JNC 2027: military PNT conference in Covington, 7-10 June 2027.
Dates
7–10 Jun 2027
City / country
Covington, United States
Venue
Northern Kentucky Convention Center
Time
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
The Joint Navigation Conference - JNC 2027 brings the U. S.
military PNT community to Covington, Kentucky, from 7 to 10 June 2027. The Institute of Navigation's Military Division hosts the 50th meeting at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, with the exhibit hall open on 8 and 9 June.
The 2027 theme is Robust, Resilient, Assured PNT for Warfighters and Homeland Security.
TL;DR
Attend JNC 2027 to hear U.S. military and Department of Homeland Security PNT priorities first-hand, test supplier claims against operational requirements, and meet programme staff in one venue. The exhibit hall condenses the military navigation supply chain into two days, while the conference programme covers resilient PNT, navigation warfare and fielded GPS performance. It suits engineers, programme managers and acquisition staff who need current requirements rather than generic marketing.
Exhibit at JNC 2027 to put PNT hardware, software and test capability in front of U.S. military programme offices, primes and government users. A 10x10 ft space starts at USD 3,300 and includes a full-conference registration, so a small team can combine booth duty with technical sessions. The 2026 paid exhibitors receive first choice of booth positions before general assignment.
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
Northern Kentucky Convention Center, Covington, Kentucky, United States
Entrances & gates
Rivercenter Boulevard main entrance
Level access from the drop-off loop.
Food options
RiverCenter complex dining
On-site diningParking: Use the RiverCenter garage attached to the convention centre; enter from Rivercenter Boulevard and allow 10-15 minutes before a session. Keep the parking ticket for the badge desk.
Gate: The main Rivercenter Boulevard entrance leads to the registration level; exhibit-hall access is signposted from the atrium.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Ticket info
Badge collection
Bring photo identification matching the registration name; badges are collected at the Rivercenter Boulevard registration desk.
Ticket notes
Registration is required for conference and exhibit-hall access. Delegate rates are published with the ION registration programme; exhibitor space is contracted separately.
What's on
JNC 2027 Classified Session
Classified session held at AFIT, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, separate from the Covington venue.
AFIT, WPAFB, Dayton, Ohio; eligibility and clearance requirements apply.
WebsiteHow the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Edition #: 49
This edition
2027
Visitors: 1,100
Exhibitors: 75
Next edition
2028
JNC 2028 moves to the Cincinnati Duke Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, 17-20 July 2028, with the classified session again at AFIT, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
Venue moves across the river to downtown Cincinnati Dates shift from early June to mid-July
Edition recap
JNC 2026 was held 1-4 June 2026 at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington, Kentucky. The 2027 edition returns to the same venue for the conference's 50th meeting.
New this edition
Resilient PNT theme
The programme is organised around Robust, Resilient, Assured PNT for Warfighters and Homeland Security.
SourceImpact
JNC anchors the U.S. military PNT calendar in Covington, a compact riverfront venue that keeps conference rooms, the exhibit hall and hotels within walking distance. The 2027 move to a 50th-anniversary edition should raise attendance from program offices and primes, while the two-day hall limits the cost of exhibiting compared with a large defence trade show.
Audience quality
The audience is narrow and senior: military PNT programme staff, navigation-warfare specialists, government engineers and defence primes. That makes badge scans more valuable per contact than at a broad security expo, but volume is modest. Exhibitors should plan for technical conversations and requirement discovery rather than mass lead capture.
Exhibitor outcomes
A 10x10 space at USD 3,300 plus travel is a realistic entry point for a specialist PNT supplier. ROI comes from programme-office access and follow-up on specific requirements, not from raw booth traffic. Companies with an anti-jam, assured-timing or test-and-assurance product fit the stated theme most directly.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
U.S. military PNT spending is shifting from basic GPS availability toward resilience, anti-jam performance and navigation warfare. JNC is the annual forum where those requirements are socialised with industry, making it a leading indicator for programmes that will fund PNT upgrades over the next budget cycles.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Resilient PNT moves from research to fielding
Programmes are buying anti-jam antennas, multi-constellation receivers and assured-timing systems that can operate when GPS is degraded or denied.
What it changes: Suppliers with demonstrated resilience data can position for funded upgrades rather than technology pilots.
SourceNavigation warfare becomes a procurement category
Jamming, spoofing and battlefield navigation integrity are now explicit requirements across air, land and maritime systems.
