ITEC is Europe's largest dedicated event for defence training, simulation, and education technology. Organised by Clarion Defence and Security, it brings together military training directors, simulation engineers, government procurement officials, and technology vendors at ExCeL London for an annual three-day exhibition and technical conference. The 2027 edition takes place 11–13 May 2027, with a programme centred on artificial intelligence, augmented reality, virtual reality, and cross-sector innovation in military readiness.
ITEC (International Training Technology Exhibition and Conference) is an annual B2B trade exhibition and technical conference dedicated to defence training, simulation, and education. It is the largest event of its kind in Europe. Organised by Clarion Defence and Security, ITEC takes place at ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL. The event brings together military, government, and industry stakeholders to explore advances in training technology with the goal of ensuring operational supremacy. The 2027 edition is scheduled for 11–13 May 2027. Prior editions have been held at ExCeL London and, in the 2025 cycle, co-located with UDT (Undersea Defence Technology) in Bergen, Norway, before returning to London for 2026 and 2027.
ITEC was established to serve the growing intersection of professional military training and simulation technology. Its full name, "International Training Technology Exhibition and Conference" (abbreviated informally as IT2EC), reflects its dual character: a trade floor where simulation and technology vendors exhibit, and a rigorous technical conference where researchers and practitioners present and debate. Over the years, ITEC has expanded its scope from traditional simulation hardware to incorporate software-driven training, AI-enabled decision support, game-engine-derived environments, and first-responder cross-pollination. The event is organised under the Clarion Defence and Security brand alongside other events such as DSEI (London), UDT (Bergen), and AOC Europe (various).
Following the 2025 co-location with UDT in Bergen (which the organiser reported attracted a record number of attendees) and the 2026 London edition at ExCeL, ITEC 2027 returns to ExCeL London for 11–13 May 2027. Specific programme themes for 2027 had not been announced as of June 2026, but based on the trajectory of recent editions the core focus areas will include artificial intelligence in simulation, augmented and virtual reality for immersive training, wargaming, and the "DualTech" programme which explores civilian-to-military technology transfer (gaming industry, first responder sectors). Stand enquiries for 2027 were open as of the time of research.
ITEC occupies a niche that no competing event in Europe directly replicates: it is exclusively focused on training technology, simulation, and education, rather than on weapons, platforms, or general defence procurement. Its spring timing at ExCeL London (May) follows DSEI by approximately seven months and precedes Eurosatory (June, biennial). The show rotates periodically to other European cities (Bergen 2025) but London is its home base. For companies in the simulation, training software, and AI sectors, ITEC is typically the highest-return European show of the year in terms of qualified military training buyer concentration.
Exhibitors include global defence primes (Accenture, Babcock Land Defence, SAAB, Ryan Aerospace, and similar), specialist simulation companies, AI and software developers, virtual reality hardware vendors, and academic research institutions. The visitor base comprises military training directors and programme officers, NATO and national MOD representatives, government procurement officials, instructors and training doctrine specialists, and defence journalists. The 2025 edition attracted MOD representatives, NATO members, military personnel, and VIPs from the USA, Europe, and beyond. A VIP engagement programme facilitates matchmaking between senior military decision-makers and exhibitors.
The event combines a trade exhibition floor with a multi-theatre technical conference. The conference typically operates across three theatres including a keynote theatre, with over 70 international training technology experts presenting. A separate "DualTech" programme addresses dual-use innovation from gaming and first responder industries, featuring a challenge competition and wargaming showcase. Networking is a structural feature: 89% of visitors (organiser-reported) welcomed the networking opportunities, and exhibitor drinks receptions and offsite networking events are standard features. A VIP engagement team facilitates meetings between high-profile military visitors and exhibitors. An EZONE (digital exhibitor catalogue) is provided online for pre-event discovery.
