The GSIS will take place on 09–10 December 2026 at the CCH – Congress Center Hamburg. Following its successful premiere in 2025, the Summit positions itself as a central platform for dialogue between policymakers, industry, investors, and the research community. Key thematic fields include Artificial Intelligence and quantum technologies, space, critical infrastructure, energy security, and innovation finance.
Deepened Industry Partnership with a Focus on Future Technologies
With BDSV, the GSIS gains a central actor of Germany’s and Europe’s security and defence industry. The partnership aims to more closely align industrial policy considerations, technological innovation cycles, and security policy requirements – particularly regarding Europe’s competitiveness and resilience.
Dr Hans Christoph Atzpodien, Chief Executive of the BDSV:
“A strong security and defence industrial base is a strategic factor for our ability to act in security policy. The GSIS offers a highly valuable forum for bringing together industrial expertise, political decision‑making, and international perspectives - and for making these synergies accessible to our members.”
The International Institute for Strategic Studies also welcomes the partnership. Dr Bastian Giegerich, Director‑General and Chief Executive of the IISS:
“With BDSV, we are adding a strong industrial anchor to the GSIS ecosystem. This strengthens the Summit’s relevance for governments, businesses, and investors alike and will provide important momentum for Europe’s security policy debate.”
Heiko M. Stutzinger, CEO of Hamburg Messe und Congress:
“The GSIS is a platform where strategic security, technological innovation, and economic performance come together. The partnership with BDSV underlines the Summit’s ambition to make European perspectives visible within the global security landscape. Together, we are creating a programme that enhances Europe’s position in the global security environment.”
Dimitrios Argirakos, Executive Chair of the GSIS:
“BDSV becomes a key industrial partner of the GSIS. This enables us to connect security policy requirements, innovation cycles, and investment logic even more closely, increasing the Summit’s operational relevance for decision‑makers across government, industry, and capital.”
The BDSV will contribute to shaping the programme and provide industry expertise. Members of the BDSV will also benefit from enhanced access to conference and exhibition formats.
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About GSIS – Global Security and Innovation Summit
The Global Security and Innovation Summit (GSIS) is an international conference with an accompanying exhibition at the intersection of security policy, technology and industry. The annual main conference in Hamburg brings together high-level representatives from government, business, finance and research, providing direct access to strategic decision-makers. The exhibition offers companies the opportunity to showcase innovative technologies and solutions to an international professional audience and to develop strategic partnerships. The format is complemented by curated partner events, side events and year-round digital and international satellite formats. The next GSIS will take place on 9–10 December 2026 at CCH – Congress Center Hamburg.
About the Federation of German Security & Defence Industries (BDSV)
The BDSV is the principal trade association representing the German security and defence industry and serves as a key interlocutor between companies, policymakers and international institutions. It consolidates and advocates for the industrial policy interests of its members and is committed to strengthening the competitiveness and long-term viability of Germany as a location for the security and defence industry.
About the International Institute for Strategic Studies
The Global Security and Innovation Summit is based on the combined expertise of its partner institutions. The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is an internationally renowned think tank for security and defence policy with deep knowledge of regional geopolitics and geo-economics. It is known for high-level forums such as the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue (Asia), the IISS Manama Dialogue (Middle East), and the IISS Prague Defence Summit (Europe). The international research team offers analyses relevant to government and business.
About Hamburg Messe und Congress
Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH (HMC), based in Germany's second-largest city, is one of the leading trade fair and congress organizers in Europe. The venue hosts industry-defining trade fairs and conferences. The topic of global security has been part of the portfolio for over 60 years – particularly in connection with the leading international trade fair SMM and the International Conference on Maritime Security and Defence (MS&D).
Press material for download: https://hmc.canto.de/b/HHBLU
Press Contact:
Chris Egerton
Press Communications Manager
IISS
Phone: +44 (0) 7935 420493
christopher.egerton(at)iiss(dot)org
