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VIP engagement

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Meaningful meetings | Powerful connections

The number and quality of the VIPs and Delegations visiting UDT have long been a distinguishing feature of the event.

Senior Flag Officers and Delegations attend UDT as our VIP guests. Many of the most influential members of the international undersea defence and security community are in attendance at UDT, serving in defence and maritime appointments within their home nations. These military and civil service experts from the maritime community represent all the core sectors within the industry, including:

  • Naval Logistics, Naval Policy & Programmes
  • R&D, Maritime Operations
  • ASW
  • Procurement and Capability

The VIP audience includes top decision-makers and influencers who engage in procurement decisions, identify future requirements or gaps in capability, shape future policy and develop operational strategies.

2019 VIPs included...

  • Additional Secretary (Technology), Defence Research and Development Organisation, India
  • Chief of Maritime Systems Division, Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command
  • Chief of Navy, Royal Swedish Navy
  • Chief of Staff, Belgian Navy
  • Commander, Flotilla 1, German Navy
  • Commanding Officer Norwegian Naval Diving Centre, Royal Norwegian Navy
  • Commanding Officer Submarine Service Netherlands, Royal Netherlands Navy
  • Commodore (Capability), Ministry of Defence, India
  • Deputy Chief of Swedish Navy, Royal Swedish Navy
  • Deputy Chief of Staff, Royal Thai Navy
  • Deputy Director, Expeditionary Warfare Division, United States Navy
  • Director General Future Submarines, Department of Defence, Australia
  • Head Director of Submarine Program, Hellenic Navy General Staff Armaments Directorate
  • Head of Naval Systems Department, Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV)
  • Head of Programmes and Capability, Royal Navy
  • Managing Director, Research Center for Navy, Romania
  • Warfare Analysis Branch Head, NATO Combined Joint Operations From The Sea COE

2018 VIPs included...

  • 3* Deputy Chief of Staff, Royal Thai Navy, Thailand
  • 2* COMSUBIN, Italian Navy, Italy
  • 2* Program Group Leader, Defence Acquisition Project Administration, Republic of Korea
  • 2* Head of Naval Systems Department,Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), Sweden
  • 2* Director General, Naval Research and Development Office, Royal Thai Navy, Thailand
  • 2* Director Submarine Capability, Royal Navy, United Kingdom
  • 2* Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Capability), Royal Navy, United Kingdom
  • 2* Deputy of Naval Shipbuilding Engineering, Spanish Navy, Spain
  • 2* Commander, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, United States Navy, United States of America
  • 1* Assistant Chief of Staff Submarines, Royal Navy, United Kingdom
  • ½* Chief of Staff, Belgian Navy, Belgium
  • ½* Head Director of Department of Submarine Projects, Hellenic Navy, Greece
  • ½* Head of Submarine Support Division, Directorate for Naval Armaments, Italy
  • ½* Chief, Naval Armament Inspectorate, Poland
  • ½* Head of Fifth Flotilla, UAE Navy, United Arab Emirates

Further networking opportunities

Exactly 95 visiting VIPs and delegations were present at UDT 2019, a 12% increase compared to the previous edition. With a combination of new and traditional markets represented in equal measure, our VIP engagement team work directly with exhibitors to create relevant, balanced programmes for each delegation. This helps to ensure suppliers of appropriate products and services are matched with potential customers.

The opportunity to meet and connect with VIP guests is not limited to exhibitors and sponsors. A large proportion of military and VIP attendees attend the official UDT networking evening. Tickets are available to purchase for industry delegates and exhibition-only visitors.

Always a memorable affair, the event takes place offsite at a secret location in the host city. Don't forget to add your networking ticket during registration. 

Get in touch

As we look ahead to 2020, we are pleased to offer an enhanced meeting request service to add greater value to exhibitors and visitors alike.

For further information on VIP programming at UDT, please contact Head of Defence Engagement Steve Baker.

About UDT

About UDT

The leading global undersea defence event

Audience profile

Audience profile

Who will you meet in Rotterdam?

Themes and streams

Themes and streams

Learn more about the 2020 conference

Take part

Take part

Enquire about exhibition opportunities

Testimonials

  • “UDT once again proved its worth. It is a great combination of scientific papers, good quality presenters and new information. I was impressed by the volume of novel ideas."
    Captain Herman De Groot
    CO Submarine Service, Royal Netherlands Navy
  • "One of the best organized shows for underwater business. If you are in underwater business and not at this show, you are missing out for sure."
    Raffi Sahul
    Director of Business Development, Amphenol
  • “UDT is a good, well-attended show with quality leads”
    Michelle Wilson
    Marketing Manager, Analox Military Systems
  • “UDT is always a great opportunity to meet potential new clients, catch up with existing customers and socialise with competitors and colleagues.”
    Andy Buxcey
    Technical Account Manager, TP Group
  • “UDT was a great show for us - presenting a paper and having a stand meant not only was our footfall greater, but our visitors were more specific to our product category. In the lead up to the event, the EZONE was easy to navigate and communication with the organisation team was straightforward and prompt. We have booked a bigger space for 2020!”
    Alice Moore
    Marketing Coordinator, SEA Group
  • “A fantastic event. UDT provides the opportunity to learn from a huge breadth of experience across a number of key topics.”
    Lieutenant Anthony Gilroy
    Royal Navy, UK
  • "UDT is important to review new technology, new equipment and new systems. It allows clients to see what the industry is doing, and for the industry to see what the clients need in the future"
    Giovanni Corbetta
    Managing Director, JFD
  • "UDT is the only exhibition and conference in the calendar which brings together the underwater technology community. Customers are here, and that's important to us."
    Josh Goodwin
    Business Development Manager, BAE Systems

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