Technological pressure on armed forces is reshaping procurement and research priorities across Central Europe and sets the backdrop for Sidec 2026 in Celje. The event brings manufacturers, research centres and institutional stakeholders together to show prototypes and development lines for modern defence capabilities.
Dates and venue in Celje
Sidec 2026 runs from 10 to 12 November 2026 at Fairground Celje. General opening hours are 09:00 to 17:00. The exhibition will be closed to the general public except on 12 November when it opens from 12:00 to 17:00 without prior registration.
Key figures and international reach
The event builds on its inaugural attendance with 10,000 visitors and 180 exhibitors. Exhibitors represent some 20 countries, providing an international footprint that connects the Slovenian defence sector with partners across Western and Eastern Europe.
Exhibition content and the professional conference
The format pairs an international exhibition with a two day professional conference and an Open Forum programme. Presentations include technological solutions developed under the auspices of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia and prototypes from national research institutions. Panels will discuss evolving paradigms for defence technology development and their implications for protection and rescue systems.
Preparing B2B prospecting at Sidec 2026
Define a short list of target companies by capability and integration potential. Focus on sensor suites, land platforms or cyber defence as priority tracks and book meetings in advance. For each engagement prepare a concise technical brief with use cases, compatibility requirements and indicative procurement timelines.
Use morning slots for hands on demonstrations and reserve afternoons for commercial follow ups. Attend relevant conference sessions and Open Forum slots to collect operational context from end users, which will speed up technical qualification during post event negotiations.
Practical information for exhibitors and professional visitors
Registration channels are open separately for exhibitors and professional visitors. The organisers provide technical contacts for stand setup and onsite logistics. Celje is well connected to neighbouring markets such as Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia which simplifies regional travel and freight arrangements.
Closing note and official link
Sidec 2026 concentrates industry, research and institutional presence in a compact programme that prioritises technological development for defence applications. If your objective is to validate prototypes with end users or to establish integration paths, early target selection and a focused meeting plan are essential. Registration and event materials are available at the official site http://www.sidec.si/en, where exhibitor lists and logistics information are published.
