Impact
A bigger and stronger platform
ADSE is Canada's flagship Western trade event uniting military leaders, government procurement authorities, and aerospace OEMs to advance national defense capabilities and regional industrial partnerships.

ADSE 2026 is a premier Canadian aerospace, defence, and security expo hosted by AIAC on August 6-7, 2026, at Tradex in Abbotsford, BC, featuring B2B networking and military-government briefings.
Dates
6–7 Aug 2026
City / country
Abbotsford, Canada
Venue
Tradex Trade & Exhibition Centre
Time
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Companies exhibiting at Aerospace Defence And Security Expo 2026 include Acrolab Ltd., Aero, AIAC Pacific, Airbus Americas, Inc. and Aire.
Event overview
The Aerospace Defence and Security Expo (ADSE) 2026 is Canada's premier aerospace, defence, and security event presented by the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC).
Taking place August 6-7, 2026, at Tradex in Abbotsford, British Columbia, ADSE 2026 centers on the theme 'Agility: Aligning Industry and Government', connecting decision-makers from across Canadian and international aerospace markets through B2B programming, high-level keynotes, and industry exhibits.
TL;DR
Delegates gain strategic insights into RCAF modernization, uncrewed aerial systems, defense procurement policy, and emerging aerospace technologies, while participating in dedicated 1-on-1 B2B networking with leading manufacturers and government leaders.
ADSE provides direct access to Canadian Armed Forces leadership, Department of National Defence decision-makers, and major Tier-1 aerospace primes. Exhibiting enables companies to generate qualified B2B leads, establish strategic supply chain partnerships, and position capabilities within major Canadian defense procurement programs.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
V2T 6H5 Abbotsford, Canada
Food options
Onsite catering / event food service
On-site diningParking: On-site parking at Tradex ($7 per day) and adjacent parking at Abbotsford International Airport.
Attend
Event days & opening times
ADSE Attendee Registration
Standard attendee registration pass for the Aerospace, Defence and Security Expo 2026.
Twilight Show Ticket Abbotsford International Airshow
Optional add-on ticket for the Twilight Show on Friday, August 7 after the ADSE program concludes; not included in standard ADSE registration.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Registration and badge collection take place on-site at Tradex starting at 9:00 am on Thursday, August 6, and 8:00 am on Friday, August 7, 2026.
Ticket notes
Registration categories include Delegate, Exhibitor, Government, and Student/Academic (faculty/student ID required). AIAC members receive discounted member rates upon signing into the registration portal.
What's on
The Honourable Stephen Fuhr
Secretary of State – Defence Procurement @ Government of Canada
ADSE 2026 speaker lineup
Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet
Commander @ Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)
ADSE 2026 speaker lineup
Lieutenant-General Iain Huddleston
Deputy Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command @ Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)
ADSE 2026 speaker lineup
Colonel David Donald (Don) Saunders
Acting Director @ Bureau of Research, Engineering and Advanced Leadership in Innovation and Science (BOREALIS)
ADSE 2026 speaker lineup
Lieutenant Colonel Nick Verreault
Head, Joint Uncrewed Systems (UxS) Office @ Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)
ADSE 2026 speaker lineup
Wendy Hadwen
Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy-Industry @ Department of National Defence
ADSE 2026 speaker lineup
Dr. Ahmad Khorchid
Director, R&D Innovation Operations @ Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC)
ADSE 2026 speaker lineup
Chris Nieman
President & CEO @ Conair
ADSE 2026 speaker lineup
Carl Kumpic
Vice President Defence & Government Programs @ Voyageur Aviation Corp.
ADSE 2026 speaker lineup
Kristen Leroux
Vice President and Regional Executive for Canada and Latin America @ Lockheed Martin
ADSE 2026 speaker lineup
Clare Timmis
Vice-President, International @ Mach Industries
ADSE 2026 speaker lineup
Philippe Poutissou
Vice-President, Strategic Partnerships @ De Havilland Defence
ADSE 2026 speaker lineup
Ivan Zhang
Co-founder @ Cohere
ADSE 2026 speaker lineup
Canadian Aerospace Summit 2026
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2024
This edition
2026
Visitors: 50,000
Exhibitors: 500
Next edition
2026
ADSE 2026 will focus on 'Agility: Aligning Industry and Government', highlighting RCAF modernization, joint uncrewed systems, and strategic defense partnerships.
