AI video analytics at the edge
What ai video analytics at the edge means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Halifax International Security Forum 2026 will take place from November 20 to 22, 2026, at The Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax, Canada. This event is a premier gathering of international leaders, military officials, and security experts who will engage in discussions about the most pressing global security issues.
The forum aims to foster dialogue and collaboration among democracies to address current and future challenges in the security landscape. Halifax International Security Forum 2026.
TL;DR
- 1Scale and Focus: This forum gathers international leaders to discuss pressing global security issues and strategies.
- 2Organiser: The event is organized by the Halifax International Security Forum, known for fostering dialogue on security.
- 3Buyer Authority: Attendees include government officials, military leaders, and security experts from around the world.
- 4Entry: Registration details can be found on the official website.
Why visit
Attendees will gain insights from top security experts and engage in discussions that shape global security policies. Attendees include government officials, military leaders, and security experts from around the world. The Halifax International Security Forum 2026 will take place from November 20 to 22, 2026, at The Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax, Canada. This event is a premier gathering of international leaders, military officials, and security experts who will engage in.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will have the chance to showcase their innovations and solutions to a targeted audience of decision-makers in the security sector. This forum gathers international leaders to discuss pressing global security issues and strategies. Attendees include government officials, military leaders, and security experts from around the world.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Government officials focused on security policy
Military leaders from various nations
Security analysts and researchers
Industry professionals in defense and security
Academics studying international relations
NGO representatives working on security issues
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Defense contractors showcasing military technology
Cybersecurity firms offering innovative solutions
Consulting firms specializing in security strategy
Research organizations focused on global security
Technology companies providing security-related products
Nonprofits advocating for peace and security
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Transatlantic defense policy and NATO cooperation
Cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection
Hybrid threats and information resilience
Defense innovation, AI and autonomous systems
Defense industrial base and procurement
Arctic, Nordic and Indo-Pacific security
Military mobility, logistics and readiness
Democratic resilience and election security
Space and emerging technology security
Defense economics and alliance burden-sharing
Location & Facilities
Venue
The Westin Nova Scotian
Halifax, Canada
Facilities
Parking
The Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax 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: The Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax 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 The Westin Nova Scotian for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Halifax, Canada
Why it matters
For security integrators, consultants, and end-users, Halifax International Security Forum 2026 on 2026-11-20 to 2026-11-22 at The Westin Nova Scotian 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 · CAD
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
The Westin Nova Scotian
4-star
Halifax waterfront, adjacent to the venueVenue hotel; Google Hotels shows a 4.2 guest rating from about 2,800 reviews and an excellent location score. Listed price was displayed in a non-CAD currency in the capture and is not reproduced here. Amenities: breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, parking (paid), indoor pool, hot tub, air conditioning, pet-friendly, fitness center.
The Barrington Hotel
3-star
Halifax downtownGoogle Hotels lists 3.6 rating and a 21 percent below-usual rate flag at capture time. Amenities: breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, parking, indoor pool, air conditioning, pet-friendly, fitness center, bar.
HI Halifax Heritage House
2-star
HalifaxBudget option listed in the Google Hotels results: free Wi-Fi, parking (paid), breakfast included, smoke-free property.
Comfort Inn Halifax
4-star
HalifaxFree breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, indoor pool, air conditioning, pet-friendly, fitness center, kitchen in some rooms.
Best Western Plus Chocolate Lake Hotel
3-star
Chocolate Lake, HalifaxFree breakfast and free Wi-Fi per the Google Hotels listing; 21 percent below-usual rate flag at capture time.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Halifax Transit bus
Estimated costApprox. CAD 3.00-3.25 single cash fare
Best forDowntown Halifax to The Westin Nova Scotian waterfront area
Exact fare may be required on board; confirm current Halifax Transit fares, routes and payment options before travel.
Halifax Transit ferry
Estimated costApprox. CAD 3.00-3.50 single fare
Best forHalifax to Dartmouth waterfront
Useful for delegates staying in Dartmouth; confirm seasonal schedules, transfer rules and fare payment options.
Taxi
Estimated costApprox. CAD 10-15 for a short downtown trip
Best forDowntown Halifax to The Westin Nova Scotian
Metered fare; traffic and pickup location can affect the total. Confirm the meter or app quote before departure.
Rideshare
Estimated costApprox. CAD 12-20 for a short downtown trip
Best forDowntown Halifax to the venue district
App quotes vary with demand; confirm availability, pickup point and price estimate in the app.
Parking
Estimated costApprox. CAD 20-30 per day
Best forVenue and downtown Halifax hotels
Hotel and venue parking rates vary; confirm with The Westin Nova Scotian or your hotel before arrival.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. CAD taxi/rideshare from YHZ to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forHalifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) to The Westin Nova Scotian
Plan your trip
Visa & entry documents
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Visa not required
ATA Carnet: check with organiser
Weather
November 2026 in Halifax is late autumn: expect cool, changeable conditions with daytime highs around 6-9°C (43-48°F) and overnight lows around 0-3°C (32-37°F). Rain is common, and wet snow or sleet is possible, especially overnight; coastal wind can make it feel colder. Pack layers, a waterproof coat and sturdy footwear, and check the forecast before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Canada.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Conference etiquette
The Halifax International Security Forum is a professional defense and foreign-policy gathering. Business formal or business attire is appropriate, and delegates should follow the organiser's photography, attribution and confidentiality rules for each session.
Punctuality
Sessions and bilateral meetings generally start on time. Arrive early for security screening and allow extra minutes between venues or meeting rooms.
Tipping
Restaurant servers in Halifax typically expect a 15-20% tip on the pre-tax bill; check whether service is already included for larger groups.
