-sqm participation fee via online calculator; min. 12 sqm; exact rate on request | Flat-fee booth (8′×10′ space, table, chairs); exact rate on request |
| Visitor costestimate | 2026 edition: day ticket EUR 42 on site / EUR 29 online; season ticket EUR 63 on site / EUR 51 online | Paid; ~CAD 300 per additional participant (exact delegate fee not publicly listed for 2026) |
| Audience | PrimesSMEsStartupsInvestorsInstitutions | PrimesSMEsStartupsInstitutions |
| Topics | Autonomy & RoboticsUAS / DronesISR & SensorsAIMaritime | MaritimeProcurementManufacturing & Supply ChainLogistics |
| Organiser | Messe Düsseldorf GmbH | Naval Québec |
| Editionestimate | 3rd edition (since 2025 debut in February 2025) | Annual event; formerly held under AFCDC banner, rebranded to Naval Québec |
| Patronageestimate | Supported by AUVSI, UAV DACH, Vodafone, DST and the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) as strategic/technical partners | Regularly attended by federal ministers (Public Services & Procurement Canada); Government of Canada NSS announcements made at the event |
| Why it matters | The event has emerged as a central European meeting point for the dual-use autonomy sector, connecting primes, SMEs and startups with government, military and academic decision-makers. Its explicit dual-use and defence focus—featuring companies like Rheinmetall and Quantum Systems alongside a dedicated startup zone—gives suppliers direct access to procurement-relevant audiences and live demonstration opportunities. For SMEs and startups it offers a lower-cost route into defence and civil autonomy markets, partnerships and investor exposure. | This is the primary procurement-facing event for Quebec's naval supply chain, where federal ministers have used the platform to announce National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) contracts and submarine procurement updates — making it a critical intelligence touchpoint for any company seeking Davie, Royal Canadian Navy, or Canadian Coast Guard business. With ~750 participants and ~65 exhibitors, it is compact enough for SMEs and startups to gain direct access to prime contractors such as Chantier Davie and Thales Canada. Pre-scheduled B2B meetings with national and international outsourcers give exhibitors a structured path to new contracts. |
| 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: XPONENTIAL Europe 2027 — high; Annual Meeting of the Supply Chain — medium.