38th National Symposium

About Event

Join experts and decision makers in the military, industry, and congress. Leadership will discuss how the Surface Force is a critical element of national defense and security in an era of great power competition. With 90+ exhibitors, 4,000+ attendees, this is one of the most influential professional development and networking opportunities in the defense community.

Where: Hyatt Regency Crystal City
When: January 13-15, 2026
Theme: Surface Warfare: Combat Ready Warfighters for 250 Years

Hotel Information
Non-Government Hotel Reservation
Government Hotel Reservation (For Active Duty & Civilian Government only)
If calling the hotel directly to make a reservation, please state you are with 'SNA 2026'.

No one under the age of 18 is allowed in any areas below the lobby level.

Parking
View Parking Map

It is important to note that parking enforcement in Crystal City is robust and timely. The Early Bird parking at the two parking garages is the best value for a workday event at the Hotel.

Dress Code

Attendees (Active Duty/Reservist in Uniform): Khakis or SDBs are appropriate for all events EXCEPT the Banquet on Thursday evening. Banquet is Service Dress Blues with ribbons.

Attendees (All Others): Business Attire for all events including the Banquet.

Awardees (Active Duty/Reservist in Uniform): Service Dress Blue for Awards Luncheon & Banquet. Khakis or SDBs for all other events.

Awardees (All Others): Business Attire

Speakers (Active Duty/Reservist in Uniform) Service Dress Blues or equivalent.

Speakers (All Others): Business Attire

Small Business Showcase - Wednesday, 14 January 2026
The Surface Navy Association invites small businesses to submit their innovative products, services or ideas for a chance to present at the inaugural Surface Navy Small Business Showcase. This event aims to provide a platform for small businesses to demonstrate cutting-edge solutions, foster innovation and collaboration, and connect small businesses with experts across the industry.

Eligibility:
Small businesses, as defined by the Small Business Administration, are eligible to apply.

Submission Process:
1. Express your interest by completing the form at https://airtable.com/appsKW33xsdL9sv17/pagKVZcVFCYQgtTIv/form   with your contact information and an abstract of your idea (max 500 words). Submissions should be made by 1 December 2025.

Submissions will be reviewed and selected companies will be contacted and invited to present their ideas to a panel of experts and audience during the event.
 
This is an exceptional opportunity to showcase your solutions to a wide audience of Surface Navy attendees including industry leaders, and potential partners. Take advantage of this platform to share your vision, demonstrate your expertise, and make lasting connections that can propel your business forward. There is no fee to participate.
 
Important Notes:
1. Participation in this event does not guarantee any business opportunity, award, contract, commitment, or endorsement from the Department of the Navy.

2. This event is open to the public. Therefore, please do not disclose any confidential or proprietary information during the presentation.

3. Successful submissions will be notified by 10 December 2025.

Media
The following events are NOT open to the Media:

• Retired Flag Brief
• Junior Officer/Enlisted/Midshipman events (unless otherwise noted)
• Commander/Commanding Officer Session
• VP/Program Managers Breakfast
• Captain & Commander's Brief
• CEO/Flag Officer Luncheon/Brief
• Cuttermen's Call

A media lounge will be open Tuesday Afternoon to Thursday. Please pick up registration materials on-site at the Registration Area located in the hotel lobby.

Cancellation Policy

Attendee Cancellation & Refund Policy
Cancellation Requests:
Attendees may request a cancellation in writing within 30 days of date of registration. However, no cancellations will be accepted after January 2, 2026, regardless of the registration date.

Refunds:
All approved refunds will incur a $30 processing fee.

• If you switch from Virtual Only to In-Person registration, you will be charged the difference in registration fees.
• No refunds will be issued when you change from In-Person to Virtual Only registration.
   
  Tier Rate Increases:
  If any outstanding balance is not paid by 11:59 PM (Eastern) on the date of a tier rate increase, the next tier rate will automatically apply.

Corporate Payment Policy & Cancellation Fee
A fee will automatically be added if paid by Credit Card. If you pay by Wire, please add $18 to the total due. No fee is required when paying by Check or ACH/EFT.
 
All non-corporate members will be charged an 18% fee on the invoiced amount. This is to replace non-member pricing.
 
If a corporation is invoiced as a member and their membership is not current by 1 January, then the corporation will be re-invoiced to include the non-member fee.
 
Cancellation Policy: Upon receiving an invoice, you enter into a binding agreement to participate. Tier pricing applies until each tier’s end date. If payment is not made within the 30-day grace period and a new tier level is reached, you will be invoiced at the updated rate. 
If payment is not made within the 30-day grace period, you will be invoiced with a 3% late fee.
Before October 30, 2025, the Association will refund 50% of the invoiced amount, minus any fees, if requested. After October 30, 2025, the exhibitor/sponsor will forfeit the entire invoiced sum.
 
Additional Notes:

• Prices shown are subject to change.

Information under the Exhibit/Sponsor tab is for 2026 event.