SHARE:

Attend

Attendee Categories

We have a number of categories by which someone can attend DEFSEC West 2026. The list below are the various options available this year. By reading though these, you should be able to identify which category you should attend under and if not, you can e-mail us at registration@defsecwest.ca and we can assist you.

SPECIAL NOTE: Early Bird pricing for Industry Non-Exhibitor passes ends on Sunday, February 22, 2026. Prices for those passes will revert to their Regular pricing which is as follows:

  • Industry Non-Exhibitor FULL Pass: $440 + GST
  • Industry Non-Exhibitor ONE-DAY Pass: $275 + GST

Industry Exhibitor FULL Pass

$350 + GST

  • ONE-DAY Pass: $200 + GST (Only includes access to activities on day of EXCEPT all Industry Exhibitors can go to Tuesday Opening Reception)
  • This category is if you are attending as an employee of a private-sector organization that is exhibiting on the floor.
  • Current and valid government-issued photo ID will be REQUIRED to be presented upon check-in at the event.
  • Provides access to: Exhibition Hall, Presentations Pavilion, Receptions, Web Platforms, B2B Meeting Zone & Program Participation

Industry Non-Exhibitor FULL Pass

$400 + GST

  • ONE-DAY Pass: $250 + GST (Only includes access to activities on day of EXCEPT all Industry Non-Exhibitors can go to Tuesday Opening Reception)
  • This category is if you are attending as an employee of a private-sector organization that is NOT exhibiting on the floor.
  • Current and valid government-issued photo ID will be REQUIRED to be presented upon check-in at the event.
  • Provides access to: Exhibition Hall, Presentations Pavilion, Receptions, Web Platforms, B2B Meeting Zone & Program Participation

Academic Professional FULL Pass

$125 + GST

  • ONE-DAY Pass: $75 + GST (Only includes access to activities on day of EXCEPT all Academic Professionals can go to Tuesday Opening Reception)
  • This category is if you are attending as an employee of an accredited university/college or academic-industry liaison organization.
  • Current and valid government-issued photo ID will be REQUIRED to be presented upon check-in at the event.
  • Provides access to: Exhibition Hall, Presentations Pavilion, Receptions, Web Platforms, B2B Meeting Zone & Program Participation

Government Employee FULL Pass

FREE

  • This category is if you are attending as an ACTIVELY WORKING employee of a government department/agency OR elected government representative. This means that retired employees do NOT qualify. Attendees in this category can be from ANY level of government (Municipal, Provincial/State, Federal, International).
  • Current and valid government-issued photo ID from the department/agency in question will be REQUIRED to be presented upon check-in at the event to qualify under this attendee category.
  • Provides access to: Exhibition Hall, Presentations Pavilion, Receptions, Web Platforms, B2B Meeting Zone & Program Participation

Military Member FULL Pass

FREE

  • This category is if you are attending as an ACTIVELY SERVING member of the Canadian Forces (CF) or another foreign military. This means that retired members do NOT qualify. Please take special note that civilians working for the Department of National Defence (DND) should register as a Government Employee, NOT as a Military Member.
  • Current and valid military-issued photo ID will be REQUIRED to be presented upon check-in at the event to qualify under this attendee category. Neither the NDI75, nor the CFOne card are considered acceptable ID to access the event.
  • Provides access to: Exhibition Hall, Presentations Pavilion, Receptions, Web Platforms, B2B Meeting Zone & Program Participation

Invited VIP FULL Pass

FREE

  • This category is if you are attending as an Invited VIP. This means that you have received an invitation letter sent either by e-mail or snail mail by the DEFSEC West Organizing Team.
  • Invited VIPs can come from any type of background, as they are vetted and selected by the organizers.
  • Current and valid government-issued photo ID will be REQUIRED to be presented upon check-in at the event.
  • Provides access to: Exhibition Hall, Presentations Pavilion, Receptions, Web Platforms, B2B Meeting Zone & Program Participation

Industry Exhibitor HR Professional Pass (THU ONLY)

FREE

  • This is a ONE-DAY pass that is valid ONLY for Thursday as part of the Academic “Day of Connection”.
  • This category is if you are attending as an HR Professional from a private-sector organization that is exhibiting on the floor.
  • Current and valid government-issued photo ID will be REQUIRED to be presented upon check-in at the event.
  • Provides access to: Exhibition Hall, Presentations Pavilion, Web Platforms, B2B Meeting Zone & Program Participation

Post-Secondary Student/Faculty Pass (THU ONLY)

FREE

  • This is a ONE-DAY pass that is valid ONLY for Thursday as part of the Academic “Day of Connection”.
  • This category is if you are attending as a Post-Secondary Student or Faculty from a Participating Institution.
  • Current and valid government-issued photo ID will be REQUIRED to be presented upon check-in at the event.
  • Provides access to: Introductory Presentation & Lunch, Exhibition Hall, Web Platforms

Accredited Media FULL Pass

FREE

  • This category is if you are planning to attend as a Member of the Media.
  • In order to gain access to the event, media personnel will be required to go through our accreditation process AND be approved before being able to attend.
  • Individuals representing and accredited by recognized print, television and radio media outlets will be granted Media access. Final approval of attending media will be at the discretion of the Executive Director.
  • Current and valid government-issued photo ID AND official MEDIA CREDENTIALS will be REQUIRED to be presented upon check-in at the event.
  • Provides access to: Exhibition Hall, Presentations Pavilion, Web Platforms