What to Expect From Connected World 2026

Connected World 2026 takes place at Newbury Racecourse on 14th May 2026. Click here to book your place.

How do we simplify, secure, and scale digital advantage across defence and civil domains?

This is the central question driving Connected World 2026, one of D3IP’s flagship events where leaders from government, industry, and academia will come together to explore the future of connected infrastructure. Connected World 2026 takes place on Thursday, 14 May 2026 at Newbury Racecourse, and it promises a day of insight, opportunities, and networking within this increasingly important sector.

Connected World 2026 is designed for industry professionals and decision-makers in Defence, Law Enforcement, National Security, technology and beyond. Here’s what you can expect from this event:

Three Powerful Themes Shaping the Future: The conference agenda* is built around three core themes, each addressing a critical aspect of our increasingly connected world:

• Spectrum, Simplicity & Tactical Resilience – How can we design IoT and communication networks for denied or contested environments and keep tactical systems secure and simple? This theme dives into building resilient networks that can withstand jamming and outages, ensuring mission-critical connectivity even in harsh conditions.
• From Smart Cities to Smart Bases – What can a military base learn from a smart city? Explore the crossover between urban innovation and defence: think digital twins for planning bases, improving infrastructure resilience, and adopting open interoperability standards. This track looks at how cutting-edge smart city technologies (like intelligent infrastructure and data-driven services) can be applied to military installations and critical civil infrastructure.
• Understanding the Digital Attack Surface – In a world of ubiquitous connectivity, security is paramount. This theme uncovers how to defend against emerging cyber threats that span both civil and defence domains. Learn strategies to combat metadata leaks, secure supply chains, and counter adversarial tactics that target our networks and devices. If you’re concerned about cybersecurity – from network vulnerabilities to the risks hidden in everyday connected devices – these sessions will be especially valuable.

Hands-On Tech Showcases: It’s not all talk – Connected World 2026 will feature interactive technology demonstrations and exhibits. Attendees can engage with cutting-edge technologies up close. Whether it’s the latest in IoT gadgets built for rugged environments or advanced cyber defence tools, you’ll have the chance to see innovations in action. Meet the innovators and solution providers driving real-world impact, ask questions, and even get hands-on experience with the tools that are set to transform both defence and civilian sectors. These showcases make the learning tangible, giving you a preview of products and prototypes that could shape the future of connected operations.

Cross-Sector Collaboration & Networking: One of the most valuable aspects of Connected World is the diverse audience it attracts. This event bridges civil and military innovation, creating a space where ideas from defence, law enforcement, smart city development, and academia all intersect.

You’ll be networking with senior officials, tech entrepreneurs, researchers, and strategists from a range of sectors. By bringing everyone to the same table, Connected World 2026 encourages shared strategies for infrastructure, data, and spectrum management across domains. Expect discussions where, for example, a cybersecurity expert from industry might swap ideas with a military communications specialist or a city infrastructure planner. These cross-sector connections can spark new partnerships and collaborations that extend well beyond the event.

A Lineup of Leading Experts and Thought-Leaders

To ensure rich and relevant content, Connected World 2026 is shaped by an advisory board selected for their expertise, insight, and experience. While the speaker line-up is yet to be announced, we’re drawing on the knowledge of likes of David Webb, Director of the UK’s Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, Prof. Theo Tryfonas of the University of Bristol – an expert in digital infrastructure and urban innovation, and Stuart Criddle, a director in PwC’s cybersecurity practice.

This breadth of expertise means discussions are grounded in practical experience. Whether it’s 5G-enabled communications at sea, national smart city initiatives, or frontline cyber defence strategies, Connected World 2026 will be shaped by those who have lived it.

Sponsorship Opportunities: Put Your Brand at the Centre of the Conversation

Connected World 2026 isn’t just a place to learn and connect, it’s also a powerful platform to showcase your solutions to a high-impact audience from across Defence, Government, and Industry.

Whether you’re looking to exhibit your technologies and services or take centre stage as a headline sponsor, there’s a range of packages designed to suit your goals. From gaining access to exclusive networking opportunities and post-event content, to securing a dedicated exhibition space or even a keynote speaking slot, each package is tailored to maximise your visibility and engagement.

Sponsors benefit from brand exposure across the official event guide, website, and on-site materials, with premium packages offering enhanced advertising, speaking opportunities, and priority access to the Connected World 2026 Contact Directory. A dedicated customer success manager ensures you get the most from your investment, while exhibition spaces provide a hands-on platform to connect with decision-makers and demonstrate your innovations in action.

Whether you’re aiming to build brand awareness, generate leads, or position your organisation as a thought leader in the connected infrastructure space, Connected World 2026 offers the ideal stage. Interested in showcasing your brand? Drop us an email to begin discussing the options and secure your spot today.

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About D3IP

D3IP works alongside government customers, industry, academic partners, and other interested organisations – such as policy makers and regulators – to deliver collaborative and novel solutions to challenges. Our operating model provides an opportunity to engage in research, development, and experimentation in a rapid and iterative environment.

We bring thought-leaders and capability developers together with customers at an early stage and maintain a collaborative approach throughout. This means research and experimentation can evolve and lessons can be learnt quickly to support iterative and agile development of solutions, delivered at pace.

* The agenda may be subject to change. Updates will be post on the Connected World 2026 event site when they occur.