Visibility as Currency: The Strategic Value of A&D Conferences in 2026
In the Aerospace & Defense (A&D) middle market, obscurity is a discount on your valuation. For founders looking toward a Strategic Exit Planning horizon, the decision to attend a major industry summit is not about "networking"—it is about market positioning.
The buyers who pay premium EBITDA Multiples—the prime contractors, the Tier 1 integrators, and the specialized private equity groups—congregate in specific rooms. To capture the wealth you have built, you must be in those rooms.
The Intersection of Geopolitics and Valuation
The A&D sector is currently driven by rapid technological acceleration and shifting defense budgets. For a middle-market owner, understanding these shifts is critical to Deal Structure. Are you a commodity manufacturer, or do you possess the proprietary "digital twin" capabilities that strategic buyers crave?
Attending these forums provides the intelligence needed to pivot your narrative from "supplier" to "strategic partner."
The 2026 Strategic Conference Radar
We have curated the following events not just for their size, but for the density of decision-makers present. These are the venues where specialized engineering and defense firms are often scouted.
Note: For owners of specialized component manufacturing or engineering firms, we recommend cross-referencing these events with the specific valuation insights available through our dedicated industrial division, The Precision Firm.
1. The Aerospace Event
Focus: Procurement trends, R&D allocation, and Supplier Strategy.
Strategic Angle: This is a "top-to-top" event. It is less about the trade show floor and more about high-level discourse on where the major primes are allocating capital.
Location: Beverly Hills, CA | Dates: March 2–3, 2026
2. AeroDef Manufacturing 2026
Focus: Advanced manufacturing technologies (Additive, Composites, Automation).
Strategic Angle: If your exit story relies on operational efficiency or proprietary manufacturing processes, this is your stage.
Niche Insight: Industrial exits require a distinct approach to Quality of Earnings. For deep dives on manufacturing valuations, visit Our Specialized Brands.
Location: Boston, MA | Dates: April 14–16, 2026
3. IEEE Aerospace Conference
Focus: Interdisciplinary aerospace systems and deep-tech R&D.
Strategic Angle: Ideal for firms with heavy IP portfolios. If your value is in your patents or engineering team, the buyers here understand the premium you command.
Location: Big Sky, MT | Dates: March 7–14, 2026
4. AIAA Defense & Security Forum
Focus: National security modernization and classified innovation.
Strategic Angle: A critical venue for contractors holding security clearances or government prime contracts. These contracts are transferable assets that significantly boost Valuation.
Location: Laurel, MD | Dates: March 17–20, 2026
5. SpaceCom 2026
Focus: The commercialization of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and satellite tech.
Strategic Angle: The "Space Economy" is seeing an influx of Family Office and Private Equity capital. If you serve this niche, you are in a seller’s market.
Location: Orlando, FL | Dates: Jan 28–30, 2026
The Chairman’s Directive
Do not walk the floor aimlessly. Go with a strategy. Identify the three potential acquirers who need your capability to fulfill their next government contract.
If you are preparing to Sell your aerospace or defense business, or simply want to understand how these industry trends impact your current worth, a proactive Strategic Consultation is the first step.
Contact Us to discuss how to position your firm before you enter the room.
FAQ
How do government contracts affect the sale of my business? Government contracts, especially those with long option periods or "IDIQ" structures, create recurring revenue visibility that buyers love. However, they require careful legal transferability analysis during the Deal Structure phase to ensure value isn't lost.
Should I attend these conferences if I am 3 years away from selling? Yes. The best exits are planned years in advance. Attending now allows you to identify who is buying, what technologies they are acquiring, and tailor your business to fit their "buy box" when you are ready to exit.
Does SeaRidge specialize in Aerospace & Defense? Yes. While SeaRidge handles the broad strategic advisory, our sub-brand, The Precision Firm, is specifically dedicated to the nuances of engineering, manufacturing, and industrial exits.
