Frequently Asked Questions

Registration and Account Assistance

Where can I find help using the Registration Hub?
For step-by-step instructions and screenshots, please refer to the AOC 2026 Visitor Registration User Guide.
The guide includes instructions for:

  • Resetting your password
  • Adding Convention Extras to an existing registration
  • Requesting a visa invitation letter
  • Replacing or re-uploading your identification document
  • Accessing and downloading orders, invoices, and receipts

Why do I need to upload identification?
All registrants must upload a valid identification document as part of AOC’s identity verification and secure-entry process. The document must be current and clearly show your full name, date of birth, country of citizenship, and photograph.

How is my identification data protected?
AOC’s registration provider transmits and stores registration and verification data in secure, access-controlled systems. Uploaded ID images are encrypted and deleted after verification, no later than 10 working days after the convention, unless they must be retained for security-related purposes.

I registered but did not receive a confirmation email. What should I do?
Check your spam or junk folder and add [email protected] to your safe senders list. If you still cannot locate your confirmation, contact [email protected].

What is the cancellation policy?
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to [email protected]. Requests received on or before November 13, 2026, will be refunded minus a $100 administrative fee. No refunds will be issued after the deadline or for no-shows.
Note: Cancelling your convention registration does not cancel your hotel reservation. Hotel reservations must be cancelled separately according to the instructions in your hotel confirmation.

Can I transfer my registration to another person?
Yes. Substitution requests may be submitted in writing to [email protected] at any time without penalty. Requests cannot be accepted by telephone.

Why am I not seeing the member registration rate?
Your registration must use the same email address associated with your AOC membership for the system to recognize your membership status and apply the member rate. If you registered with a different email address, the system may not automatically match your registration to your membership.

Not sure which email is associated with your membership?
Log in to your AOC account to confirm your membership email.

Convention Extras

What are Convention Extras?
Convention extras are optional courses, activities, and networking events available in addition to your convention registration. An active AOC 2026 convention registration is required to enroll. Eligibility, fees, and capacity vary by add-on. Convention Extras require advance registration.

How do I add a convention extra activity or event to my existing registration?
See “Adding Convention Extras” in the AOC 2026 Visitor Registration User Guide for step-by-step instructions. Your place is not confirmed until you complete the checkout process and pay any related fees.

Who can attend the pre-convention courses?
Pre-Convention Courses are open to all registered attendees. Five courses are available, covering topics ranging from introductory electromagnetic warfare principles to specialized subjects. Additional fees apply.

Who can attend the Empowering Women in EW Morning Meetup?
The Empowering Women in EW Morning Meetup is limited to women attendees with an active AOC 2026 registration. Advance registration and an additional fee are required.

Who can attend the PULSE Happy Hour?
The PULSE Happy Hour is a complimentary networking event hosted by the Future Leaders Committee, designed for early- and mid-career professionals with an active AOC 2026 registration. Advance registration is required.

Who can attend the Welcome Reception?
The Welcome Reception is open to Master Pass and Exhibitor registrants only. The event is complimentary, but space is limited. Eligible attendees must add the reception to their registration in advance.

Where is the Welcome Reception located?
The Welcome Reception will be held at Gaylord’s newly renovated Lookout 18 Rooftop Lounge (formerly POSE), accessible via the elevators just inside the Gaylord entrance to the right.

Do I need my badge to attend the Welcome Reception?
Yes. You must wear or present your convention badge to enter the Welcome Reception. You can pick up your badge at Registration and Badge Pickup before proceeding to Lookout 18 Rooftop Lounge.

Who can attend the Program Manager Briefing Series?
Program Manager Briefing Series sessions are open to Master Pass and Exhibitor registrants. Expo Only and Media registrants may not attend.

Arrival and Badge Pickup

When and where can I pick up my badge?
Registration and Badge Pickup is located on the Ballroom Level, in the Potomac Ballroom Foyer.
Hours are:

  • Monday, December 7 | 7 AM – 6 PM
  • Tuesday, December 8 | 7 AM – 6 PM
  • Wednesday, December 9 | 7 AM – 6 PM
  • Thursday, December 10 | 7:30 AM – 2 PM

All required registration and verification steps must be completed before a badge can be issued.

What should I bring when picking up my badge?
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID that matches the name on your registration, and a copy of your registration confirmation QR code, either printed or on your phone.

What should I do if my badge is lost or damaged?
Visit Registration and Badge Pickup for assistance. Lost or damaged badges may be reissued for a $100 replacement fee after your identity is verified.

Badges may not be transferred to or shared with another person.

Convention Information

What is the dress code?
Military attendees should wear OCP/ACU or the designated duty uniform of the day. Civilian attendees should wear business attire.

When is the expo hall open?
The expo hall will be open:

  • Tuesday, December 8 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday, December 9 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday, December 10 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

A valid convention badge is required for entry.

Where are the Main Stage General Sessions located?
The Main Stage General Sessions will be held in Prince George’s Hall A on the expo hall level. Directional signage will be available throughout the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.

Is there an event app?
Yes. The AOC 2026 app will provide the latest convention information, including session schedules, speaker details, room assignments, and event updates. It is available for download through your device’s app store. Please note the AOC 2026 app is separate from the Gaylord Hotels app.

How can I navigate the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center?
Directional signage will be posted throughout the property. We recommend downloading the Gaylord Hotels app for hotel maps, turn-by-turn walking directions, property information, and more.

Note: The Gaylord app is separate from the AOC 2026 app.

Is parking available at the Gaylord?
Self-parking and valet parking are available at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.

  • AOC attendees receive a $5 discount on self-parking.
  • Valet parking is not discounted.
  • Guests staying at the Gaylord should notify the front desk at check-in so their room key can be activated for the parking discount.
  • Attendees who are not staying at the hotel may pick up a parking voucher at Registration and Badge Pickup.

Is Wi-Fi available?
Basic wireless internet access for attendee use is available throughout the meeting spaces of the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.

Where can I get coffee?
Morning coffee will be available outside Prince George’s Hall A on the expo hall level. Coffee is also available in the Crows’ Nest during expo hall hours.

Is lunch provided?
Lunch will be served in the expo hall December 8-10 for all registration types.

Are there restaurants near the convention center?
The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center and the surrounding National Harbor area offer several dining options. Visit the official National Harbor website for more information

Is there a lost and found?
Yes. Items turned in to AOC staff will be held at Registration and Badge Pickup during the convention. After the convention, unclaimed items may be transferred to the Gaylord’s lost-and-found department.

Presentations & Post-Convention Materials

Will presentation slides or briefing materials be available before the convention?
No. Presentation slides and briefing materials will not be distributed before the convention. After the event, approved and releasable materials will be posted to a password-protected website for eligible attendees. Not all presentations will be available. Materials are released only with the speaker’s permission and after any required review.

How will I access presentation materials after the convention?
Eligible attendees will receive access instructions after the convention. Access may depend on registration type, session eligibility, or other distribution restrictions.

How can I contact a speaker after the convention?
Speakers who authorize AOC to share their contact information may be listed on the password-protected post-convention website. AOC cannot provide personal contact information without the speaker’s permission.

Who should I contact if I still need help?
If you require assistance, please contact [email protected].