26 - 30 April 2026
National Harbor, Maryland, US

Onsite services for SPIE Defense + Security

Find information about navigating the conference experience in National Harbor

Help for what you need onsite

Find details about registration, badge pickup, speaker check-in, poster presentations, bookstore, and other helpful information needed to navigate the conference.

Additional details will be added as they become available.

Two individuals wearing conference badges and lanyards walking through the Defense + Commercial Sensing conference with other attendees in the background.

Registration and badge pick-up hours


Location: Gaylord National, Exhibition Level, Hall B/C Foyer

Sunday 26 April 7:45 AM – 5:00 PM
Monday 27 April  7:15 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday 28 April 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday 29 April 7:45 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday 30 April 7:45 AM – 2:00 PM

Information to navigate the onsite conference experience


SPIE Cashier

Location: Gaylord National, Exhibition Level, Hall C Lobby
Open during registration hours

Registration payments:

If you are planning to register onsite, please do so at the "Need to Register" stations; you will be directed to the Cashier once you have completed registration to make final payment.

If you have already registered and wish to add a course, workshop, or special event, you may do this online after you login to your SPIE account.


Receipt and Certificate of Participation

Preregistered attendees who need an SPIE-stamped receipt or attendees who needs a Certificate of Participation may obtain them at the Cashier.


Badge Corrections

Badge corrections can be made at the Cashier. Please remove your badge from its holder and mark it with your changes before approaching the counter.

Speaker Check-in and Preview Station 

Location: Gaylord National, Chesapeake 3

Sunday 12:00 PM — 5:00 PM
Monday 7:15 AM — 5:00 PM
Tuesday 7:30 AM — 5:00 PM
Wednesday 7:30 AM — 5:00 PM
Thursday 7:30 AM — 4:00 PM

All speakers must visit Speaker Check-In to preview their slide presentation at least two hours before their scheduled session, or the day prior if presenting in the first session.

  • If you did not submit your presentation online by the deadline, you can submit it at Speaker Check-In and preview it.
  • If an issue is discovered during preview of your slide presentation, you may re-submit it.
  • Staff will be available for assistance.

Important: Speakers may not use personal devices for presentation.

All conference rooms are equipped with:

  • Laptop
  • Projector and screen
  • Lapel microphone
  • Laser pointer

Internet Access

Complimentary WiFi access is provided in meeting rooms, conference room level lobbies, and in the exhibition hall. Instructions will be posted onsite.

SPIE Conference App Information

Location: Gaylord Palms, Ballroom Level, Potomac Foyer
Our SPIE App developer will be onsite and available to answer any questions on its use or navigation to get the best user experience. We welcome your feedback.

This useful tool allows you to search and browse the program, special events, participants, exhibitors, courses, and more. It is free and available for iPhone and Android users. If you don't already have the app you can download it here: Download the SPIE App

SPIE Bookstore 

Location: Gaylord National, Exhibition Hall
Tuesday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Stop by the SPIE Bookstore to browse the latest SPIE Press Books. While there, get a t-shirt or educational toy to bring home to the family.
Credit and debit cards only; no cash.

SPIE Course Materials

Location: Gaylord National, Exhibition Level, Hall B/C Foyer
Open during registration hours
Browse course offerings or learn more about SPIE courses available online.

SPIE Luggage and Coat Check

Complimentary luggage, package, and coat storage is available in the hotel lobby.

Business Center and FedEx Office

Location: Gaylord National, Hotel Lobby
Daily 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Printing services available.
Services include photocopying, faxing, printing services, and shipping. Office supplies available.
Complimentary luggage, package, and coat storage is available in the hotel lobby.

Child Care Services

White House Nannies is the #1 recommended babysitting service for guests visiting the DC area.
SPIE does not imply an endorsement nor recommendation of these services. They are provided on an "information only" basis for your further analysis and decision. Other services may be available.
Did you know the SPIE offers Family Care Grants to SPIE Members? For more information on deadlines and how to apply, check the details here: SPIE Family Care Grants.

ATM and Cash Services

Gaylord National is a cashless facility. Cash to card kiosks and ATM machines are available in the hotel lobby.

Gender Inclusive Restrooms

Gender neutral restrooms available. Location: Ballroom Level next to SPIE Chair Services.

Quiet Room

Location: Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center, Mezzanine Room 5.
Open during registration hours.

The Quiet Room is intended for silent meditation, reflection, or prayer. No mobile device or computer use or food/beverages are allowed.

Mothers' Room

Location: Gaylord National Hotel, behind the Concierge Desk.
The Mothers' Room is provided and managed by the hotel. Seating and a sink are available. See hotel front desk for access.

Lost and Found 

Location: SPIE Cashier (Gaylord National, Exhibition Level, Hall C Lobby)
Open during registration hours
Found items will be kept at the SPIE Cashier in the Registration area during the meeting and available only during registration hours. At the end of the meeting, all found items will be turned over to the Gaylord National Harbor Security.

Food and Beverage Services

Complimentary Coffee:

Monday
7:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Potomac Foyer
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Potomac Foyer
Tuesday and Wednesday:
7:30 AM – 9:30 AM, Potomac Foyer
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Exhibition Hall
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Exhibition Hall
Thursday
7:30 AM – 9:30 AM, Potomac Foyer
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Exhibition Hall
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Potomac Foyer

Nearby Dining:

Find dining options at Gaylord National
Find dining options in National Harbor