Trade Commissioners’ Marketplace

Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Time: 9:00 am to 11:30 am

Location: Halifax Convention Centre, Ballroom Level, Ballroom B1

Description:
Discover new export opportunities through exclusive market briefings and direct engagement with Trade Commissioners from across Europe.

Join ACADA and Global Affairs Canada – Trade Commissioner Service for an exclusive opportunity to connect directly with Trade Commissioners from key international defence markets, including the Baltics (Estonia, Lativia, Lithuania), Norway, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Belgium.

This dynamic marketplace-style event will feature concise market briefings from each Trade Commissioner, providing valuable insights into current market opportunities, trade trends, and pathways to business growth abroad.

Following the briefings, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in informal discussions and networking with Trade Commissioners, ask questions specific to their export interests, and explore potential market entry strategies. Light refreshments will be served throughout the event.

Whether you are actively exporting or exploring new international opportunities, this event offers a unique chance to gain market intelligence and build connections that can support your global business development efforts.

Tickets:
FREE.  Reserve a spot HERE.

Dalhousie Defence Academic Showcase

Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Time: 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Location: John Lindsay Sr. Design Commons, Richard Murray Design Building, 5257 Morris Street, Halifax, NS

Description:
On behalf of Dalhousie University and as part of the U15 Canada Event Series, “Securing Canada’s Future: How Leading Research Universities are Meeting the Moment,” we would like to cordially invite you to the Dalhousie Defence Academic Showcase, a pre-DEFSEC Atlantic event bringing together leaders from academia, government, industry, and the defence community to explore how university research can contribute to Canada’s defence and security priorities.

The showcase is designed to foster connections across the defence innovation ecosystem and highlight opportunities for collaboration between researchers, industry, government, and operational partners. The event will highlight research expertise, innovation capacity, and emerging technologies with defence and security applications.

Program Elements

• Panel discussions exploring emerging opportunities and challenges.
• Researcher fast talks highlighting innovative projects with defence and security applications.
• Student poster presentations showcasing the next generation of research talent.
• Networking opportunities with researchers, government representatives, industry leaders, and members of the defence community.
• Optional laboratory tours highlighting Dalhousie’s research capabilities.

We look forward to welcoming you for an afternoon of discussion, discovery, and collaboration in advance of DEFSEC Atlantic. If you have any questions, please contact Bronwyn Andrews at bronwyn.andrews@dal.ca.

Tickets:
FREE.  Reserve a spot HERE.

Samuel Group Halifax Citadel Reception

Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Time: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Location: Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, Halifax, NS

Dress: Business or Business Casual.

Transportation:
Complimentary Samuel Group shuttle service will operate from the Halifax Convention Centre, in front of the Sutton Place Hotel, beginning at 5:45 p.m. and continuing throughout the reception.

Description:
The Samuel Group of Companies is pleased to announce that registration is now open for its 6th Annual Halifax Citadel Reception, taking place on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, in partnership with the Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association (ACADA).

Held at the historic Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, this signature annual reception will help launch DEFSEC Atlantic 2026, bringing together leaders and colleagues from the defence, security, maritime, aerospace, government, military and international communities. The evening offers an opportunity to celebrate Atlantic Canada’s defence and security industry, deepen important relationships and recognize the people and organizations contributing to its continued growth.

‍This year, the Samuel Group is honoured to welcome Canada Company as the reception’s Featured Charity, as it celebrates 20 years of dedicated service to Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and military families.The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the connection between Canada’s defence community and the people and families who serve our country.

Tickets:
FREE.  Reserve a spot HERE.  Advance registration is required for security purposes.
Early registration is encouraged.

For any further inquiries, please email rsvp@samuelgroup.ca.

YDA Unplugged Evening Reception

Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Time: 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm

Location: Halifax Convention Centre, Ballroom Level, Room 504

Description:
YDA Unplugged at DEFSEC Atlantic 2026! Join the Youth in Defence Association (YDA) for an evening reception at DEFSEC Atlantic 2026, sponsored by the Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association (ACADA) and supported by Anvil.

The Youth in Defence Association (YDA) is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to connecting, educating, and empowering the next generation of leaders across Canada’s defence, security, aerospace, and marine sectors.

Bringing together students, early-career professionals, government representatives, and members of the Canadian Armed Forces, the evening is designed to create meaningful connections across Canada’s defence community.

Building these relationships now is essential to strengthening the future of the industry and developing the next generation of talent, leadership, and innovation.

Connect over drinks and canapés, hear brief remarks from YDA and event sponsors, expand your network, and learn more about careers and opportunities across Canada’s defence sector.

Tickets:
Please note that a valid DEFSEC Atlantic 2026 pass is required to attend this reception, as the event takes place inside the venue during the official hours. Please purchase your DEFSEC Atlantic pass before RSVP’ing.

Reserve a spot HERE.

ACADA Dinner & Industry Excellence Awards

Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Time(s):
5:30 pm to 7:00 pm (Reception)
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (Dinner & Awards)

Location: Halifax Convention Centre, Ballroom Level, Reception Salon then Ballrooms B1/B2

Description:
ACADA’s Dinner and Industry Awards is an evening of celebration, connection, and community bringing together leaders and stakeholders from across Canada and internationally, alongside Atlantic Canada’s Aerospace, Defence, and Security sectors.

Taking place during the week of DEFSEC Atlantic, this annual gathering offers an opportunity to recognize the shared momentum shaping our industry. The dinner welcomes a broad audience, including representatives from industry, military, government, and supporting organizations. This event is not to be missed.

A highlight of the evening is the presentation of ACADA’s Industry Excellence Awards, which honour individuals and organizations whose contributions have made a lasting impact.

Reserve your seats HERE.

Tickets:
Individual: $295 + HST
Table of Ten: $2,950 + HST

To reserve a full table, please contact Jolie Mack-Lewis at jolie.macklewis@ac-ada.ca.

Sponsorship Opportunities:
Don’t miss your chance to support the event and showcase your brand! To discuss sponsorship options, contact Denise Schroeder at denise.schroeder@ac-ada.ca.

Clash of the Titans Hockey Fundraiser

Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026

Time(s):
5:30 pm – Event Starts
6:30 pm – Main Game

Location: Halifax Forum, 2901 Windsor Street, Halifax, NS

Description:
Esprit de Corps Commandos vs. the RCN Mariners with an exhibition game between the Commando Lites and the Ottawa Service Attachés Association (Lame Ducks). Live music by the RCN Stadacona Band.

This year we welcome participation by players from Halifax based Nova Adult Hockey.

Complimentary shuttle bus to the post game reception at the Juno Tower Mess (by invitation only).

Tickets:
Free admission. All funds raised go to the local Cadet Leagues of Nova Scotia.