Local time
Halifax observes Atlantic Time (UTC-4 in November after daylight saving ends). Double-check calendar invites and flight times across time zones.
Waterfront weather
The Westin Nova Scotian sits on the Halifax waterfront, where wind and damp air can make November temperatures feel colder. A waterproof outer layer is more useful than an umbrella in coastal wind.
Accessibility and support
If you need step-free access, interpretation or other adjustments, contact the organiser in advance; venue layouts and security queues may require pre-arranged support.
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 Halifax; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Visa
Entry rules for Canada depend on nationality: some business travellers need a visitor visa, while visa-exempt nationals may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Confirm your case via Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada before booking.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Captured IRCC landing page lists Visit Canada (eTA and visitor visa) and Application status / Processing times tools. No processing times or fees were captured for this event, so budget and lead time are not stated here.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Halifax; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near The Westin Nova Scotian: Halifax waterfront, adjacent to the venue: The Westin Nova Scotian; Halifax downtown: The Barrington Hotel; Halifax: HI Halifax Heritage House.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Halifax; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Halifax Transit buses serve downtown Halifax, the waterfront and surrounding districts, and the harbour ferry links Halifax with Dartmouth. The Westin Nova Scotian is on the waterfront within walking distance of several downtown bus stops. Use Halifax Transit's trip planner or a live maps app for current routes, and carry exact change or a reloadable fare card if you plan to pay on board. Confirm schedules and fares before travel.
Parking: On-site parking is available at The Westin Nova Scotian; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026
Temperature: Daytime highs around 6-9°C (43-48°F); overnight lows around 0-3°C (32-37°F). Wind and rain can make it feel colder.
Seasonality: November is one of Halifax's wetter, windier months. Rain is common and early-season snow or sleet can occur, especially overnight. Coastal fog and brisk harbour winds are possible. Carry a waterproof layer, check daily forecasts and allow extra time for weather-related transport delays.
Packing: Daytime highs around 6-9°C (43-48°F); overnight lows around 0-3°C (32-37°F). Wind and rain can make it feel colder. November is one of Halifax's wetter, windier months. Rain is common and early-season snow or sleet can occur, especially overnight. Coastal fog and brisk harbour winds are possible. Ca
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Halifax International Security Forum 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
14 days out: Confirm your registration or accreditation status with the Halifax International Security Forum organiser; check whether your nationality requires a Canadian visitor visa or eTA.
T-2
12 days out: Book flights into Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) and reserve a downtown hotel; The Westin Nova Scotian is the venue hotel.
T-3
10 days out: Review the official schedule and mark sessions on transatlantic defense, cyber threats, defense innovation and regional security.
T-4
8 days out: Prepare a one-page organizational brief and business cards if you plan to request bilateral meetings.
T-5
7 days out: Check the organiser's security and badge-collection instructions; carry government-issued photo ID.
T-6
5 days out: Check the Halifax forecast and pack layers, a waterproof coat and comfortable shoes for the waterfront venue.
T-7
3 days out: Plan your airport transfer; confirm taxi, rideshare or shuttle options and current fares.
T-8
2 days out: Download the Halifax Transit app or maps for downtown bus and ferry routes.
T-9
1 day out: Travel to Halifax, complete any pre-registration steps and confirm your first-day arrival time.
Day 1
Arrive early at The Westin Nova Scotian for security screening and badge collection; carry a printed copy of your registration confirmation.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at The Westin Nova Scotian
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Halifax International Security Forum 2026 registration concourse
The Westin Nova Scotian
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
The Westin Nova Scotian
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 nightsCA$190.00
- Per diem × 2CA$150.00
Estimated totalCA$340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Halifax International Security Forum 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Halifax International Security Forum 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 Military technology and equipment and Cybersecurity solutions solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Halifax International Security Forum 2026 in Halifax.
Min. budget
$450.00
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 Military technology and equipment and Cybersecurity solutions products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,200.00
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 Halifax show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- Transatlantic security
- The framework of defense and foreign-policy cooperation between North America and Europe, especially through NATO and bilateral alliances, which is a core agenda strand at the Halifax International Security Forum.
- NATO burden-sharing
- Debate over how allies divide the costs and capabilities of collective defense, including defense-spending targets and contributions to NATO missions.
- Rules-based international order
- The system of laws, norms and institutions that govern state behavior, a recurring reference point in forum discussions on aggression, sovereignty and global governance.
- Hybrid threats
- Coordinated use of disinformation, cyberattacks, economic coercion and other non-kinetic tools to undermine a state or alliance without open warfare.
- Critical infrastructure resilience
- The capacity of energy, communications, transport and health systems to withstand and recover from cyber or physical disruption, a frequent focus for defense and homeland-security delegates.
- Defense innovation
- The adoption of new technologies, procurement models and industrial partnerships to speed capabilities from prototype to frontline use, including AI, autonomy and space systems.
- Indo-Pacific security
- Strategic competition, alliances and maritime security issues across the Indo-Pacific, discussed at Halifax alongside Euro-Atlantic defense priorities.
- Arctic security
- Defense, surveillance and infrastructure challenges in the Arctic, where climate change and great-power competition are reshaping northern security.
- Democratic resilience
- Efforts to protect elections, media, civil society and public institutions from foreign interference and domestic polarization.
- Defense industrial base
- The companies, supply chains and skilled workforce that produce military equipment and sustain allied forces, including small firms and cross-border co-production.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Halifax International Security Forum 2026
- security conference Halifax 2026
- international security forum Canada
- Halifax security event 2026
- Halifax Canada
- Security Forum Halifax 2026
- Security Forum Conference Halifax
- Military technology and equipment
Trust footer
Sources
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References
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Publishers
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Date checked
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Halifax International Security Forum
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Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.