Core thematic pillars include:
| Location | Bergen, Norway (co-located with UDT) |
| Attendance | Record number (specific figure not publicly disclosed) |
| Conference speakers | 70+ |
| Visitor satisfaction: networking opportunities | 89% positive |
| Exhibitor satisfaction: new prospects met | 70% able to meet likely future clients |
| Notable exhibitors | Accenture, Babcock Land Defence, SAAB, Ryan Aerospace |
ITEC is a B2B trade and professional event open to military, government, and private sector defence industry participants. The admission policy requires professional credentials. There is no general public access. Exhibitors, visitors, conference delegates, and press can all register. The organiser publishes an admission policy at https://www.itec.co.uk/contact-us/policies/admission-policy.
DualTech is a sub-event within ITEC focused on the transfer of technology and ideas from non-defence sectors (particularly gaming, entertainment, and first responder industries) into military training applications. It includes a challenge competition, a wargaming showcase, and a dedicated conference agenda. It is included in the standard ITEC exhibition ticket.
ITEC is annual but does move location. The event has been held in multiple European cities including London (regular home base), Bergen/Norway, and other venues. The 2027 edition is confirmed at ExCeL London (11–13 May 2027). Future location decisions are made by organiser Clarion Defence and Security.
ExCeL London is located at Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL. The venue provides approximately 100,000 square metres of flexible event space across two interconnected halls (North and South), multiple conference suites, and outdoor areas adjacent to the Royal Victoria Dock waterfront. Transport links are excellent: the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) station "Custom House" is adjacent, providing direct connections to central London, London City Airport (LCY, approximately 5 minutes by DLR), and Crossrail (Elizabeth Line) at Custom House. Road access is via the A13. Multiple hotels adjoin or are within walking distance of ExCeL including the Novotel, Aloft, and Holiday Inn. ExCeL is a Modon/ADNEC Group venue (ADNEC Group holds a partial ownership stake), linking it to the ISNR Abu Dhabi organiser family.
Clarion Defence and Security is a division of Clarion Events, one of the UK's largest B2B trade event companies. It operates a portfolio of defence and security events including DSEI (Defence and Security Equipment International, London), ITEC, UDT (Undersea Defence Technology), AOC Europe, and others. Clarion Defence and Security is headquartered in London. For ITEC, the Clarion team manages exhibitor sales, conference programme curation (through an independent programme committee), VIP engagement, and delegate services.
ITEC is the one show where a simulation software engineer, a military training doctrine officer, and a game studio AI developer can be in the same room making deals: that convergence is why 70% of exhibitors consistently report meeting their best future prospects here.
Visitor registration for ITEC 2027 is via the "Register Interest" form at https://www.itec.co.uk/register-interest (early interest registration, with full registration opening closer to the event). For paid conference delegate passes, pricing is available at https://www.itec.co.uk/visit/price-to-attend. Stand enquiries for exhibitors are submitted via https://www.itec.co.uk/exhibit/stand-enquiry-form. Sponsorship enquiries are via https://www.itec.co.uk/exhibit/sponsorship/sponsorship-enquiry-form. The event operates a compliance policy requiring attendees to be from legitimate defence and security industry, military, government, or research organisations; the compliance policy is published at https://www.itec.co.uk/contact-us/policies/compliance-policy.
Conference delegate registration provides access to all three theatre tracks including keynote sessions, DualTech programme, and technical paper presentations, as well as the exhibition floor. Delegate passes are priced separately from the basic exhibition visitor pass; pricing details are published on the ITEC website closer to the event.
Press accreditation is available. Media representatives should contact the Clarion Defence and Security press team via the ITEC key contacts page (https://www.itec.co.uk/contact-us/key-contacts). Approved press receive complimentary access to exhibition and conference sessions.
ITEC operates a compliance and admission policy. The event is reserved for professionals from the defence, security, government, and related sectors. The organiser screens applications and reserves the right to refuse admission. Full policy is at https://www.itec.co.uk/contact-us/policies/admission-policy.
| Official website | https://www.itec.co.uk |
| https://uk.linkedin.com/company/itec-event | |
| X | not disclosed |
| Register (visitor/delegate) | https://www.itec.co.uk/register-interest |
| Stand enquiry (exhibitor) | https://www.itec.co.uk/exhibit/stand-enquiry-form |
| Programme / conference agenda | https://www.itec.co.uk/conference/about |