2026 ACG Aerospace & Defense Middle Market Leadership Forum

In today’s aerospace and defense market, insight alone isn’t enough. You need actionable intelligence, trusted relationships, and a deep understanding of the sector’s unique challenges and opportunities to take your business to the next level. 

ACG’s Aerospace & Defense Middle Market Leadership Forum is purpose-built for operators, business leaders, and deal professionals looking to stay ahead in a fast-changing market. As the sector faces unprecedented demand for advanced capabilities, supply chain resilience, and strategic capital deployment, the Forum stands out as the premier gathering for those driving growth and transformation.

Now in its fifth year, the Forum delivers what other industry events don’t: powerful industry connections, highly relevant content, and insights you can use immediately to navigate the complexities of the A&D landscape. 

High-Value Connections 

The Forum’s intimate size sets it apart from other industry events, fostering meaningful interaction among business leaders, operators, and deal professionals with deep A&D expertise. Through scheduled one-on-one meetings and open networking, you’ll access expert insights on the latest trends in defense modernization and commercial aerospace recovery and deepen your understanding of the deal market. 

You’ll engage directly with: 

• Founders, owners, and C-suite executives of leading A&D companies
• Private equity investors and investment bankers active in the sector
• Lawyers, accountants, and other M&A partners with specialized A&D knowledge  

Business leaders can connect directly with M&A professionals to learn about funding options, the sale process, the valuation landscape, and more. Investors and transaction advisors will expand their network of corporate contacts, deal partners, and referral sources—all in one place. 

Cutting-Edge Content 

From keynote presentations to discussion panels, every content session at the A&D Forum is designed to provide practical intelligence for running and growing your business.  Topics reflect some of the most pressing issues facing the industry, including:

• M&A activity, valuations, and deal execution in A&D  
• The impact of advanced technologies on operations and competitiveness  
• Regulatory shifts and export controls, and their implications for transactions  
• Global events shaping defense spending, supply chains, and market access 

Actionable Takeaways 

The Forum is engineered for outcomes. You’ll walk away with: 

• A clearer view of where the A&D market is heading, including key growth drivers and risk factors
• Actionable strategies to position your business for success in a dynamic environment  
• Trusted connections across the deal ecosystem 

Opportunities for high-value networking, expert-led discussions, and one-on-one meetings ensure you’ll leave with not just insights, but clear, actionable strategies and high-quality connections to move your business forward.