MODERN DAY MARINE OPENING CEREMONY
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.
GROUND SYSTEMS ENTERPRISE SENIOR LEADER SYMPOSIUM
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.
WARFIGHTING RECEPTION
The Warfighting Reception brings together Marines, senior leaders, and industry partners in a relaxed setting to celebrate collaboration and innovation across the warfighting enterprise. Held in the Warfighting Pavilion on the Expo Hall floor, this networking event fosters professional relationships and cross-community dialogue while highlighting the ideas and partnerships that drive capability development.
CONGRESSIONAL BREAKFAST
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.
CONTRACTS INDUSTRY DAY
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.
MODERN DAY MARINE HONORS
The Modern Day Marine Honors is a high value ancillary networking opportunity for industry to connect with Marine Corps leadership, Marine Corps Systems Command personnel, and their influencers in the government space. The event will commence with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner where we will honor award recipients.
MILITARY SPOUSE SUMMIT
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.
LOGISTICS COMMAND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SYMPOSIUM
Marine Corps Logistics Command (LOGCOM) will host an Artificial Intelligence Forum in conjunction with Modern Day Marine 2026. The Forum is designed to bring together leaders and innovators from across the Department of War, industry, and academia. As these communities interact, the intent is to facilitate an exchange of advanced analytic concepts and idea with military application as the primary focal point for these latest tools, use cases, and software.
SEMPER FIDELIS RECEPTION
Close out Modern Day Marine 2026 with the Semper Fidelis Reception and Commandant’s Cup Ceremony—a celebration of teamwork, excellence, and the enduring spirit of the Marine Corps. Hosted in the Main Briefing Center, this event recognizes outstanding achievements across commands and highlights the winner of the 2026 CMC’s Wargaming Cup. Join us as we honor those who lead from the front and toast another successful year of innovation, collaboration, and Marine Corps pride.
OBJ 1 WARGAMING CONVENTION
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.
GCE UAS | xUAS SYMPOSIUM
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.
EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT FAIR
The Education & Employment Fair connects Marines, Sailors, and military spouses with educational institutions, employers, and resource organizations committed to supporting career development and post-service success. This all-day event provides opportunities to explore job openings, learn about degree programs, and network directly with hiring representatives.
