OCTOBER 26 - 28
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 Open8:00 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 Own12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Opening General Session – Installation Leadership Townhall
1:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Networking Break1:45 PM – 2:30 PM
Breakout Sessions
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Networking Break2:45 PM – 3:30 PM
Breakout Sessions
3:30 PM – 3:45 PM
Networking Break3:45 PM – 4:30 PM
General Session
4:30 PM – 4:45 PM
Networking Break4:45 PM – 5:30 PM
Breakout Sessions
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Networking Reception
Tuesday, October 27
7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Registration Open7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Networking Breakfast8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
General Session
9:30 AM – 9:45 AM
Networking Break9:45 AM – 10:30 AM
Breakout Sessions
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Networking Break10:45 AM – 11:30 AM
Breakout Sessions
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
General Session
2:00 PM – 2:15 PM
Networking Break2:15 PM – 3:00 PM
Breakout Sessions
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Networking Break3:15 PM – 4:00 PM
Breakout Sessions
4:00 PM – 4:15 PM
Networking Break4:15 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 Open8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
General Session - Breakfast Working Group
9:30 AM – 9:45 AM
Networking Break9:45 AM – 10:30 AM
Breakout Sessions
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Networking Break10:45 AM – 11:30 AM
Breakout Sessions
11:30 AM
Forum EndsConference Location
The 2026 Installation Innovation Forum 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
For the 2026 Installation Innovation Forum (IIF), we’ve secured discounted room rates at the following hotels, all within walking distance of the Tampa Convention Center. We encourage attendees to book within the official room block to stay connected to conference activities.
Hotel destination fees have been waived for all rooms booked within the official IIF block. Discounted rates are available through October 2, 2026, however rooms may sell out prior to the cutoff date. Please use the booking link for your selected hotel below to secure your reservation. Discounted rates are made possible through ADC’s contracted room block, and your support in staying at the designated hotels is greatly appreciated.
If your desired dates are unavailable, please contact info@defensecommunities.org, and we will work to secure additional rooms whenever possible.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center*
$249/night
Direct skybridge access to the Convention Center
Tampa Marriott Water Street*
$289/night
Adjacent to the Convention Center
The Westin Tampa Waterside*
$279/night
Short waterfront walk to the Convention Center
JW Marriott Tampa Water Street
$359/night
Adjacent to the Convention Center
*Federal Per Diem Rooms
Federal per diem rooms are available for attendees with a federal or military email address. Booking instructions, including a per diem code, will be provided to eligible registrants once registration opens. To request early access to reserve a per diem room, please email info@defensecommunities.org from your federal or military email address and indicate your preferred hotel.
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 Nonja Hayden for more information.
Contact Us
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