What it changes: Test, simulation and monitoring tools are sold alongside hardware, widening the exhibitor base beyond receiver makers.
SourceInertial and alternative sensing complement GNSS
Military users are integrating inertial, optical and signals-of-opportunity navigation to reduce dependence on satellite signals.
What it changes: Sensor-fusion and integration expertise matters as much as raw GNSS performance.
SourceJNC sits in a small circuit of ION and defence-navigation meetings. Buyers typically pair it with the autumn ION GNSS+ programme and the spring PLANS meeting, while JNC itself returns to the Cincinnati area in 2028.
2027 edition
7-10 June; exhibit hall 8-9 June.
2028 edition
17-20 July 2028 in Cincinnati.
Dates taken from the ION future and past meetings pages.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
Closest gateway; cross the river on I-275/I-71 to Covington.
about 15 km
to venue
20-25 minutes
by car
James M. Cox Dayton International Airport
Useful for the AFIT/Wright-Patterson classified session and Dayton-area attendees.
about 110 km
to venue
75-90 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 110–160 / night
Walkable or a short rideshare to the convention centre; rates rise during baseball homestands.
sourceUSD 180–260 / night
Closest full-service options; ask for a riverfront or convention-centre rate.
sourceUSD 280–420 / night
Boutique or full-service downtown stay, 10-20 minutes from the venue.
sourceGet around the city with these convenient transport options.
Bus
Check TANK timetable for airport service; journey is about 30-40 minutes.
Rideshare or taxi
25 minutes off-peak; allow 40 minutes at rush hour.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 business visitor | Travellers from countries without a U.S. visa waiver or ESTA eligibility | $185.00 | Weeks to months; apply early | |
| ESTA / Visa Waiver Program | Eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries | $40.00 | Usually within 72 hours |
No nationality enters the United States visa-free without either ESTA or a visa; Canadian citizens are exempt from visa stamps for most business visits.
The United States accepts ATA Carnets for many temporary imports, but exhibits and military equipment may need additional licensure; confirm with the freight forwarder.
Official visa pageWeather
June in Covington is warm and humid, with highs near 29 C (84 F) and lows near 18 C (64 F). Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so carry a light rain layer and allow extra taxi time.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
U.S. mobile networks use GSM/LTE/5G; eSIM plans are widely available at CVG. Venue Wi-Fi is typically shared, so bring a hotspot for live demos.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Restaurant servers expect 18-20 percent; bar tabs usually add 15-20 percent. Taxi and rideshare tips of 10-15 percent are normal.
Business dress
Military attendees are often in uniform and industry visitors in business casual or suits. A jacket is useful for evening receptions.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: CVG
Book into CVG rather than Dayton unless visiting Wright-Patterson AFB. Arrive by Sunday 6 June for the Monday opening.
Book flightsMost international business visitors need either an ESTA authorisation under the Visa Waiver Program or a B-1 visitor visa. Carry an invitation letter, hotel booking and return ticket.
Estimated cost: USD 40 (ESTA) or USD 185 (B-1 visa fee)
Processing: ESTA usually within 72 hours; B-1 can take weeks to months
Fees are set by the U.S. government and can change; verify before applying.
OfficialPartnerGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: CVG to Covington is about 15 km and 20-25 minutes by car; TANK bus is cheaper but slower.
Hotel → venue: RiverCenter hotels are a 5-10 minute walk; Madison Avenue hotels are 15-20 minutes on foot.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft serve CVG and Covington; expect USD 18-30 to the venue.
Public transit: TANK buses connect the airport, Covington and downtown Cincinnati; exact routes change, so check the operator timetable.
Parking: Use the attached RiverCenter garage; downtown Cincinnati garages are an option if staying across the river.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: June
Temperature: 18-29 C (64-84 F)
Seasonality: Afternoon thunderstorms are common; June is one of the wetter months.
Packing: Light breathable clothing, a compact umbrella or rain shell, and comfortable shoes for riverfront walking.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: 8 June 2027
The exhibit hall opens on 8 June with the longest hall hours (10:00-19:00), and the conference programme is in full swing. A one-day visitor can cover the floor and several sessions without the shorter 9 June hall window.
Register and book the CVG flight — Confirm whether the exhibit hall pass or full conference pass is needed.
Reserve a RiverCenter or Madison Avenue hotel — RiverCenter hotels sell out around Cincinnati events; ask for a cancellable rate.
Build the meeting list and request programme-office introductions — Prioritise PNT programme offices and primes whose requirements match the theme.
Download the agenda and mark must-attend sessions — Leave gaps for the exhibit hall on 8-9 June.
Check in, collect the badge and test the transit plan — Registration desk is off the Rivercenter Boulevard entrance.
Badge collection and coffee
Rivercenter Boulevard registration deskOpening keynote and PNT requirements session
Main conference roomSupplier meetings on the exhibit floor
Exhibit hallNavigation warfare panel and Q&A
Main conference roomCincinnati Riverfront and Roebling Bridge
Walk
10-20 minutes on foot
Historic suspension bridge and riverfront parks; easy after-session break.
Findlay Market and Over-the-Rhine
Food and Architecture
15-20 minutes by rideshare
Cincinnati's public market and restored historic district for an evening meal.
Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter lobby bar
Hotel bar
Closest informal meeting point for RiverCenter hotels.
Smale Riverfront Park
Outdoor
Walkable riverfront space for a coffee meeting between sessions.
JNC's value is concentrated in a small number of programme-office conversations. A disciplined 48-hour follow-up matters more than a large batch of generic badge scans.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 450–560 / m²
Raw space
USD 320–390 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
Booth prices are from the 2027 JNC exhibitor prospectus. Per-square-metre raw and shell bands are estimates; shell scheme, electrical, rigging and furniture are extra.
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.
booth_space
exhibitor · 10x10
USD 3300 / per 9 sqm
shell_scheme
exhibitor · 9 sqm
USD 4050–5040 / per 9 sqm
hotel
both · mid
USD 180–260 / per night
per_diem
both · standard
USD 60–90 / per day
visa
visitor · B-1
USD 185 / per person
freight
exhibitor · small booth
USD 800–2500 / per shipment
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| booth_space | exhibitor | 10x10 | USD 3300 / per 9 sqm | actual | 2026-10-31 |
| shell_scheme | exhibitor | 9 sqm | USD 4050–5040 / per 9 sqm | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| hotel | both | mid | USD 180–260 / per night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| per_diem | both | standard | USD 60–90 / per day | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| visa | visitor | B-1 | USD 185 / per person | actual | 2026-10-31 |
| freight | exhibitor | small booth | USD 800–2500 / per shipment | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Six quick questions to decide whether JNC 2027 is worth a visit, a booth or a pass.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
Which best describes your role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You want programme intelligence and supplier meetings without paying for a booth.
Best for
Programme offices, government engineers and technical buyers who need current requirements
Min. budget
$1,200.00
Timeline
6-8 weeks
Risks
Limited public transport from CVG
Classified session needs separate clearance
exhibit
You have a product that fits the resilient PNT theme and a team that can work the two-day hall.
Best for
PNT hardware, software and test suppliers selling to U.S. defence programmes
Min. budget
$6,500.00
Timeline
3-4 months
Risks
Small show with modest raw traffic
No published 2027 floor plan
skip
Your market is commercial GNSS rather than U.S. military PNT, or you cannot travel in June 2027.
Best for
Consumer navigation, civil aviation or retail GPS businesses
Timeline
None
Risks
Missing a specialist defence audience
No substitute for programme-office access
Book with
Northern Kentucky Convention Center
Riverfront convention centre hosting the 2027 conference and exhibit hall.
Venue named on the ION future meetings page.
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
Closest international gateway to Covington, about 15 km from the venue.
Closest airport by road distance; not an official show partner.
Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
Regional business chamber representing Covington and the wider Northern Kentucky market.
Regional business body; no partnership announcement found.
Institute of Navigation
Professional society whose Military Division organises JNC.
Organiser named on the official JNC page.
Recommended providers
Apply for B-1 or ESTA early; fees are set by the U.S. government.
Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter
Closest full-service hotel to the convention centre; request a cancellable rate.
Delta operates a hub at CVG; compare with American and United connections.
Official 2027 freight handler is not published; confirm before shipping.
Compare medical and trip-cancellation cover for the United States.
Visitor information for riverfront, Findlay Market and Over-the-Rhine.
Badge-scanning and CRM export option if ION does not supply a scanner.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
5 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
3
References
1
Publishers
3
Date checked
Institute of Navigation
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
