UTAC Millbrook
16th - 17th September, 2026

SME Zone: new to DVD2026

The main purpose of the SME Zone is to open up DVD2026 and in so doing, the Land Enterprise to smaller suppliers who would otherwise not have the opportunity to attend and exhibit.

The SME Zone is a new opportunity for smaller, UK SMEs with potential to bring innovation to the Land Enterprise to showcase cutting-edge ideas directly to the Army and wider Defence industry community at a major live Army event.

DVD has always been about connection with vehicles, experiencing them first hand.  The growing challenge is how these vehicles are enhanced and connected with other sensors and effectors.  The SME Zone provides an opportunity for potential Defence suppliers to show their services or concepts, engage with users and the wider Defence industry, as well as getting advice from the ‘Office for Small Business Growth’ on how to engage commercially.  This will help break down the barriers to entry for many SMEs.  All without the cost or complexity of a full exhibition stand

Why choose the SME Zone?

The SME Zone is designed specifically for Small and Medium Enterprises that want to maximise their ROI.  By choosing a pod within our centralised zone, you benefit from:

Budget Friendly Access

A streamlined pricing model that makes it affordable to get your brand in front of potential clients.

Ready to Go Branding

No need for additional stand builders. Your pod is pre installed and artwork created for you.

Prime Real Estate

A dedicated, central hub that provides a single, easy-to-navigate destination for visitors to discover and explore the latest SME offerings in one place.

A High Traffic Destination

By grouping SMEs together, we create a vibrant zone that naturally draws in attendees looking for the next big thing.

Who is the SME Zone for?

The SME Zone is intended to support genuinely small and independent innovators, especially those who are emerging within or have no business within the Defence Sector or within the Land Enterprise.

Eligibilty criteria (indicative):

To apply, organisations should:

  • Qualify as an SME
    • Fewer than 250 employees
    • Annual turnover not exceeding £44 million
  • Be an independent business
    • Not owned, controlled by, or part of a group with an organisation already registered as an exhibitor at DVD2026
  • Be producing and delivering relevance to the Land domain
    • Actively developing or prototyping products, services or technologies relevant to the land domain
    • Solution should demonstrate potential military application, adaptation or benefit
  • Be new to Defence engagement
    • Not currently holding a contract with the MoD as far as known
    • Limited or no prior experience of exhibiting at major Defence events
  • Ideally, without a subcontract within the Defence supply chain
  • Be UK-based

Your All Inclusive Pod Package

We’ve bundled everything you need into one transparent price. When you book a pod, you get a complete exhibition solution.

The Pod Structure

A modern, informal space designed for 1-to-1 meetings. Informal meeting spaces available near the Pod.

Integrated Graphics

Professional artwork using your branding is included in the cost.

Exhibitor Listing

Your company name and information featured in our showguide.

The Essentials

On-site power, high-speed Wi-Fi, and built-in lighting.

Functional Setup

A branded counter ready for use on day one.

Turnkey Delivery

Our team handles the full setup.  You simply arrive with your marketing materials and start networking.

TED Talk Slot

Offered a presentation slot , within the SME Zone, which will be filmed and made available post the event.

How to join the SME Zone

The SME Zone is about more than just a physical space, it’s about ensuring that budget doesn’t limit your ability to showcase your brand alongside some of the best land equipment and service in the defence industry.

To maintain the integrity and focus of the SME Zone, all applications are subject to an approval process.  We want to ensure a diverse and relevant mix of companies that provide real value to our attendees.

01

Apply

Submit your interest via the form below

02

Review

Our team will review your application to ensure your business meets the SME criteria

03

Confirm

Once approved, we will finalise your booking and get your pod ready for the show floor

Secure your affordable route to the show floor today.  Submit your application for the SME Zone.