Frequently Asked Questions

This information is for delegates whose attendance has already been confirmed. Please read it before travelling to the conference.

1. Before You Travel

What should I check before travelling?

Please make sure you have:

  • Your conference registration confirmation or ticket saved on your phone.
  • An original official photo-identification document.
  • Checked the day or days for which you are registered.
  • Reviewed the latest programme and any final delegate communication.
  • Visit the AAD mobile site – https://app.aadexpo.co.za/
  • Allowed sufficient travel time for parking, the shuttle, security screening and registration.


What identification must I bring?

All attendees must carry an original official photographic identity document and produce it when requested. This may be a passport, photo-ID driver’s licence, national identity document or similar official document. The details should correspond with those supplied during registration.

Do international delegates need to bring their passports?
Yes. International delegates should bring the original passport used for their application and registration.

Should I bring a printed ticket?
Keep an electronic copy of your registration confirmation or ticket readily available on your phone. 

How can I check which days I may attend?
Review your confirmation carefully. You will be admitted to the conference only on the day or days for which you are registered. 

Quick Reference

Main conference entrance:

Gate 1, Solomon Mahlangu Drive

Registration opens:

07h00 daily

Park-and-ride:

Armscor, 370 Nossob Street, Erasmuskloof

Shuttle service:

From 06h30 and throughout the day

Conference venue:

Hangar 5

Conference starts:

08h30 daily

Agenda:

Available on the official AAD app

Welcome packs:

Entrance to Hangar 5

Delegate assistance:

Nonthuthuko Ndlovu |
073 760 0328 | nonthuthuko@defenceweb.co.za

Checklist for Confirmed Delegates

☐  Registration confirmation or ticket saved

☐  Correct attendance day or days checked

☐  Original photo identification packed

☐  Latest agenda and messages checked

☐  Park-and-ride route planned

☐  Enough time allowed for shuttle and screening

☐  Dietary, mobility or other assistance requested in advance

2. Arrival, Parking and Base Access

Where should I park?

Roads around Air Force Base Waterkloof are expected to be very busy during AAD2026.

Delegates travelling by car are encouraged to use the park-and-ride facility at Armscor, 370 Nossob Street, off Boeing Street, Erasmuskloof, Pretoria, 0048.

Parking will be available and a shuttle will transport delegates to Gate 1 at Air Force Base Waterkloof.

Armscor map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PmL2PMaVWoBS2sKb7

When does the shuttle service begin?

The shuttle service from the Armscor park-and-ride facility will operate from 06:30. Please arrive early enough to park, board the shuttle, pass through security and register before 08:30. Shuttles will continue to operate throughout the day, transporting delegates back to the Armscor park-and-ride facility.

May I drive directly to Air Force Base Waterkloof?

Use the Armscor park-and-ride unless you have received specific instructions confirming direct vehicle access and exhibitor parking on the base. 

Venue information and directions: AAD venue information

Which entrance should conference delegates use?

The main conference registration station will be located at Gate 1 on Solomon Mahlangu Drive. Delegates using the Armscor park-and-ride facility will be transported by shuttle to Gate 1.

What time should I arrive?

The Gate 1 registration station will open at 07h00 each morning, and the conference will begin at 08h30 each day. Refreshments will be available from 07h00. Please allow additional time for the shuttle and security screening.

What happens when I enter the base?

You will be required to present your registration confirmation and official photo identification. An electronic copy of your ticket or confirmation is sufficient. Your badge will be printed and issued at Gate 1 once the checks have been completed.

What items are prohibited?

Weapons, ammunition, explosives, illegal substances and any items prohibited under military-base or event rules may not be brought onto the premises.

Please review the general admission rules: AAD admission information

May I bring a laptop, tablet or camera?

Yes, but all equipment is subject to security screening. Photography and recording may be restricted in designated areas of the military base. Follow all signage and instructions from authorised personnel.

May I leave and return on the same day?

Yes. Re-entry is permitted, subject to the applicable security and badge checks. Keep your identification and conference badge with you.

3. Registration, Badges and Welcome Packs

Where do I collect my name badge?

Present your registration confirmation and identification at Gate 1 to Air Force Base Waterkloof. Once your details have been verified, the on-site team will issue your conference name badge.