Expanded programming around digital environment integration and uncrewed aerial systems Dedicated B2B networking sessions and integration with Abbotsford Airshow Twilight activities
Growth over time
Edition recap
Impact
ADSE is Canada's flagship Western trade event uniting military leaders, government procurement authorities, and aerospace OEMs to advance national defense capabilities and regional industrial partnerships.
Audience quality
High-caliber executive and official participation, including Royal Canadian Air Force command staff, Department of National Defence decision-makers, and C-suite aerospace executives.
Exhibitor outcomes
Direct access to high-level defense procurement officials, major prime contractors, and targeted B2B matchmaking opportunities alongside the Abbotsford Airshow.
Intelligence
122
Exhibitors
24
Categories
50
Countries
15
Pavilions
Top 10 by exhibitor count — estimates based on published directory.
K1P 6L5
J3V 2A5
H9P 1J1
M3J 1Z3
J4G 1A1
N8N5G2
H4T 1E5
N2G 4J3
V6C 3E2
H3B 5M2
E2L 4S6
V1Y 0L1
E1E 2G8
V4G 1B5
B3J 1M5
High priority
Buyers sourcing
Other Aerospace, Defence & Security Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Aircraft MRO & Component Repair Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Defence Systems & Military Technology Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Aerostructures & Airframe Manufacturing Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Precision Machining & Manufacturing Suppliers
Medium priority
Buyers sourcing
Avionics & Aircraft Electronics Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Aerospace Consulting & Government Relations Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Engine MRO & Test Equipment Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Space Launch & Satellite Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
UAS & Drone Systems Suppliers
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
ADSE sits in a 2026 market where Canada is spending more on defence, rebuilding domestic capacity, and pushing procurement faster. That combination makes the show valuable for suppliers that can map directly to public-sector demand, scale-up needs, and dual-use technologies. For visitors, the event is useful as a concentrated way to compare vendors, meet decision-makers, and watch where Canadian defence priorities are shifting next.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Domestic defence industrial capacity is expanding
Canadian policy in 2026 is emphasizing sovereign supply chains, domestic production, and resilience in critical munitions and defence inputs, which should support procurement conversations at ADSE.
SourceDefence procurement is being streamlined
Ottawa is pushing new procurement structures and a Defence Investment Agency model to accelerate buying decisions, which makes trade shows more relevant for supplier introductions and program mapping.
SourceSmall and mid-sized suppliers are getting more attention
Federal industrial strategy messaging in 2026 highlights financing, commercialization, and scale-up support for SMEs that can serve defence and dual-use supply chains.
SourceAerospace and defence demand remains dual-use
The exhibitor base at ADSE points to overlap across MRO, electronics, avionics, unmanned systems, and special-mission platforms, reflecting a market that rewards cross-sector applications rather than single-product selling.
SourceGovernment presence is a differentiator
The 2026 speaker list and organiser positioning show a strong policy-and-procurement angle, which makes government access a central value proposition rather than a side feature.
SourceLatest updates from across the market.
Canada announces $1.4 billion to expand domestic ammunition production
ReadGovernment of Canada says CANSEC 2026 attracted 300 exhibitors and 100+ delegations
ReadDefence Industrial Strategy highlights scale-up support for SMEs
ReadCANSEC 2026 featured a larger-than-ever exhibitor and delegation footprint
ReadState of Canada’s Defence Industry report updated for spring 2026
ReadThe strongest comparable events in the next 6-12 months cluster around Canadian defence procurement, aerospace supply chains, and transatlantic defence networking. Use this circuit to time outreach, analyst briefings, and partner meetings around the Ottawa and national calendar.
