Choose Halifax for any number of reasons; incredible oceanfront views and a walkable downtown core, or its world-class convention centre and thriving cross-sector innovation. No matter the reason, the outcome is always the same: inspired meetings, engaged delegates, and lasting impressions.
Discover Halifax’s extraordinary selection of historic and modern venues and accommodations—all offering versatile settings to host inspiring meetings, unforgettable receptions against the backdrop of our beautiful sea-side city.
Unlock a world of curated supplier partnerships, sustainable planning tools, and exclusive delegate-saving privileges designed to elevate your event and not your budget.
Find the support you need to simplify logistics, maximize ROI, and create a bespoke event that is tailored to your group in a way that only Halifax can. As a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) we’re here to help every step of the way, free of charge.
Whether you spell it ‘aerospace and defence‘ or ‘aerospace and defense‘, Halifax is a strategic and innovative hub, that combines Canada’s largest naval base, world-class research, and global industry players into one powerful ecosystem. For international conference planners, Halifax offers a stage where military, technology, and innovation intersect — with a bit of East Coast edge.
Halifax is home to more than 15,000 people working in aerospace, defense, shipbuilding, and advanced manufacturing. With six universities and the highest student density in North America, Halifax produces the engineers, scientists, and innovators who fuel its defense and aerospace sectors.
Core assets include:
CFB Halifax – the largest Canadian Forces Base, anchoring the Atlantic Fleet.
Halifax Shipyard (Irving Shipbuilding) – North America’s largest indoor facility, delivering Canada’s next-generation naval vessels.
Defence Research & Development Canada-Atlantic – advancing underwater warfare, warship survivability, and new materials.
This unique mix of navy, government, global primes, startups, and academia makes Halifax a living laboratory for defense innovation. It’s why NATO chose Halifax for its Defence Innovation Accelerator (DIANA), connecting local talent to a global network of accelerators and test centers.
Industry Facts
Halifax houses Canada’s highest concentration of military assets.
Halifax hosts Canada’s only Maritime Warfare Centre, driving naval defence strategies.
Nine of Canada’s top ten defence companies operate here, contributing to torpedo defence, ship hydrodynamics, cybersecurity, and simulation technologies.
Innovation Across Sectors
Halifax excels at dual-use technologies — breakthroughs that serve both civilian and defense needs.
Naval Defense & Ocean Tech – Ultra Maritime’s sonar Centre of Excellence and Kraken Robotics’ autonomous systems position Halifax as a global leader in undersea innovation.
Simulation & Training – Bluedrop Simulation develops VR and flight training systems used by militaries and civil aviation worldwide.
Clean Tech & Energy – Dalhousie’s Jeff Dahn Lab (partnering with Tesla) and Halifax-born Novonix are redefining battery technology for EVs, renewable energy, and defense mobility.
Here, conferences can spotlight technologies that are reshaping industries and global security at the same time.
Conferences that Choose Halifax
Halifax has a strong record hosting international aerospace and defense events:
DEFSEC Atlantic – Canada’s premier aerospace & defense exhibition.
Halifax International Security Forum – the “Davos of defense,” attracting 300 leaders from 70+ countries.
CASI Aerospace Conferences – advancing aeronautics and space research.
H2O: Home to Overseas – connecting naval defense, oceans, and the blue economy.
The city has proven it can handle high-security summits, large trade shows, and innovation-driven gatherings — with maritime hospitality built in.
Ready to Exceed Expectations
Halifax isn’t just a venue — it’s a launchpad for aerospace and defense innovation. Delegates will meet naval officers, engineers, and innovators shaping the future of global security. Add in Atlantic Canada’s character — from harbourfront receptions to lobster dinners — and you get conferences that are as memorable as they are meaningful.
Bring your next aerospace or defense event to Halifax. Our Business Events team is ready to help you craft a program that delivers ROI and breaks new ground.
Industry Partners
Learn more about our sector
Sit back and listen to the Discover Halifax Podcast and watch a sector overview video:
