DEF2021: Delivering a Culture of Innovation

The DEF2021 conference will be held at the Spire Events venue (same as DEF2019), from October 21 to 24, 2021. The core content days will be October 22 and 23. DEF2021 will bring the community together for multiple days of speakers, panels, breakouts, workshops, happy hours, and a pitch competition. The annual conference's unique mix of junior and senior military leaders, policy experts, creatives, veterans, and entrepreneurs creates a perfect environment for disruptive thinkers to develop new ideas with unmatched energy and engagement. All of this supports DEF's vision for a culture of innovation in the national security community. After a virtual conference last year, we are excited to get the community back together safely. See you at DEF2021!

Our theme for DEF2021 is “Delivering a Culture of Innovation." The first DEF event inspired a movement, and over the years it has connected people into a community and empowered individuals to seek change within their bureaucracies. Now in the conference's eighth year, when "innovation" has become a much more common word in the defense ecosystem, we are focusing on what it truly means to actually, tangibly deliver on a real, persistent culture of innovation.

We are not endorsing any specific hotel but realize the experience might be enhanced if you are able to stay with other attendees in the nearby area. The following hotels are near to the conference site:

• 1225 First Street NE, Washington, D.C., 20002(202) 408-4870
• 33 New York Ave NE, Washinton D.C., 20002 (202) 289-5599 
• 15 E Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001(202) 347-4200
• , 415 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001•(202) 638-1616

DEF2021 core programming days will be held at the Spire Events venue, 750 First St NE, Washington, DC 20002. The venue is located right behind Union Station and the US Postal Museum. For more information about the conference space, please visit spireeventsdc.com.

Take the Red Line to Union Station. Exit Union Station towards Massachusetts Ave. Turn right onto First Street NE and walk 0.3 miles. Spire Events will be on First Street to your left between G and H street.

If you are traveling by rideshare or taxi, have your driver drop you off at 750 First Street Northeast, Washington, DC 20002.

Street parking may be limited by the event space; however, underground parking is available at the Spire for a daily rate of $20.

To attend the DEF2021 Conference, you are required to provide one of the following information during registration check-in at the conference venue:

A) Proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination (must show name and date of the last dose)

or

B) Proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (test must have been carried out no more than 48 hours prior to check-in)

We also require you to wear a mask when not eating/drinking.

We will continue to track and observe local D.C. public health guidelines. We appreciate your understanding and thank you for your cooperation in helping us to keep everyone safe. If you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].

Event Venue

Washington