DSET 2026 – Defence Simulation, Education & Training – Cheltenham, United Kingdom
Overview
DSET 2026 is the premier military-driven conference and exhibition focusing on the rapidly advancing fields of simulation, education, and training. Held at the historic Cheltenham Racecourse, this event brings together over 2,000 international participants from across the global defense and resilience sectors. The summit is unique for its participant-led approach, where military and government representatives set the agenda to address real-world challenges in national security and operational readiness.
The 2026 edition marks a significant expansion into the space domain, featuring prominent involvement from the UK Space Agency and UK Space Command. The program is designed to foster deep collaboration between Military, Industry, and Academia, with a particular focus on the integration of artificial intelligence and cyber capabilities into modern training. For the first time, the move to Cheltenham allows for live outdoor demonstrations, including dedicated zones for Unmanned Ground Vehicles and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
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Buy on AmazonBeyond the technical exhibits, DSET 2026 hosts the British Army Service Cyber Conference, reinforcing its status as a critical hub for cyber leaders and defense experts. Attendees can participate in wargaming sessions, high-level paper presentations, and interactive workshops that explore the future of NATO NextGen training. The event provides an immersive experience where technical innovation meets strategic military necessity, ensuring that all participants walk away with actionable insights and strengthened international partnerships.
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Event Highlights
- Live UGV and UAV Zones: Experience real-world research and development through live demonstrations of unmanned ground and aerial vehicles in the venue’s extensive outdoor space.
- Expanded Space Focus: Engage with senior leaders from the UK Space Agency and UK Space Command through keynote sessions dedicated to defense integration and national resilience.
- British Army Cyber Conference: Access specialized content and networking opportunities as the British Army’s leading cyber experts rejoin the DSET program for 2026.
- International Wargaming Sessions: Participate in collaborative wargaming and simulation exercises designed to test current capabilities and resolve future defense challenges.
Why Attend
Attending DSET 2026 is vital for professionals who need to stay at the forefront of military simulation and training technology. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with serving military personnel, who represent 70% of the audience, ensuring that industry and academia are aligned with actual operational requirements. By joining this community, you gain first-hand access to the latest innovations in AI, cyber security, and space technology that are currently shaping the future of global defense.
The event is ideal for military officers, government officials, defense contractors, and academic researchers specialized in simulation and education. The benefit of attending lies in the peer-to-peer environment that encourages open dialogue and collective problem-solving across borders. Participants will leave the summit with a clearer understanding of the technological roadmap for NATO and national forces, as well as a robust network of international innovators and decision-makers.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: June 23 to June 25, 2026
- Event Duration: Three full days of conference sessions, workshops, and live demonstrations
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Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Registration is available through the official DSET website with specific portals for military, government, and industry delegates.
- Admission Type: Professional trade-only admission requiring online registration and verification.
- Ticket Pricing: Industry delegate passes are priced at approximately $1,940 while military and government personnel often receive complimentary or subsidized entry.
- Special Seating Options: Unreserved seating is available across all conference rooms, paper sessions, and the outdoor demonstration viewing areas.
- VIP Options: VIP and sponsorship packages offer premium benefits including access to on-site meeting rooms, exclusive dinner tickets, and branding opportunities.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Cheltenham, United Kingdom
- Venue Name: Cheltenham Racecourse
- Google Maps Address: Evesham Rd, Cheltenham GL50 4SH, United Kingdom
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Contact Information
- Email: info@dset.co.uk
- Phone Number: +44 1722 717 714
- Official Website: https://dset.co.uk/
Getting There
- Nearest Airport: Birmingham Airport (BHX) is approximately 50 miles from the venue, offering the most convenient international connections.
- Nearest Train/Metro Station: Cheltenham Spa station is located 2 miles from the racecourse, with regular taxi and bus services to the venue.
- Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: The D bus service runs frequently from the town center and the railway station directly to the racecourse entrance.
- Parking Availability: Extensive free on-site parking is available for all attendees within the racecourse grounds.
- Directions by Car: The venue is easily accessible from the M5 motorway via Junction 10 or Junction 11, following signs for Cheltenham Racecourse.
What is this event?
DSET is a globally recognized defense conference that focuses on the advancement of simulation, education, and training technologies. It serves as a bridge between the military community and industry providers to solve complex training challenges.
The event features a military-driven agenda, ensuring that all discussions and demonstrations are relevant to the actual needs of the armed forces. It is the leading platform for showcasing the latest in MS&T innovations.
Why is it popular?
The summit is popular because of its unique “military-first” approach, where the user leads the conversation rather than the salesperson. This creates an authentic environment for technical exchange and honest feedback on new equipment.
It is also highly valued for its inclusivity, bringing together police, medical, and fire services alongside traditional military sectors. The move to Cheltenham has added to its popularity by allowing for live, outdoor technological demonstrations.
Attendee Experiences
- The outdoor drone demonstrations provided a practical look at UGV capabilities that you just can’t get in a standard hall.
- I was impressed by the high number of international military officers present, which made the networking truly global.
- The wargaming sessions were incredibly well-organized and offered a great way to collaborate with industry competitors on shared goals.
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FAQ's
Who is eligible to attend DSET 2026?
DSET is a trade-only event intended for professionals working within the defense, security, and blue light sectors. This includes serving military personnel, government employees, academic researchers, and industry suppliers specialized in simulation and training technologies.
Are the workshops and paper sessions included in the standard ticket?
Yes, a full conference registration provides admittance to all main conference sessions, specialized workshops, and paper presentations. Attendees are encouraged to review the program in advance to prioritize sessions that align with their specific technological or strategic interests.
What is the dress code for the conference?
Military personnel are expected to wear their service uniform as they are regarding their attendance as a duty representing their service. Government employees, academic staff, and industry delegates are advised to wear smart business attire throughout the three-day event.
Is there a virtual option for those who cannot travel to Cheltenham?
DSET operates as a hybrid event, providing a virtual hub with live streaming and digital networking tools for those unable to attend in person. However, the live outdoor demonstrations and certain classified briefings may be restricted to physical attendees only.
What kind of food and drink is provided at the venue?
Standard delegate registrations typically include lunch and coffee breaks served throughout the day at the racecourse. Specialized VIP and sponsorship packages may also include invitations to formal networking dinners and evening social events at local historic venues.
