Inaugural Emergent Defense Forum - Cincinnati

Emergent Forum: Connecting the Future of Defense Innovation

Date: Tuesday, April 14th, 2026

Location: UC Digital Futures Building

Address: 3080 Exploration Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45206

Where Industry Leaders Meet, Collaborate, and Shape What’s Next

The Emergent Forum is an exclusive, twice-annual networking experience bringing together 100+ defense industry professionals, innovators, and decision-makers. Designed to spark collaboration and showcase groundbreaking solutions, each forum features a high-profile keynote speaker followed by an extended networking reception—the ideal environment to connect, exchange ideas, and elevate your brand.

Meet and engage with a powerful mix of professionals driving defense innovation:

• Defense contractors and prime integrators
• Government program managers and acquisition specialists
• Defense tech startups and emerging innovators
• Research institutions and universities
• Supply chain and industrial base partners

Please Note: All attendees must have a ticket prior to the event. Walk-ins will not be permitted. Ticket sales and RSVPs will close three (3) days before the event. Registration is non-transferable.

Event Format:

Two Hours. Endless Opportunity.

5:00–6:00 PM: Networking reception designed for meaningful conversation and connection

6:00–6:30 PM: Keynote presentation and speakers from an influential leaders shaping the future of defense

6:30–7:00 PM: Continued opportunity for networking and discussion

Keynote Speaker:

Zachary Mears; Senior Vice President, Strategy + Growth - Anduril Industries

Speakers:

Scott Petersen; Colonel (Retired) - Executive Director - Defense Research Initiatives; University of Cincinnati

Ian Haynes - Managing Director - Parallax Advanced Research; Defense Innovation

Dr. Nick Ernst - Chief Architect; Artificial Intelligence Solutions at Thales Avionics

Eric Harmon; Veteran - President - Main Street United; Emergent Defense Magazine

Sponsor Notes:

Carly Devlin - Shareholder & leader of Cybersecurity team; Clark Shaefer Consulting

Admission Includes: 1 drink ticket, light Appetizers, attendance to Keynote speaker, and access to industry exclusive networking with ranking professionals in the defense industry.

Please Note: All attendees must have a ticket prior to the event. Walk-ins will not be permitted. Ticket sales and RSVPs will close three (3) days before the event. Registration is non-transferable.

Why Attend:

• Build relationships with key stakeholders across the defense ecosystem
• Discover and share innovations shaping national security and defense capabilities
• Position your organization as a trusted partner and thought leader

Join us for an evening where innovation meets opportunity—and where the future of defense collaboration takes shape.

Event Disclaimer:

This industry networking event requires advance registration and government-issued ID for entry. No classified or controlled information will be shared. Photography or recording is prohibited without authorization. Participation does not imply government endorsement. Event organizers reserve the right to deny entry or remove attendees for non-compliance. Prohibited items may include weapons, recording devices, or restricted electronics. No refunds will be issued for removal due to policy violations.