Key Events
Explore the premier gatherings driving the future of global security with our curated list of must-attend defense, technology, and national security events hosted in and around Rhode Island.
2026 Defense & National Security Events
June 08–09 | Current Strategy Forum
- Location: US Naval War College, Newport, RI
- Details: Hosted by the Secretary of the Navy, this 75th annual forum examines how the U.S. can meet the dangers of great-power competition and rapid technological change.
- Link: Current Strategy Forum (Note: Official USNWC URL)
June 22–24 | CIWAG Maritime Symposium
- Location: Wyndham Newport Hotel, Newport, RI
- Details: Co-sponsored by the Naval War College Foundation, this public symposium explores the operational, legal, and strategic challenges shaping maritime security under the theme "Gathering Storms & Shifting Tides."
- Link: Center on Irregular Warfare and Armed Groups (Note: Official USNWC CIWAG Hub) https://nwcfoundation.org/events/ciwag2026/
August 21 | Newport National Security Symposium
- Location: Newport, RI
- Details: Held under Chatham House Rule, this high-level symposium convenes senior military leaders, policymakers, and defense executives to discuss deterrence, AI, and industrial power.
- Link: https://nwcfoundation.org/newportnationalsecuritysymposium/
August 27 | BlueTide 2026
- Location: Newport, RI
- Details: A high-impact technology demonstration event supported by the U.S. Naval Undersea Warfare Center (major sponsor: Anduril).
- Link: https://polaristechbridge.org/bluetide/
August 31 – September 02 | Defense Innovation Days
- Location: Newport, RI
- Details: Hosted by SENEDIA, this premier three-day East Coast conference brings together national security experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to foster defense innovation and next-generation workforce development.
- Link: https://senedia.org/defense-innovation-days/-
October 28 | Defense Investor’s Summit
- Location: Newport, RI
- Details: Brought to you by the Blue Venture Forum and UTIC. This premier summit connects defense officials and industry leaders with startup founders and top-tier investors.
- Link: - https://blueventureforum.org/events/