CANSEC 2026
Ottawa, Canada
Canada’s largest defence and security trade show; best comparator for audience size and procurement intensity.
websiteAerospace Defence and Security Expo 2026
Abbotsford, Canada
The focal event for this listing; useful for West Coast supplier and government access.
websiteAUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition 2026
Washington, United States
Major U.S. defence event for companies selling into Army and allied programmes; good for post-ADSE follow-up.
websiteCanadian Aerospace Summit 2026
Ottawa, Canada
AIAC’s separate aerospace policy summit; relevant for buyers and policy stakeholders even though it is not co-located with ADSE.
websiteCANSEC 2027
Ottawa, Canada
Next CANSEC cycle; useful for longer-range planning and annual defence trade-show budgeting.
websiteSpring 2026 procurement window
Ideal for defence-industry outreach, government meetings, and budget-cycle pipeline building.
Late summer supplier window
Useful for West Coast relationship building, product demos, and B2B meetings.
Autumn defence follow-up window
Good for converting summer meetings into broader North American defence conversations.
Dates are organiser-published for CANSEC, AUSA, and AIAC events where available; some future dates may change, so verify before travel planning.
Plan your trip

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Abbotsford International Airport
Most practical airport for the venue; Tourism Abbotsford says YXX is about 15 minutes from Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 W, and Abbotsford Airport’s ground-transport map marks Tradex as a very short trip from the terminal.
about 10-15 minutes by road
to venue
10-15 minutes
by car
Vancouver International Airport
Best for international routings and larger flight choice. Ground transport is available via highway, shuttle, rideshare, and transit connections through Vancouver and Surrey.
about 78 km
to venue
about 1 hour 5 minutes to 1 hour 12 minutes
by car
Bellingham International Airport
Useful cross-border option for some U.S. travellers; private transfer and rideshare options are referenced by local tourism guidance.
about 58 km
to venue
about 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes
by car
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Secondary long-haul fallback; practical mainly for combined U.S. Canada travel or if fares are materially better.
about 200 km
to venue
about 2.5 to 3 hours
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 75–130 / night
Use for simple stays and drive-in access; rates are estimated from current aggregator pricing, not official show rates.
USD 130–210 / night
Best balance for venue access, dining, and parking; common chain and business hotels cluster here.
USD 210–330 / night
Choose for upgraded rooms, conference-style properties, or broader service levels; prices rise during August peak travel.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi / ride-hail
Fastest option for attendees with luggage or tight meeting schedules.
rental car
Most practical if you plan off-site meetings across Abbotsford, Langley, or Vancouver suburbs.
public bus
Moovit lists bus routes 21 and 21A near Tradex, with the nearest stop at Approach Dr at Cornell St.
airport shuttle / private transfer
Useful for groups or heavy luggage; book ahead if arriving outside peak hours.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor visa (temporary resident visa) | Most non-visa-exempt travellers entering Canada for a business visit, including conference and trade show attendance, may need this document depending on nationality and travel document. | — | Varies by country; check current processing times before travel. | |
| electronic travel authorization (eTA) | Visa-exempt travellers arriving by air, depending on nationality and travel document. | — | Usually approved quickly, but travellers should apply before booking non-refundable travel. |
Nationality rules are country-dependent. U.S. citizens generally do not need a visa or eTA for entry by air, while some visa-exempt nationalities need an eTA and others need a visitor visa. Always check the official IRCC eligibility tool for the passport you will travel on.
No official event-source evidence was captured showing ATA Carnet acceptance for this show. For trade-show equipment, consult Canadian customs guidance and the organiser’s exhibitor logistics before shipping samples or demo units.
Official visa pageWeather
August in Abbotsford is typically warm and generally dry-to-moderate, with average highs around 24-25 C and lows around 13-14 C. Plan for occasional rain or showers, especially if weather patterns shift, but expect summer conditions overall.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Tradex in Abbotsford is most directly connected via Abbotsford International Airport (YXX), which is the practical airport choice for the venue. Road access is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 and regional routes toward Vancouver, Surrey, Mission, and the Fraser Valley. Public-transport connectivity includes airport shuttles, intercity buses, and regional transit links toward Vancouver and the SkyTrain network. The venue is also positioned for attendees driving in from the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver rather than relying on rail or metro at the doorstep.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Cross-border travel norms
Many attendees and suppliers move between Canada and the U.S. for aerospace and defence events, so allow extra time for border procedures if you choose BLI or SEA.
