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Event overview
Overview
CS5 East 2026 is the essential gathering for defense contractors and their subcontractors to navigate CMMC compliance. Taking place on October 22-23, 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Oxon Hill, MD, this conference brings together industry leaders, assessors, and solution providers.
CS5 East 2026 takes place in Oxon Hill, United States. Venue: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: CS5 East 2026 takes place on October 22-23, 2026, at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Oxon Hill, MD.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is a key gathering for defense contractors and compliance professionals, focusing on CMMC certification.
- 3Organiser: The event is organized by Forum Makers, with registration available on their official website.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include defense contractors, assessors, and government officials, all influential in the compliance ecosystem.
- 5Entry / Access: Registration is priced at $399 for active defense contractors, requiring approval and a CAGE code.
Why visit
CS5 East is a two-day working event for the companies that have to live with CMMC every day: defense contractors preparing or maintaining Level 2 assessments, the assessors and C3PAOs who review them, and the government and prime-contractor officials who set expectations. Attendees include defense contractors, assessors,.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at CS5 East 2026 offers unparalleled visibility to key decision-makers in the defense sector. Showcase your solutions to a targeted audience of compliance professionals and contractors, enhancing your brand's presence in the CMMC ecosystem. Meet qualified buyers and partners including CMMC compliance solution providers, Cybersecurity firms specializing in defense, Training organizations for CMMC certification. Position your offer across cmmc compliance training.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Defense contractors seeking CMMC certification
Government officials involved in compliance
Cybersecurity professionals and consultants
Managed service providers (MSPs)
Chief Information Officers (CIOs)
Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs)
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
CMMC compliance solution providers
Cybersecurity firms specializing in defense
Training organizations for CMMC certification
Technology vendors supporting compliance efforts
Consulting firms focused on defense contractors
Managed security service providers (MSSPs)
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
CMMC compliance training and certification services
Cybersecurity solutions for defense contractors
Risk management and compliance software
Consulting services for CMMC assessments
Technology solutions for secure data handling
Managed services for compliance support
Location & Facilities
Venue
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
201 Waterfront St, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
Facilities
Parking
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Oxon Hill typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Oxon Hill typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
General admission
Active Defense Contractors attend for $399 (approval and CAGE code required).
$399.00
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Oxon Hill, United States
Why it matters
For security integrators, consultants, and end-users, CS5 East 2026 on 2026-10-22 to 2026-10-23 at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center is the key Italian window to compare video, access, intrusion, fire, and cyber-physical platforms before year-end budgets close — co-located buyers use it to shortlist vendors for 2028 rollouts.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Cyber-physical convergence
What cyber-physical convergence means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Cloud-managed access and identity
What cloud-managed access and identity means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regulatory and compliance pressure
What regulatory and compliance pressure means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Critical infrastructure hardening
What critical infrastructure hardening means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
4-star resort (venue hotel)
National Harbor, Oxon HillUSD 175–220 / night
On-site 4-star resort and convention center; rating about 4.5 from roughly 19.8K reviews. Amenities include breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, parking (paid), indoor pool, hot tub, air conditioning, fitness center and spa.
Courtyard by Marriott Alexandria Old Town/Southwest
3-star
Alexandria Old Town/SouthwestUSD 115–145 / night
3-star option in the Google Hotels capture, rated about 4.1 and listed at roughly 38% below its usual rate for the 22-23 Oct dates.
Comfort Inn Oxon Hill - National Harbor
3-star
Oxon Hill / National HarborUSD 115–145 / night
3-star hotel with free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, hot tub, air conditioning and fitness center; rated about 3.6 and listed roughly 26% below usual rate.
Red Roof PLUS+ Washington DC - Oxon Hill
2-star
Oxon HillUSD 175–236 / night
Budget 2-star hotel with free Wi-Fi, free parking, air conditioning, breakfast, accessible and kid-friendly rooms and smoke-free property; rated about 3.7 and listed roughly 26% below usual rate.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Metro / bus (WMATA)
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forOxon Hill and National Harbor to Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
WMATA trip planner and Moovit/FromTo route pages cover public transit to the Gaylord National; local bus connections serve National Harbor.
Taxi / rideshare
Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forShort hops within Oxon Hill/National Harbor to the Gaylord National
Useful for late arrivals or from Alexandria; no official fare was captured.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from DCA to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forRonald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Primary close-in gateway for National Harbor/Oxon Hill; captured travel pages describe DCA to Gaylord National transfers. Confirm drive time live.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from IAD to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forWashington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Washington-area international gateway referenced in the captured flight search from New York; longer road transfer to National Harbor.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from BWI to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forBaltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Weather
Public forecast API estimate for Oxon Hill, 22-23 Oct 2026: 22 Oct clear with highs near 19°C and lows near 6°C; 23 Oct overcast with highs near 17°C and lows near 9°C. Confirm before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Late-October weather
Oxon Hill in late October is usually mild by day and cool at night. The public forecast estimate for 22-23 October 2026 is highs near 17-19 C and lows near 6-9 C with a mix of clear and overcast conditions; bring a light jacket for the walk between the Gaylord National and National Harbor hotels.
