WRIGHT DIALOGUE WITH INDUSTRY (WDI)

Please join us for the 19th Wright Dialogue with Industry (WDI)!

July 29 - July 31 at the Dayton Convention Center, Dayton, Ohio.

Mark your calendars for the 19th annual Wright Dialogue with Industry (WDI), happening July 29-31, 2026, at the Dayton Convention Center in Dayton, Ohio. This premier event offers an unparalleled opportunity for industry, academia, and government to engage directly with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) on its latest science and technology advancements. 

Co-hosted by Dayton Defense and held in conjunction with the Life Cycle Industry Days (LCID), WDI provides a comprehensive immersion into the future of Air Force technology and acquisition.  

The event will include:

• In-depth classified and unclassified briefings on AFRL's technical portfolios and contracting opportunities.
• Exclusive one-on-one sessions with AFRL's senior leadership and technical experts.
• Networking opportunities with hundreds of professionals from across the defense landscape.
• Keynote addresses from AFRL leaders.

This is a limited-distribution event, not open to the public, and will cover topics at the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and classified levels. 

Don't miss your chance to be part of the conversation that shapes the future of the U.S. Air Force. 

GENERAL INFORMATION

Please read all information below in its entirety as well as review the event agenda and pricing before registering. If you plan to purchase a combo LCID/WDI registration, be sure to also review all of the LCID registration requirements.

Attire:
Government: Business Casual (Civilians) or OCPs (Military) 

Industry/Non-Government: Business Casual

U.S. Citizenship:  You must be a U.S. Citizen to attend this event. Green Card holders are NOT eligible to attend. The only acceptable documents include U.S. passport, no stripe or green stripe CAC cards, AFRL "blue badge" or raised seal birth certificate with government-issued photo ID. *A driver's license alone does not prove citizenship. 

Please Note: 
If your name on your ID is different than on your birth certificate, you will be required to bring proof of name change (i.e. marriage certificate). 

A retired military ID is not an acceptable form to prove citizenship.

Need-to-Know:  This is a CUI, U.S. Government and Contractors Only event.  Industry attendees must submit a Defense Logistics Information Service (DLIS) certified DD2345 Form.  You will need a copy of this form and the certification number from the form to fill out the registration form. For more information, please visit the DLIS website. *Required to register.

AFRL Technical Directorate One-on-One Meeting: One-on-One technical discussion meetings are available to meet with AFRL Tech Directors, Core Technical Competencies (CTC) leads, and Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) during the event. Attendees may select desired timeslots during registration based on availability. Timeslots selected during registration are considered confirmed meetings.

AFRL Senior Leadership Meet-and-Greet meeting: Meet-and-Greet meetings can be requested with AFRL Senior Leadership (Commander and/or Executive Director) regarding general topics at your request. 

Classified Session:  You must possess an active DoD SECRET or higher security clearance to attend the classified sessions on Friday 7/31.  Classified session will take place offsite. If you select this option on registration, you will be sent further instructions on how to submit your visit request. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND DEADLINES

• Requesting a Meet-and-Greet appointment with AFRL Senior Leadership - Deadline: July 1
• Requesting a one-on-one meeting with AFRL Directorate Leadership and SMEs – Deadline: July 1

Please Note: You will be contacted no later than 12 July, 2026 by a conference representative if you have been selected for a 1:1.

• Requesting to attend the Classified session – Deadline: July 1

Please Note: If you have already registered to attend the classified session, you will be notified on 1 July, 2026 with instructions on completing the visit request.

• Online registration closes – July 15 at noon EST (or when capacity is reached)
• Cancellations Received before July 13th: full refund with a $75 processing fee
• Cancellations Received after July 13th: no refunds available, 100% cancellation fee will apply

COUNTDOWN TO THE EVENT