Where do I collect my welcome pack?

After entering the base, proceed to the conference venue in Hangar 5. Welcome packs, including delegate bags, will be available at the entrance to the conference venue.

Must I wear my badge?

Yes. Your name badge must be worn visibly throughout the conference and may not be lent to another person. It is valid only for the day or days covered by your registration.

What happens if I lose my badge?

Lost badges cannot simply be reprinted. Delegates will need to obtain a police affidavit confirming the loss and present it to the registration team for further assistance.

4. Dress and Conduct

What is the dress code for civilian delegates?

Business attire or smart business-casual attire is recommended. Comfortable professional footwear is advisable, as delegates will move between parking, shuttles, security and the conference venue.

What is the dress code for SANDF delegates?

SA Army, SAAF and SAMHS members should wear Dress 3B. SA Navy members should wear Dress 3AW, unless otherwise instructed through their command.

What conduct is expected on the base?

Delegates must comply with military-base security rules, event policies and all lawful instructions from authorised personnel. Professional conduct is expected throughout the conference.

5. Programme and On-Site Experience

Where will the conference take place?

Conference sessions will take place in Hangar 5 at Air Force Base Waterkloof. Follow event signage and staff directions after entering the base.

What time does the conference begin?

The conference programme will begin at 08h30 each day.

Where can I view the agenda?

The latest programme is available on the conference website. Please check it again before travelling, as speakers or session times may change where operationally necessary.

View the programme: https://aadconf.aadexpo.co.za/agenda/

It is also available on the official AAD 2026 app: https://app.aadexpo.co.za/

Will there be networking opportunities?

Yes. The conference brings together senior military and government representatives, defence and aerospace decision-makers, industry leaders and specialists. Refreshment breaks, lunch and shared conference areas will offer valuable opportunities to engage with fellow delegates.

May delegates ask questions during sessions?

Where time and the session format permit, the chair or moderator will explain how audience questions will be handled.

Will presentations and recordings be available afterwards?

Delegates will be sent access to available audio recordings and PowerPoint presentations after the conference. Distribution of individual presentations remains subject to speaker permission and any applicable security restrictions.

6. Catering and Delegate Facilities

Will food and refreshments be provided?

Yes. Catering will be provided throughout each conference day. Refreshments will be available from 07:00, followed by mid-morning refreshments, lunch and mid-afternoon refreshments.

Will Wi-Fi and charging points be available?

Availability and capacity cannot be guaranteed. Please arrive with essential devices fully charged and do not rely on public Wi-Fi for critical work.

What if I require mobility or other assistance?

Contact the conference team in advance if you require accessible transport, mobility assistance, particular seating or other reasonable support so that the arrangements can be confirmed.

Will medical assistance be available?

On-site emergency arrangements will operate in accordance with the event and military-base plan. Carry any essential personal medication and alert event staff immediately if assistance is required.

7. Photography and Social Media

Will photographs be taken?

Official photography may take place for editorial, reporting, archival and promotional purposes.

May I take photographs or videos?

Only where permitted. Air Force Base Waterkloof is an active military base, and photography or recording may be restricted in designated areas. Observe all signage and instructions and obtain permission before photographing individuals.

May I post about the conference on social media?

Professional event-related posts are welcome where permitted. Do not publish restricted, sensitive or security-related information or imagery, and comply with instructions from the organisers and military authorities.

8. Changes and Assistance

What if I can no longer attend?

Please notify the conference team promptly. Do not give your ticket or badge to another person. Any substitute delegate must complete the required registration and security-clearance process before attendance can be confirmed.

How will important changes be communicated?

Any important programme, parking, access or operational updates will be sent to the contact details supplied during registration. Please monitor your email, spam folder and mobile messages before travelling.

Who should I contact for help?

Please contact Nonthuthuko Ndlovu, the conference Customer Services Manager, at nonthuthuko@defenceweb.co.za or 073 760 0328. Include your full name, organisation, mobile number and ticket reference, if available.

Where can out-of-town delegates find travel information?

Travel-partner information is available on the AAD website.

Travel information: https://www.aadexpo.co.za/partners/travel-partners

We look forward to welcoming you to the AAD 2026 Conference