Business dress
Business casual to business attire is the norm at Washington-area defense compliance events. Most attendees wear collared shirts with jackets or suits, often without ties; dress for a professional contractor and assessor audience rather than a consumer tech show.
Tipping and payment
US card payment is standard at National Harbor restaurants and hotels. Restaurant tips typically run 18-22% and rideshare or taxi tipping is customary; confirm whether your hotel adds a resort or destination fee before you check out.
Security and ID
Expect badge pickup with photo ID matching your registration name, and allow extra time for security checks at a defense-industrial-base event. Keep credentials and any devices that might hold CUI secure and do not display sensitive assessment evidence in public areas.
Getting around National Harbor
The Gaylord National sits inside National Harbor, with several hotels, restaurants and the Capital Wheel within walking distance. WMATA bus and Metro connections reach the district, but a rideshare is simpler for late-night returns; confirm current fares and pickup points.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Oxon Hill; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Oxon Hill; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center: National Harbor, Oxon Hill: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center; Alexandria Old Town/Southwest: Courtyard by Marriott Alexandria Old Town/Southwest; Oxon Hill / National Harbor: Comfort Inn Oxon Hill - National Harbor.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Oxon Hill; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Check local bus/metro options for routes to Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Temperature: Highs around 17-19°C (63-66°F), lows around 6-9°C (43-48°F) on 22-23 Oct 2026 (public forecast API estimate; confirm before travel).
Seasonality: Mid-Atlantic autumn: mild days and cool nights; the captured forecast shows one clear day and one overcast day with no notable rain signal. Confirm closer to the event.
Packing: Bring a light jacket or layers for cool mornings and evenings, comfortable shoes for the National Harbor complex, and a compact umbrella for autumn showers.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at CS5 East 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-14
Confirm your CS5 East registration has been approved and that your CAGE code is on file if you are claiming the active defense contractor rate (USD 399 per person, organiser published).
T-14
Book the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center or a National Harbor/Oxon Hill alternative; the venue hotel is the easiest walk to sessions, while Alexandria Old Town is a lower-cost base if you are comfortable with a transfer.
T-12
Price flights into Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) first because it is the closest gateway to National Harbor; compare Dulles (IAD) and BWI only if the fare difference justifies the longer road transfer.
T-10
Choose between paid on-site parking at the Gaylord National and a WMATA Metro/bus connection; budget roughly USD 2.50-6 for a single metro or light-rail journey and confirm current fares.
T-10
Download the schedule from cs5east.org/schedule and mark the CMMC assessment, scoping and POA&M discussions that match your open compliance gaps.
T-7
Write down three scoping or evidence questions for assessors or peers, and note your current SPRS score context if you are a defense contractor.
T-7
Check the 22-23 October forecast for Oxon Hill - the public forecast estimate is highs near 17-19 C and lows near 6-9 C - and pack layers for the walk between hotel and convention center.
T-5
Confirm the photo ID and any government-issued credentials you need for badge pickup; defense-compliance events often require ID matching the registration name.
T-3
Save the Gaylord National address and your parking or rideshare plan; DCA to the venue is a short road transfer, while IAD is a much longer one.
T-2
Save your registration confirmation and the organiser contact for any registration change or badge question.
T-1
Charge devices and create a notes file for POA&M items, assessor contacts and follow-up owners.
Day 1
Arrive 30-45 minutes before the opening session for badge pickup and to settle into the convention center.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2CS5 East 2026 registration concourse
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
USD 399 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 399 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether CS5 East 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For CS5 East 2026, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing CMMC compliance training and certification services solutions and benchmarking suppliers at CS5 East 2026 in Oxon Hill.
Min. budget
$1,021.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching CMMC compliance training and certification services products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$4,594.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Oxon Hill show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is CS5 East?
CS5 East is a two-day CMMC compliance event for the defense industrial base, bringing together defense contractors, assessors, compliance consultants and government officials. The 2026 edition runs 22-23 October at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Oxon Hill, Maryland.
When and where is CS5 East 2026?
CS5 East 2026 takes place on 22-23 October 2026 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, Oxon Hill, Maryland, in the Washington DC metro area.
Who attends CS5 East?
Attendees are typically defense contractors working through CMMC Level 1 or Level 2, C3PAO assessors and assessment teams, compliance and security consultants, and government or prime-contractor officials involved in CMMC implementation. It is a working event for people who own scoping, evidence, POA&M and SPRS decisions, not a general consumer cyber show.
How much does it cost to attend CS5 East 2026?
The organiser-published rate captured for active defense contractors is USD 399 per person, with approval and a CAGE code required. Other registration categories and any group rates should be checked on cs5east.org before you book travel.
Do I need a CAGE code to register?
The captured active defense contractor rate requires a CAGE code and registration approval. If you do not have a CAGE code or are registering as an assessor, consultant or government attendee, confirm the correct category with the organiser before paying.
