Sagamore Midwest Defense Summit 2026
Cinergy Nation,
The Midwest is becoming the center of America’s national security future — and this is the room where it happens.
The 3rd Annual Sagamore Midwest Defense Summit brings together senior policymakers, national security leaders, defense industry executives, researchers, and innovators for two days of high-impact discussions on air and land power from the Heartland.
📅 June 10–11, 2026 | Dayton, Ohio
Why This Matters
From Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to the factory floors of Ohio and Indiana, the Midwest has always been the backbone of American defense. This year’s summit focuses on how Heartland air and land power are foundational to U.S. national security — and how the region’s manufacturers, technologists, and workforce partners are building the future of defense.
This is not a conference. This is the room where the future gets built.
Who’s in the Room
Confirmed speakers include executives and leaders from:
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Anduril Industries — Zachary Mears, SVP of Strategy
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Northrop Grumman — Stephen O’Bryan, Corporate VP & President International
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Rolls-Royce LibertyWorks — John Kusnierek, SVP
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General Dynamics Land Systems — Geoff Norman, Director U.S. Strategy
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Hanwha Defense USA — Mike Smith, President & COO
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Hermeus — AJ Piplica, Co-founder & CEO
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Hadrian — Chris Power, Founder & CEO
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Fincantieri Marine Group, General Atomics, American Rheinmetall, APEX, and more
Agenda Highlights
Wednesday, June 10 | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
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12 PM: MDX Autonomous Heartland Forum (separate registration required)
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6 PM: Welcome Reception + Panel: Air Power from the Heartland (private museum access)
Thursday, June 11 | The Dayton Arcade
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Panels: Arming the Arsenal | Ground Game | Workforce Ready | Investing in the Midwest
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Morning & Lunch Keynotes | Afternoon Fireside Chat
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Closes 4:00 PM
Bonus: MDX Autonomous Heartland Forum
Free half-day working session on June 10 — exploring how the Midwest transitions into autonomous and maritime production. Open to manufacturers, defense partners, investors, and workforce organizations.
Accommodations
Hilton Garden Inn Dayton Downtown — connected directly to The Dayton Arcade. Questions? Contact Erin: [email protected]
If you’re in defense, manufacturing, technology, or national security — this is the CINERGY you need to be part of this summer.
Play bigger together.