Invitation-only September 22, 2026 Annapolis, Maryland At the U.S. Naval Academy

Essentials at a glance

DateSeptember 22, 2026
LocationU.S. Naval Academy
Hopper Hall and Dahlgren Hall
Check-inCheck-in begins at 8:00 a.m.
Reception5:00–7:00 p.m.
Dahlgren Hall
Questions?Contact Gib or Megan.

Before you arrive

Required before arrival

  • Review the base-access requirements on the Registration page.
  • Complete Form 5512 if it applies to you.
  • Bring the required identification. All foreign nationals must bring a passport.
  • Check your email and spam or junk folder for updates.

Plan ahead

  • Review the agenda and reception timing.
  • Plan transportation and allow extra time for base access.
  • Reserve or confirm lodging by September 21.
  • If continuing to QWC, plan onward travel from Annapolis.

Agenda

  1. 8:00–9:00 a.m.Check-in, coffee, pastries and networking
  2. 9:00–10:00 a.m.Opening remarks and keynote
  3. 10:00–11:30 a.m.Working Group: Talent & Workforce
  4. 11:45 a.m.–1:15 p.m.Working Group: Technology & Operations
  5. 1:15–2:15 p.m.Group photo and lunch
  6. 2:15–3:45 p.m.Working Group: Markets & Commercialisation
  7. 3:45–4:15 p.m.Wrap-up
  8. 5:00–7:00 p.m.Reception at Dahlgren Hall

Getting there

Travel

BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport is the closest major airport. Consider extra travel time during rush hour.

Bus options

We are exploring a round-trip bus between College Park and Annapolis on September 22, based on attendee interest. Confirmed details will be posted and emailed.

Parking

On-base parking is being confirmed. Public parking is available at Noah Hillman Garage, 150 Gorman Street, Annapolis.

View Hillman Garage

Lodging & continuing to QWC

Lodging

The Westin Annapolis offers Forum attendees a special group rate of $209 per night plus tax for September 21 and 22, subject to availability.

Reserve by September 21
Continuing to QWC

Quantum World Congress is a separate event on September 23–25 at The Hotel at the University of Maryland in College Park. Attendees arrange their own onward travel from Annapolis.

View QWC venue & travel

What to expect

A participatory, working-group Forum focused on practical collaboration and shared outcomes.

  • Small-group working sessions
  • Networking over coffee, lunch and the reception
  • Cross-sector dialogue
  • Action-oriented discussion

What to wear & bring

Business casual is recommended.

  • Comfortable footwear
  • Laptop encouraged for attendees; notebook as an alternative
  • Laptop and charger required for facilitators
  • Required identification
  • Passport for all foreign nationals

Food, dietary needs & accessibility

  • Coffee, pastries and beverages in the morning
  • Lunch provided
  • Reception food and beverages
  • Update dietary restrictions through registration or contact Megan
  • Contact Megan about accessibility needs

Facilitators

Thank you to our facilitators who help shape the conversations that drive impact.

Confirmed facilitators will receive assignments and preparation guidance separately.

We are still looking for additional facilitators.

Interested? Contact Gib

Frequently asked questions

Event Information

Where is the Forum located?
The daytime Forum takes place in Hopper Hall at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. The reception is in Dahlgren Hall.
When should I arrive and when does the Forum end?
Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. The daytime programme concludes before the reception, which runs from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
What is the dress code?
Business casual is recommended. Comfortable shoes are encouraged for the day.

Travel, Access and On-site Experience

How do I access the Naval Academy?
Review the Registration page for Form 5512 and current base-access requirements. Final gate and arrival instructions will be posted here and emailed to confirmed attendees.
Will transportation be available?
A round-trip bus between College Park and Annapolis is being explored based on attendee interest. Details will be posted and emailed if confirmed.
Where can I park?
On-base parking is being confirmed. Noah Hillman Garage at 150 Gorman Street is a public off-base option.
Will food and drinks be provided?
Yes. Coffee, pastries and beverages will be available in the morning, lunch will be provided, and food and beverages are planned for the reception.
What should I do if I have a food allergy, dietary restriction or accessibility need?
Include dietary needs in your registration. Contact Megan if they change or if you need accessibility support.

Registration and Attendance

I’m registered—what happens next?
Review the Registration page for Form 5512 information and current base-access requirements. Watch your email, including your spam or junk folder, for final logistics and any changes.
What happens if I can no longer attend?
Please contact Megan as soon as possible so the attendee list and access arrangements can be updated.

Programme and Participation

What topics will be covered?
The Forum focuses on practical cooperation across talent and workforce, technology and operations, and markets and commercialisation. Review the Agenda section above for the current schedule.
Can I participate as a facilitator?
Yes. We are still looking for additional facilitators. Contact Gib if you are interested.

Questions? Contact Gib or Megan.

GibProgramme & participationEmail Gib
MeganRegistration & logisticsEmail Megan