Is CS5 East only for DoD contractors?
The programme is built around CMMC and the defense industrial base, so contractors handling FCI or CUI are the core audience. Assessors, compliance advisers and government personnel also attend because the event is designed around assessment practice and implementation rather than general cybersecurity.
What CMMC topics are covered?
The published focus is CMMC compliance for contractors, assessors and government officials. Session titles and times are posted on the schedule at cs5east.org/schedule, so check the final agenda for the specific scoping, evidence, POA&M and assessment-readiness discussions relevant to your gap list.
Should I attend if I am preparing for my first C3PAO assessment?
Yes, if your organization is close enough to assessment that scoping and evidence questions are live. Bring your draft assessment boundary, open POA&M items and the specific NIST SP 800-171 requirements where you expect the toughest evidence conversation, then use the event to pressure-test those answers with assessors and peers.
Where should I stay for CS5 East?
The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center is the venue hotel at National Harbor and the simplest option if you want to walk to sessions. Nearby Oxon Hill and Alexandria Old Town hotels, including Courtyard by Marriott Alexandria Old Town/Southwest and Comfort Inn Oxon Hill - National Harbor, are alternatives at lower nightly rates. Book early and confirm cancellation terms.
How do I get to the venue from the airport?
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is the closest major gateway to National Harbor and Oxon Hill, with a short road transfer by taxi or rideshare. Washington Dulles (IAD) and Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) are longer transfers. WMATA Metro and bus connections reach the National Harbor area, but confirm the final leg and current fares before travel.
Is parking available at the Gaylord National?
Yes, paid on-site parking is available at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Confirm the current daily rate and whether convention-center parking is validated for attendees before you drive in.
What should I bring to CS5 East?
Bring photo ID matching your registration name, your registration confirmation, business cards and a device for notes. Do not bring CUI or sensitive assessment evidence to a public conference; use sanitized examples when discussing scoping or POA&M issues.
Glossary
- CMMC
- Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification - the US Department of Defense program that verifies a defense contractor's cybersecurity practices through assessment at Levels 1 to 3.
- CMMC Level 1
- The foundational CMMC level for handling Federal Contract Information (FCI); it requires an annual self-assessment against 15 basic safeguarding practices.
- CMMC Level 2
- The CMMC level aligned with the 110 security requirements of NIST SP 800-171, aimed at protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI); many DoD contracts require a third-party assessment at this level.
- CMMC Level 3
- The highest CMMC level, adding selected NIST SP 800-172 requirements for contractors on the most sensitive programs; it is assessed by the government rather than a commercial C3PAO.
- CUI
- Controlled Unclassified Information - unclassified information that requires safeguarding or dissemination controls under US law and regulation.
- FCI
- Federal Contract Information - information provided by or generated for the government under a contract that is not public; it defines the scope of CMMC Level 1.
- NIST SP 800-171
- The NIST publication that sets out 110 security requirements for protecting CUI in nonfederal systems; it is the technical baseline for CMMC Level 2.
- SPRS
- Supplier Performance Risk System - the DoD system where contractors post their NIST SP 800-171 self-assessment score, which primes and contracting officers review.
- POA&M
- Plan of Action and Milestones - a document listing unresolved security requirements, planned fixes, owners and dates; CMMC assessment rules limit how many requirements can remain open.
- C3PAO
- Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization - a Cyber AB-authorized firm that conducts CMMC Level 2 assessments.
- Cyber AB
- The accreditation body that authorizes C3PAOs and certified assessors in the CMMC ecosystem.
- CMMC assessment
- A formal review in which an authorized assessor tests evidence and practices against the requirements of the applicable CMMC level.
- Scoping
- The process of defining which systems, people and data fall inside the CMMC assessment boundary, especially where CUI is stored, processed or transmitted.
- ESP
- External Service Provider - a provider that handles CUI on behalf of a contractor and must meet CMMC requirements within the contractor's assessment scope.
- OSC
- Organization Seeking Certification - a defense contractor preparing for or undergoing a CMMC assessment.
- CAGE code
- Commercial and Government Entity code - a five-character identifier the US government uses to identify contractors; CS5 East's contractor registration rate requires one.
- DFARS 252.204-7012
- The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement clause that requires contractors to safeguard CUI and report cyber incidents.
- Annual affirmation
- The yearly senior-official confirmation that a contractor's CMMC self-assessment remains accurate, required under the DoD CMMC program.
- DIB
- Defense Industrial Base - the companies and suppliers that provide products and services to the US Department of Defense.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- CS5 East 2026 Oxon Hill
- CS5 East Oxon Hill 2026
- Oxon Hill United States
- Digital Technology and ICT Trade Fair Oxon Hill 2026
- CMMC compliance training and certification services
- Cybersecurity solutions for defense contractors
- Risk management and compliance software
- Consulting services for CMMC assessments
- Digital Technology and ICT Trade Fair Conference Oxon Hill
- digital transformation expo
1 more alternate names hidden
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Sources
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References
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Publishers
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Date checked
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CS5 East
- event_website
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