Whether you’re traveling to AUSA 2026 from within the United States, or an international defense company joining the big defense show from abroad, this last-minute packing guide will give you an overview of the different items you should have on hand before heading to Washington D.C.
There’s a lot to juggle ahead of a conference, from making sure you have the right clothes packed to running through a list of items you’ll need on the floor, all the way to having a handy checklist in place for any PR campaign you are planning to launch or execute at the event.
All You Need to Know About the Dress-Code at AUSA
First thing first: what is the official AUSA dress code? While some defense conferences, such as SOF Week, tend to be a bit more laid-back in dress code (thankfully, given SOF Week takes place in hot, humid Florida!), AUSA tends to veer more on the side of traditional business clothing.
If it’s your first time attending, you can expect that most exhibitors will be wearing suits and traditional business attire. There will also be military leaders and international delegates in vast attendance, who will be in their respective military uniforms and official dress. For this reason, it’s best to approach the conference as you would like any professional business setting in terms of attire.
As the event approaches the last day, some attendees do get a bit more casual, pairing a branded company shirt with jeans and comfortable shoes. However, there will still be uniformed military professionals on-site throughout the duration of the event, so you might feel most comfortable remaining formally dressed each day if you have meetings set up with such officials.
In terms of after-hours events and off-site networking, the dress code tends to vary. You’ll find many still dressed as they were on the floor, while others take it down a few notches and dress more relaxed. Any official AUSA hosted events will be kept to the formal dress code, so plan accordingly.
Helpful Items to Carry on the Exhibition Floor Each Day
Having a few items on your person on the AUSA floor can make for a much more comfortable day on your feet. Here’s a checklist of helpful items to keep in a tote bag or briefcase each day:
- Event badge and photo identification: While the event is open to the public, all attendees must be registered beforehand and will need to scan their badge upon entering the convention center each day.
- Portable charger and charging cables: There are a few charging stations on the floor, but having a portable charger on hand is a gamechanger. This allows you to continue walking the floor while you charge, instead of wasting time powering up.
- US power adapter for international travelers: If you’re joining AUSA from abroad, make sure you have a US power adapter handy in case you need to charge items at your booth.
- Business cards: Business cards will be shared abundantly throughout the event, so make sure to bring more than you’ll need (typically, we walk the floor with a pack of 50-100 each day to air on the safe side).
- LinkedIn QR code: In case you run out of business cards, you can also keep a QR code handy that goes directly to your LinkedIn to make connections more seamless.
- Small notebook and pens: You’ll likely want to jot down notes on anything from potential partnership opportunities to contact information, so make sure to have an old school notebook and pen on you.
- Refillable water bottle, if permitted: There are plenty of filtered water stations throughout the event space, so bring your own refillable bottle to stay hydrated during the long conference days.
- Breath mints and gum: You’ll be meeting a ton of new people and chatting with new folks, so have some breath mints and gum handy.
- Daily agenda and venue map: To keep yourself organized, make sure you create a personalized agenda each day, across any media interviews, networking events, new business discussions, and so on. A simple calendar reminder for each meeting can work wonders to make sure your day-of schedule runs smoothly. Also, make sure to have a printed out or digital venue map on hand so you can navigate the large floors efficiently.
- Meeting contacts and phone numbers: As above, put any important contact information in your calendar invites in case you need to reach folks you are planning to meet with on the day. You don’t want to be scrambling through long-winded email chains to find the right phone number or email contact while on the floor
- Lightweight bag: Whether a tote, or a comfortable day bag, having a solid bag on your person to carry items is a must. Many exhibitors will be handing out swag, merch, or pamphlets, so make sure you’re able to carry all that you collect throughout the day.
Ensuring You Have All Your Public Relations Assets in Order Before Hitting the Show Floor
If you’re planning on announcing news and / or running media briefings at the show, you’ll want to make sure that you have media-facing items prepared. Your agency partner should be well across prepared months in advance, ensuring that day-of event execution is buttoned up.
Want to learn more about executing a defense PR strategy around AUSA, or other major defense industry events? Check out this blog here: Cutting Through the Noise: Defense PR Ahead of AUSA 2026 and Beyond.
Here’s a few items that should be prepped:
- Media Messaging: Whether you’re announcing news alone, or alongside a key partner or collaborator, the key messages you want to bring to media should be agreed upon well ahead of heading to DC.
- Media-Facing Assets: Press releases, images, and pitches should be finalized at least two weeks ahead of the event (ideally one month) to allow for enough time to conduct media outreach.
- Briefing Schedule: The pacing of your on-site AUSA interview schedule should be organized and delegated across the appropriate spokespeople for each media property.
- Briefing Documents: Spokespeople should be deeply prepped on their scheduled briefings, understanding both the coverage style and beat of each reporter they are speaking to. Briefing documents should be made readily available weeks ahead of time to allow for maximum preparation.
- Company Sponsored Off-Site Events: If your company is hosting an off-site event during AUSA 2026, this should be bundled into your media relations strategy.
Make Your AUSA Investment Work Harder, Speak With Wise Up PR Today
If you’re looking to make the most of your investment into exhibiting or attending AUSA, our team of defense PR specialists can support you on executing on a well-planned media relations strategy.
Contact us here today to learn more about how our firm’s deep expertise in the space can help you raise awareness at key industry events like AUSA, and much farther beyond it. We’d be happy to connect with you ahead of the show, or book in time in-person in DC to talk about your goals.
See you in DC!