Turning Emerging Technology Into Capability: ETC 2026 Preview

<p>That challenge is at the center of the <strong>2026 Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference &amp; Exhibition (ETC)</strong>, taking place September 8–10 in Washington, D.C.</p><p>In this special episode of <em>Emerging Tech Horizons</em>, NDIA&#39;s Jen Walsh, Director of Divisions, and Rachel Sutherland, Director of Public Relations and Communications, provide a preview of what attendees can expect at this year&#39;s conference. From senior Department of Defense leadership and combatant commands to industry innovators, engineers, acquisition professionals, and researchers, <strong>NDIA ETC</strong> brings together the organizations responsible for developing, integrating, funding, and fielding <strong>defense technology</strong> and next-generation capabilities.</p><p>The episode also features Dr. Suzette Johnson, Chair of NDIA&#39;s Systems Engineering Division, who discusses how mission engineering, systems integration, digital engineering, and agile practices help transform <strong>emerging technology into mission-ready solutions that advance national security</strong>.</p><p>This year&#39;s event features:</p><ul><li>Keynote presentations from senior defense leaders, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and senior officials from Research &amp; Engineering and Acquisition &amp; Sustainment.</li><li>A classified program on September 8, bringing together experts to discuss <strong>emerging technology and national security challenges</strong> in a secure environment.</li><li>The Global Defense Hackathon, where teams from government, industry, and academia collaborate on real-world <strong>defense innovation</strong> challenges.</li><li>A new co-location with the Society of Defense Financial Management&#39;s Data Analytics and Decision Support Conference, connecting <strong>defense technology development</strong> with the acquisition and financial frameworks needed to field capabilities.</li></ul><p>Conference Registration: <a href="https://www.ndiatechexpo.org/registration">https://www.ndiatechexpo.org/registration</a></p><p>  NDIA: <a href="https://www.ndia.org">https://www.ndia.org</a></p><p>Emerging Tech Horizons Podcast: <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5oQnv75FK5aCB0IeYAWVPon0C7Xa75sr&si=bLmHXoFhuLhA5WnM">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5oQnv75FK5aCB0IeYAWVPon0C7Xa75sr&amp;si=bLmHXoFhuLhA5WnM</a>  </p><p>Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, early access to upcoming events, inside scoops, &amp; more:</p><p>LinkedIn: <a href="https://bit.ly/4htROo0">https://bit.ly/4htROo0</a></p><p>Twitter: <a href="https://bit.ly/48LHAx3">https://bit.ly/48LHAx3</a></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://bit.ly/47vlht8">https://bit.ly/47vlht8</a> </p><p>And for more podcasts, articles, &amp; publications all things emerging tech, check out our website at: ndiaeti.org  </p><p>#EmergingTechETI #ETC #DefenseInnovation #NationalSecurity #DefenseTechnology</p>