OCTOBER 26 – 28

Partnerships that Power the Mission.

Military readiness doesn’t begin at the gate. It starts in the communities that power our installations and support our service members, families, and the mission. Across the country, these communities are being asked to do more—modernizing infrastructure, strengthening the workforce, and protecting readiness—even as resources tighten and threats evolve. The solutions exist. What’s needed is connection, collaboration, and a path to scale.

This year, we gather in Military Bay, USA™ — Tampa Bay, home to MacDill Air Force Base and a designated Great American Defense Community—where mission meets momentum and partnership is part of the culture.

Join the leaders building what’s next for America’s installations. Because national security starts at home—and it’s powered by the partnerships we build together.

Agenda

Monday, October 26

7:00 AM – 5:15 PM

Registration Open

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Military Service Preconference Townhalls

9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Defense Community Council Townhalls

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Lunch – On Your Own

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Opening General Session – Installation Leadership Townhall

1:30 PM – 1:45 PM

Networking Break

1:45 PM – 2:30 PM

Breakout Sessions

2:30 PM – 2:45 PM

Networking Break

2:45 PM – 3:30 PM

Breakout Sessions

3:30 PM – 3:45 PM

Networking Break

3:45 PM – 4:30 PM

General Session

4:30 PM – 4:45 PM

Networking Break

4:45 PM – 5:30 PM

Breakout Sessions

5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Networking Reception

Tuesday, October 27

7:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Registration Open

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM

Networking Breakfast

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

General Session

9:30 AM – 9:45 AM

Networking Break

9:45 AM – 10:30 AM

Breakout Sessions

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM

Networking Break

10:45 AM – 11:30 AM

Breakout Sessions

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Networking Lunch

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

General Session

2:00 PM – 2:15 PM

Networking Break

2:15 PM – 3:00 PM

Breakout Sessions

3:00 PM – 3:15 PM

Networking Break

3:15 PM – 4:00 PM

Breakout Sessions

4:00 PM – 4:15 PM

Networking Break

4:15 PM – 5:00 PM

Breakout Sessions

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Great American Defense Communities Celebration

Wednesday, October 28

8:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Registration Open

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

General Session - Breakfast Working Group

9:30 AM – 9:45 AM

Networking Break

9:45 AM – 10:30 AM

Breakout Sessions

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM

Networking Break

10:45 AM – 11:30 AM

Breakout Sessions

11:30 AM

Forum Ends

Conference Location

The 2026 Installation Innovation Forum (IIF) will be held at the Tampa Convention Center, sitting right on Tampa’s scenic waterfront in the heart of downtown. Its central location puts attendees within easy walking distance of the bustling Tampa Riverwalk, with vibrant restaurants, entertainment venues, and cultural attractions to explore.

Hotel Accommodations

We’ve secured discounted rates at our official IIF hotels — all within walking distance of the Convention Center. Our negotiated room block includes some of the best available price points in Tampa, with destination fees waived across all properties. Three hotels are directly across the street, with a fourth a short walk away.

Book early. These prime blocks sell out fast, and discounted rates are available only through October 2, 2026 — or until rooms are gone.

Use the booking link for your selected hotel below to reserve your room. If your preferred dates aren’t available, reach out to info@defensecommunities.org and we’ll do our best to help.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center*

$249/night

Direct skybridge access to the Convention Center

Book a Room

Tampa Marriott Water Street*

$289/night

Adjacent to the Convention Center

Book a Room

The Westin Tampa Waterside*

$279/night

Short waterfront walk to the Convention Center

Book a Room

JW Marriott Tampa Water Street

$359/night

Adjacent to the Convention Center

Book a Room

*Federal Per Diem Rooms

Federal per diem rooms are available for attendees that provide a federal or military email address. Eligible registrants will receive instructions to reserve per diem rooms. If you registered but did not receive instructions for booking a per diem room, please email us at info@defensecommunities.org and indicate your preferred hotel.

Registration

For a limited time, we’re offering:

Early bird pricing below last year’s rates
Special group rate of $395/person* for ADC Community members registering three or more attendees. Additional discounts available for larger delegations.

We encourage you to register early to take advantage of these limited-time offers.

*Contact ADC to request a group code. Once confirmed, use the code during registration.

Community Member

$745

Community Non-Member

$895

Industry Member

$1,145

Industry Non-Member

$1,495

DOW/Federal

This rate is for active military service members and federal employees only. Participants need to provide an official military or federal government email address to register. Contractors and those with email addresses containing .ctr are NOT permitted to register at this rate.

Sponsorship

IIF’s exhibit hall delivers high-impact engagement in an intimate setting, offering unique opportunities to connect with attendees that you won’t find anywhere else. Given the limited space available – IIF exhibit hall opportunities are only open to event sponsors at this time.

Become a sponsor of IIF 2026 to gain unmatched networking opportunities and visibility for your organization. Ready to secure your sponsorship? Contact Matt Borron for more information.