The Global Security and Innovation Summit (GSIS) and the German Maritime Centre (Deutsches Maritimes Zentrum e.V., DMZ) have entered into a strategic partnership. The cooperation brings expertise from shipping, ports and critical infrastructure into the strategic dialogue of GSIS and reinforces Hamburg’s position as an international hub for future-oriented issues in the maritime and port sectors. GSIS will take place on 9–10 December 2026 at the CCH – Congress Center Hamburg and is jointly organised by Hamburg Messe und Congress and the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). Through its partnership with the German Maritime Centre, GSIS expands its profile with additional perspectives from shipping, security and critical infrastructure.
Hamburg Messe und Congress has an established portfolio of maritime events, including SMM – the world’s leading maritime industry event, MS&D – International Conference & Expo for Maritime Security and Defence, and the new international conference all about ports. While these events focus on industry-specific perspectives, GSIS addresses related issues within a broader geopolitical, technological and innovation policy context.
New Partnership Strengthens the Strategic Profile of GSIS
GSIS is designed as a strategic conference platform at the intersection of security policy, technology and innovation. The cooperation with DMZ is part of a strong “Team Hamburg” approach that continues to develop GSIS as an international platform and firmly anchors maritime future topics within its programme. A key element of the partnership is a dedicated maritime side event, which will be held for the first time as part of GSIS 2026. Curated by the German Maritime Centre, the format will focus on resilience, critical infrastructure and technological development. The cooperation will also include additional formats such as roundtables and briefings that will extend the dialogue beyond the Summit itself.
Voices on the Partnership
“Maritime issues are becoming increasingly important in the context of global resilience and technological development,” said Dimitrios Argirakos, Executive Chair of GSIS. “With the German Maritime Centre, we are gaining a partner that brings deep expertise to the strategic dialogue of GSIS and further strengthens the connection between technology, industry and security.”
“GSIS offers a unique international platform to place questions relating to the maritime industry, security and infrastructure into a broader strategic security and technology policy context,” said Dr Matthias Catón, Managing Director of the German Maritime Centre. “Together, we are increasing the visibility of maritime innovation and connecting relevant stakeholders from government, industry and academia.”
“The cooperation with the German Maritime Centre is also a starting point for the stronger integration of maritime topics within GSIS,” said Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions at Hamburg Messe und Congress. “From 2027 onwards, the MS&D Conference & Expo will further strengthen GSIS in the years when SMM does not take place, expanding the Summit’s security and defence profile.”
About GSIS – Global Security and Innovation Summit
The Global Security and Innovation Summit (GSIS) is an international conference and exhibition at the intersection of security policy, technological innovation and industry. The Summit brings together decision-makers from government, business, technology companies, finance and academia to discuss key issues shaping the future of security and technology. GSIS combines strategic security dialogue with a technology perspective and promotes exchange between policymakers, industry and innovation ecosystems. The annual flagship event in Hamburg is complemented by international partner formats. The next GSIS will take place on 9–10 December 2026 at the CCH – Congress Center Hamburg.
More information: GSIS – Global Security and Innovation Summit
About MS&D – Conference & Expo
MS&D – International Conference & Expo for Maritime Security and Defence is Germany’s only international event dedicated to maritime security and defence. It brings together senior representatives from the military, government, industry and academia and addresses current security challenges, European defence procurement and technological developments. The MS&D Conference & Expo combines an exhibition and conference into a European platform for dialogue, innovation and cooperation between navies, industry and procurement organisations. Since 2025, the event has been held annually in Hamburg: in SMM years as part of SMM – the world’s leading maritime trade fair – and in the intervening years as a complementary element of the Global Security and Innovation Summit (GSIS), adding security and defence perspectives to the event. The next MS&D Conference & Expo will take place from 1–4 September 2026 as part of SMM in Hamburg.
More information: MS&D Conference
About the International Institute for Strategic Studies
The Global Security and Innovation Summit draws on the combined expertise of its partner organisations. The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is a world-leading think tank specialising in security and defence policy, with deep expertise in regional geopolitics and geo-economics. It is known for high-level forums including the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue (Asia), the IISS Manama Dialogue (Middle East) and the IISS Prague Defence Summit (Europe). Its international research team provides analysis relevant to governments and industry alike.
More information: The International Institute for Strategic Studies
About Hamburg Messe und Congress
Hamburg Messe und Congress (HMC) organises major international trade fairs, exhibitions and congresses. Its unique event campus in the heart of Hamburg comprises eleven exhibition halls and the CCH – Congress Center Hamburg, connected through the Planten un Blomen park. Leading international events such as SMM, WindEnergy Hamburg and INTERNORGA attract participants from around the world. The portfolio also includes numerous guest events covering topics such as aviation, mobility and renewable energy. HMC’s event portfolio reflects the key economic clusters of the Hamburg Metropolitan Region. Hamburg Messe und Congress employs more than 350 people and generated revenue of approximately €92 million in 2025.
More information: Hamburg Messe und Congress
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