Business etiquette
Canadian trade-show business culture is typically straightforward and punctual; short, well-structured meetings and clear follow-up are valued.
Weather-ready planning
August can feel comfortable in Abbotsford, but daylight meetings, outdoor transfers, and queue times are still better handled with light layers and sun protection.
Local mobility
Driving is common around Abbotsford and the Fraser Valley, while Vancouver connections often depend on buses, shuttles, and SkyTrain-linked transfers rather than metro access at the venue.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: YXX Abbotsford International Airport
For the shortest transfer, fly into YXX. Use YVR if you need broader international scheduling, then connect by road or shuttle to Abbotsford.
Book flightsBusiness visitors attending meetings, events and conferences in Canada must confirm whether they need a visitor visa or an eTA based on nationality and travel document.
Processing: Varies by country for visitor visa applications; eTA decisions are usually much faster, but travellers should still apply well ahead of departure.
IRCC says business visitors can stay up to 6 months if they are not entering the labour market and meet basic entry requirements. If the event is registered with IRCC, organizers may provide an event code for the visa application.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: YXX is the shortest airport-to-venue transfer; YVR is the larger international alternative but adds highway travel time.
Hotel → venue: Expect a short taxi, rideshare, or drive from Abbotsford-area hotels; public transit is possible but less convenient for tight schedules.
Ride-hail: Best for same-day transfers, especially from YXX, downtown Abbotsford, or hotel clusters along Highway 1.
Public transit: BC Transit / Abbotsford transit connections serve the area; Moovit lists nearby bus access for Tradex via routes 21 and 21A.
Parking: Driving is common for this venue; confirm parking instructions directly with the venue or your hotel before arrival.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: August
Temperature: about 24-25 C highs and 13-14 C lows
Seasonality: summer conditions with generally moderate rainfall risk and occasional showers
Packing: Pack light businesswear, a light layer for indoor air conditioning, comfortable walking shoes, and a small umbrella just in case.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Thursday, August 6, 2026
Thursday offers the full 8-hour Exhibit Hall and B2B window (9:00 am:00 pm), key Canadian Armed Forces briefings, the official Luncheon, the ADSE Welcome Reception, and the evening Conair Tarmac Tailgate After-Party.
Complete online delegate registration — Secure early-bird registration rate prior to July 15 deadline on portal.aiac.ca.
Book hotel accommodation near Tradex or Abbotsford Airport — Book rooms early as local hotels fill up rapidly due to proximity to YXX and the Abbotsford International Airshow.
Schedule B2B matchmaking meetings — Use the official ADSE B2B portal to lock in appointments with Canadian defence OEMs and RCAF procurement staff.
Arrange ground transport or rental car — Confirm airport shuttle or rental vehicle for transport between YXX/Vancouver (YVR) and Tradex Centre.
Collect badge on-site at Tradex registration desk — Bring official photo ID and registration confirmation email. Doors open at 9:00 am.
On-site Badge Collection & Trade Show Opening
Tradex Registration EntranceKeynote Briefings: Mach Industries & Canadian Armed Forces Leadership
Main Auditorium StageADSE Luncheon & Industry Fireside Chat
ADSE Luncheon HallExhibitor Floor Walk & Pre-Scheduled B2B Matchmaking
Tradex Exhibit Hall & B2B ZoneADSE Welcome Reception for Attendees & Exhibitors
Tradex Main FoyerConair Tarmac Tailgate After-Party & Hangar Aircraft Tour
Conair Hangar 2 (1404 Tower Street)Morning B2B Meetings & RCAF Command Briefings
Exhibit Hall & Speaker StageRCAF Modernization Luncheon featuring RCAF Commander
ADSE Luncheon HallAbbotsford International Airshow Twilight Dinner & Airshow
YXX Airfield / Twilight LoungeAbbotsford International Airshow (YXX)
Airshow and Aviation
Adjacent to Tradex
Canada's largest airshow featuring military flight demonstrations, static aircraft displays, and aviation heritage.
