R 231939Z JAN 26
MARADMIN 027/26
MSGID/MARADMIN/CMC CD WASHINGTON DC//
SUBJ/CALL FOR PARTICIPATION IN MODERN DAY MARINE 2026//
POC/N.C. MANNWEILER/LTCOL/COMMUNICATION DIRECTORATE/EMAIL:
NICHOLAS.MANNWEILER@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. PURPOSE. This MARADMIN establishes the
coordinating instructions for attendance at Modern Day Marine
(MDM) 2026. MDM will be held from 28 April – 30 April 2026 at
the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
2. MDM is considered a non-Department of War event and is not
hosted by the Marine Corps. Planning for this event is conducted
by a full-time staff comprised of personnel from the Marine Corps
League, Marine Corps Association, and event staff, with Service
inputs.
3. Background. MDM 2026 is the premier Marine Corps exposition and
symposium, hosting more than 400 industry displays, and featuring
senior leader and subject matter expert talks across four stages.
The event provides a collaborative forum, fostering interaction with
Marines, experts, and industry professionals to explore and advance
the most effective solutions for accelerating innovation within the
Marine Corps. Additionally, the event will showcase future concepts
and capabilities in professional military education including a
wargaming convention and panel presentations addressing future
operational challenges, trend lines, and potential solutions. MDM
will also host a transition education and employment fair, and a
military spouse summit.
4. Marines and civilian employees located in the National Capital
Region are highly encouraged to support and attend MDM. This year’s
event is especially significant as this coming year marks the
nation’s 250th Birthday. MDM is a prime opportunity for public
engagement showcasing the Marine Corps’ contributions to national
security by honoring our heritage and legacy, educating and
informing stakeholders on our operations and investments, and
reinforcing our esprit-de-corps and pride among Marines.
4.a. This event is a first-rate professional military education
opportunity for leaders, units, and individuals. Marines are
encouraged to plan their MDM experience to be part of their
professional development. This event may serve as an appointed
place of duty if authorized by unit leadership.
4.b. Reservists may attend for drill points, pending unit approval.
4.c. Civilian employees should seek guidance on attending from their
respective supervisors. Employees who attend should be in an
appropriate pay/leave status.
4.d. Contractors should consult their respective employers for
permission to attend. Time spent attending MDM should not be billed
to the Government, unless authorized by a contracting officer.
4.e. If units have specific questions regarding attendance, contact
your SJA or Counsel’s office.
5. Coordinating Instructions
5.a. Registration is required to attend, and attendance is free for
all service members and civilian employees. Contract employees may
attend cost-free if they are assigned to manage a military command’s
booth on the showroom floor. Registration is already open online
and is available during the show and on-site in person. Register at
https:(slash)(slash) marinemilitaryexpos.com.
5.b. Transportation. Parking near and around the convention center
is limited. Attendees are encouraged to use shuttle services
provided by MDM from Quantico to the convention center, shuttle
services provided by Henderson Hall from the Pentagon to the
convention center, or mass transportation. Government
transportation is authorized. Units may request a bus free of
charge to the unit by submitting a unit bus request. For bus
schedules, unit bus requests, or more information visit
https:(slash)(slash)marinemilitaryexpos.com(slash)travel-information
for more details.
5.c. Uniform. The uniform of the day for MDM is Service “C” for
Marines and business casual for government employees. Uniform for
speakers will be Service “A” and business professional for
government employees.
6. A detailed schedule of speakers, educational opportunities, and
additional coordinating instructions are available on the event
website at https:(slash)(slash)marinemilitaryexpos.com.
7. Release authorized by Colonel John O. Caldwell, Director of
Communication Directorate, Headquarters Marine Corps.//