MDEX x XPONENTIAL Will Bring Global Defense and Autonomy Leaders to Detroit for 2026 Convention

February 19, 2026

Detroit will host the combined MDEX x XPONENTIAL 2026 event in May, bringing together the Michigan Defense Expo and the world's largest autonomy and uncrewed systems conference at Huntington Place. The unprecedented convergence is expected to attract over 11,000 attendees, including Department of Defense officials, defense contractors, robotics innovators, and manufacturers working across ground, air, and maritime technologies. Michigan's often-overlooked defense manufacturing ecosystem contributes approximately $30 billion annually to the state economy and supports more than 166,000 jobs, making it the nation's largest producer of defense ground vehicles.

Who is affected

Federal decision-makers and Department of Defense buyers
Army contracting officials
Prime defense contractors and global autonomy innovators
Michigan-based manufacturers and technology companies (approximately 5,000 defense and aerospace businesses statewide)
Small businesses, including SBA and 8(a) certified companies
Minority-owned and Black-owned businesses
Engineering, robotics, and manufacturing students seeking career pathways
More than 166,000 workers in Michigan's defense and aerospace sectors
Defense nonprofits and scholarship organizations
Global robotics leaders and advanced manufacturers
Families and young people attending technology displays

What action is being taken

MDEX is co-locating with XPONENTIAL for the May 12-14, 2026 event at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit
Organizers are planning defense vehicles and technology displays on the floor
Army contracting officials are expected to participate with briefings on upcoming procurement opportunities
Small business offices will be providing guidance for companies seeking federal contracts
Registration and exhibitor information is currently available at mdex-ndia.com

Why it matters

This event signals Detroit's emergence as a critical convergence point for defense modernization, advanced manufacturing, and autonomous systems at a time when these sectors are rapidly integrating. Michigan's $30 billion defense economy and position as the nation's largest defense ground vehicle producer have been underappreciated nationally, and this gathering elevates the state's visibility among global partners and federal decision-makers. The co-location provides unprecedented access for small and minority-owned businesses to federal contracting opportunities without geographic barriers, while demonstrating how commercial innovation and defense needs are increasingly intertwined. By hosting this combined event, Detroit showcases its industrial capacity, engineering depth, and ability to support national security requirements while diversifying beyond its traditional automotive identity.

What's next

The MDEX x XPONENTIAL 2026 event will take place May 12-14, 2026 at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit
Army contracting officials will provide briefings outlining upcoming procurement opportunities during the event
Small business offices will offer guidance sessions for companies seeking to secure federal contracts
Defense vehicles and technology displays will be showcased for attendees, including families and students
Companies can register and obtain exhibitor information through mdex-ndia.com

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle