ADS runs a programme of free and discounted events throughout the year for all of our members to benefit from. This programme provides the opportunity to easily engage in a variety of activities at your own pace without the limitations of additional resources.
These events provide information, networking, business development and industry engagement opportunities.
We know that collaboration is key as you look to grow.
Partner events
As an ADS Member you can take advantage of a select number of event discounts and free events which are being hosted by our network of partners, Member companies and stakeholders.
Full details and discount codes are available in the member offers & discounts section of the members area.
Latest Events
20 May 2026 Glasgow, Scotland
DPRTE Scottish Defence Procurement & Supply Chain Summit 2026
The DPRTE Scottish Defence Procurement & Supply Chain Summit 2026 is a new high impact event, which ADS are the headline event partner for, created to connect Scottish SMEs directly with defence buyers, prime contractors and strategic delivery partners at a defining moment for the UK defence market. This concentrated one-day Summit is designed to cut through complexity, providing the clarity, access and commercial understanding required to support genuine supply chain growth, collaboration and long-term partnership.
Taking place against the backdrop of significant new UK defence investment in Scotland, the Summit delivers focused strategic insight, direct engagement with decision-makers, and practical guidance to help businesses access emerging opportunities across a rapidly expanding defence supply chain.
ADS members are entitled to a 10% discount on tickets.
1 June 2026 London
The Spectator National Security Summit
The Spectator’s National Security Summit 2026 will bring together policymakers, industry, the armed forces and media to share their expertise, ideas and unique insights on the crucial opportunities and challenges facing the defence sector and the UK’s national security.
Across the day, sessions will explore artificial intelligence (AI), emerging technologies, the evolution of the defence industry, opportunities for public–private sector partnership and how investment in the sector supports wider economic growth — and much more.
ADS members are entitled to a 50% discount on tickets.
2-3 June 2026 London
Avionics and Testing Innovations Conference and Exhibition
Avionics & Testing Innovations Conference & Exhibition is the premier event for industry professionals shaping the future of flight and flight deck capabilities for the commercial and defense sectors. Network with leading industry experts, discover the latest industry challenges, regulations and hottest topics through thought leadership discussions from expert industry speakers. The exhibition showcases the latest cutting-edge technologies and solutions in avionics, testing and certification.
ADS members are entitled to a 10% discount on exhibition stands/sponsorship packages and a 20% discount on conference passes.
3-4 June 2026 NEC, Birmingham
Smart Manufacturing Week
Smart Manufacturing Week is the UK’s fastest-growing festival of advanced manufacturing and engineering, bringing the entire industry together for two unmissable days and returning in 2026 with four co‑located shows: Smart Factory Expo, Maintec, Drives & Controls, and Design & Engineering Expo. Designed to capture the scale, energy and innovation of modern manufacturing, the event will welcome more than 13,500 attendees, 450+ exhibitors and 200+ speakers across eight content theatres, with insights from industry leaders, and live broadcasts from The Manufacturer Studio Live. Attendees can also benefit from exclusive networking receptions and the Ambassador Programme, which champions diversity, inclusion and sustainability across the sector – making Smart Manufacturing Week an essential date in the manufacturing calendar.
ADS members are entitled to a 10% discount on visitor passes.
20 – 24 July 2026 Farnborough
Farnborough International Airshow 2026 – Trade Visitor Tickets
Taking place on 20-24 July, Farnborough International Airshow 2026 will bring the entire aerospace and defence ecosystem from around the world to do business once more.
Across five days, visitors will enjoy unrivalled opportunities to connect with colleagues, build new business relationships, showcase innovative technologies and work towards the future of the industry.
ADS members are entitled to up to 25% discount on trade visitor tickets.
To book your space on the ADS Pavilion please visit the ADS events page.
20-22 October 2026 Brussels, Belgium
Critical Infrastructure Protection & Resilience Europe
Critical Infrastructure Protection & Resilience Europe brings together leading stakeholders from industry, infrastructure operators, agencies and governments to collaborate on securing Europe’s infrastructure. The ever changing nature of threats, whether natural through climate change, or man-made through terrorism activities, either physical or cyber-attacks, means the need to continually review and update policies, practices and technologies to meet these demands. The conference will build on developing themes by deepening understanding of emerging threats and vulnerabilities, and by supporting the development and implementation of frameworks for risk-management, strategic planning and resilient operations. As an exhibitor you can meet leading decision makers from corporate and government establishments tasked with Critical Infrastructure Protection and Resilience.
ADS members are entitled to a 10% discount on exhibition stands/sponsorship packages.
Types of events
![event image](/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/JOIN_AccessSuport.png")
ADS events
We run free events for members throughout the year to help maximise the value of Membership giving members the opportunity to engage and participate in a variety of activities to assist.
Member Forums
Forums take place at a member company, and typically include an industry update and the opportunity to network with peers. There are also a limited number of exhibition spaces available at these events
Receptions
ADS members reception are held up to four times a year and provide an opportunity to meet ADS teams to explore your membership, as well as to engage with fellow ADS members from across the industrial value chain
Briefings
A number of tailored, topical and sector specific briefings take place throughout the year. Our full schedule for these virtual and in-person opportunities can be found via our Events Schedule
![event image](/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SERVICES_Innovation.png")
Non-ADS events
As an ADS Member you can take advantage of a select number of event discounts and free events which are being hosted by our network of partners, Member companies and stakeholders