Castle Fun Park
Family Amusement
10 mins drive (8 km)
Popular local attraction with mini-golf, go-karts, and arcade games for post-event relaxation.
Mill Lake Park
Nature Park
12 mins drive (10 km)
Scenic lake trail with outdoor boardwalks, picnic areas, and tranquil views in central Abbotsford.
Fraser Valley Wineries (Mt. Lehman Winery)
Winery
15 mins drive (14 km)
Award-winning boutique vineyard offering wine tastings amidst local Fraser Valley farmland.
Conair Hangar 2 (1404 Tower Street)
official_after_party
Host location for the Conair Tarmac Tailgate After-Party featuring aircraft tours, food, and drinks.
Tradex Main Foyer & B2B Zone
on_site_networking
Primary venue hub for coffee breaks, informal discussions, and official B2B matchmaking.
Trading Post Brewing Co. (Abbotsford)
local_pub
Popular local craft brewery and eatery ideal for informal evening dinners with team and clients.
Field House Brewing Co.
craft_brewery
Casual craft brewery with outdoor lawn and craft food menu near central Abbotsford.
Budget

Official 2026 booth rates are not publicly listed on the AIAC event page; exhibitors are directed to contact AIAC organizers directly for space reservation and pricing details.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
delegate_registration
visitor · standard
CAD 1150 / pass
airshow_twilight_ticket
visitor · optional_addon
CAD 199 / ticket
tradex_parking
both · standard
CAD 7 / day
hotel_night
both · mid_range
CAD 200–350 / night
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| delegate_registration | visitor | standard | CAD 1150 / pass | official | 2026-07-20 |
| airshow_twilight_ticket | visitor | optional_addon | CAD 199 / ticket | official | 2026-07-20 |
| tradex_parking | both | standard | CAD 7 / day | official | 2026-07-20 |
| hotel_night | both | mid_range | CAD 200–350 / night | estimate | 2026-07-20 |
Decision
Answer 8 short questions to determine whether to Visit, Exhibit, or Skip ADSE 2026.
QUESTION 1 OF 8
Are you targeting the Canadian defence, RCAF, or Western Canada aerospace market?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You want high-level RCAF briefings, B2B networking, and government procurement insights without booth costs.
Best for
Aerospace engineers, defence analysts, government procurement staff, and supply chain managers.
Min. budget
$1,200.00
Timeline
1-2 weeks lead time for registration and hotel booking.
Risks
Hotel availability near Tradex/YXX drops significantly close to event dates.
exhibit
You are looking to secure Canadian Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) offsets or promote capabilities to RCAF procurement officers.
Best for
Tier-1/Tier-2 defence contractors, MRO providers, avionics suppliers, and UAS technology firms.
Min. budget
$3,500.00
Timeline
30-60 days for booth contracting, freight logistics, and staff registration.
Risks
Booth space is limited at Tradex and requires early reservation via AIAC.
skip
Your company does not serve aerospace, defence, or security markets in Canada or North America.
Best for
Commercial consumer businesses, non-defence commercial airlines, or companies without Canadian market focus.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Missed B2B networking opportunities with top Canadian defence OEMs and RCAF leadership.
Book with
ADSE 2026 Exhibit Hall & B2B
Dedicated exhibit floor and B2B programming connecting business, military, and government decision-makers.
Official AIAC event page.
ADSE 2026 Sponsorship Opportunities
High-visibility brand placement packages offered by AIAC for Canadian aerospace and defence leaders.
Official AIAC event page.
ADSE Call for Speakers
AIAC submission portal for speaker nominations, panel topics, and applied aerospace insights.
Official AIAC event page.
Recommended providers
Use the official IRCC eligibility and business-visitor pages for passport-specific entry requirements.
Abbotsford International Airshow
Official co-located aviation airshow event partner.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Trust footer
11
References
8
Publishers
0
Date checked
Aerospace Industries Association of Canada
National Defence / Government of Canada
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.