Hosting executive-level briefings on critical topics impacting the Marine Corps, allies, partners, and the entire Department of War, the Main Briefing Center is where influential leaders share insights on current policies, strategic developments, and emerging challenges facing the Marine Corps.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

The Warfighting Pavilion focuses on combat development, experimentation, and capabilities integration. It explores the strategies, tools, and innovations that shape modern Marine Corps combat capabilities, with an emphasis on how experimentation drives tactical and operational advancements. This area provides valuable insights into the ongoing development of new concepts and technologies that enhance mission success and prepare the Marine Corps for future challenges.

This exhibit showcases the latest unmanned technologies from the Department of War and defense industry partners. The Drone Zone highlights advancements in unmanned aerial systems and robotics, giving attendees a firsthand view of how these technologies are reshaping battlefield tactics.         

This area provides essential briefings from program managers at Marine Corps Systems Command, PEO Land, NAVAIR, and others involved in the Marine Corps’ acquisition projects. It offers attendees an inside look into the latest acquisition priorities and projects, showcasing what’s coming next in equipment and technology to support Marine operations.

Kick off Modern Day Marine 2026 with a high-energy Opening Ceremony that sets the tone for three days of innovation, connection, and Marine Corps excellence. Senior leaders, partners, and attendees from across the Fleet and industry will come together at the Main Briefing Center to officially open the exposition and highlight this year’s theme. Join us as we honor the traditions of the Corps while looking forward to the future fight. 

This wargaming event provides a focused venue for demonstrations, game play, and networking among military wargaming practitioners, designers, and industry.  Attendees can participate in wargames, computer-based and table-top, or watch teams from MCU compete for the Commandant’s Cup. 

The Military Spouse Summit brings together Marine Corps spouses, subject-matter experts, and key partners to focus on the career resources, education pathways, and federal initiatives shaping today’s military family support landscape. This half-day event highlights current Dow efforts to expand spouse employment opportunities, strengthen licensure portability, and improve career continuity across PCS moves. 

Marine Corps Enterprise-level contracting offices will host this Industry Day to strengthen engagement with industry and small businesses, sharing acquisition forecasts, strategies, and upcoming opportunities in support of the Deputy Secretary of Defense’s initiative to modernize key capabilities and enhance innovation across the national security base.

The Congressional Breakfast will provide congressional staff, industry leaders, and Marine Corps senior leaders a platform to discuss the strategic value and global perspective of the Commandant’s legislative priorities and continuing relevance in today’s security environment.

MDM Honors is Modern Day Marine’s premier recognition event—an annual celebration of the individuals and partners whose exceptional contributions strengthen the Marine Corps, advance its mission, and shape the future of the force. Presented during Modern Day Marine, MDM Honors shines a spotlight on leaders and innovators whose work elevates warfighting capability, enriches the Marine Corps community, and reinforces the enduring bond between Marines, industry, government, and supporters.

The Reserve Leadership Collective (RLC) Annual Symposium convenes Reserve Officers from across the force for a dynamic forum focused on leadership, professional growth, and long-term success within the Reserve Component. RLC brings together both restricted and unrestricted officers to strengthen the community that sustains our nation’s reserve capability.  This annual gathering acknowledges the unique challenges of Reserve service—balancing civilian careers, operational demands, and leadership responsibilities—while spotlighting the extraordinary talent and specialized skills that reside within the Reserve Component.

The National Marine Corps Council (NMCC) Bi-Annual Meeting at Modern Day Marine brings together leaders from Marine Corps Veteran Service Organizations and affiliated groups for an exclusive, high-level forum with Marine Corps senior leadership.
Rooted in the NMCC mission, this gathering provides a unified space to share information of significance to the Marine Corps community, strengthen collaboration across organizations, and ensure aligned support to Marines, veterans, and families. The meeting serves as a dedicated venue for the Commandant of the Marine Corps to deliver updates on priorities, initiatives, and emerging issues shaping the force. 

The GCE UAS/C-UAS Symposium will drive rapid information exchange between HQMC, FMF operators, and industry to surface real-world UAS and C-UAS friction, showcase current programs, and forge direct operator-to-developer partnerships that deliver synchronized, field-ready solutions for the Fleet Marine Force.

The Marine Corps will host a two-day Ground Systems Enterprise (GSE) Senior Leader Summit during Modern Day Marine to bring Service leaders face-to-face with Fleet Marines and industry innovators. With the intent to spark direct dialogue that drives faster increases in ground-system capability, readiness, and speed of innovation.