THE SOCIETY OF EXPERIMENTAL TEST PILOTS - 70th SYMPOSIUM & BANQUET
The Grand Californian Hotel - Anaheim, California
23-26 September 2026
THE REGISTRATION SITE CLOSED ON 16 SEPTEMBER 2026 at 12:00PM PDT. PRE-REGISTRATION WAS REQUIRED BY THIS DATE.
REGISTERING AT THE SETP DESK AT THE HOTEL FOR THE TECHNICAL SESSIONS AND/OR PURCHASING TICKETS TO OTHER EVENTS CANNOT BE GUARANTEED.
GERRY T. MORTON TECHNICAL TOUR - Wednesday, 23 September: SOLD OUT! Anduril Industries is redefining defense technology through a software-first approach to autonomous systems, combining artificial intelligence, advanced sensors, and next-generation hardware to deliver capabilities at unprecedented speed and scale. Founded by technology innovators who believe American defense requires a new model, Anduril designs, manufactures, and deploys autonomous systems including counter-UAS platforms, autonomous aerial vehicles such as the YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft, and AI-powered command and control infrastructure. This exclusive technical tour offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how Anduril is transforming defense development — from initial concept to operational deployment — with direct access to flight test engineering teams, hands-on exposure to current production systems, and a live flight demonstration that showcases a tactical capability in a real-world scenario. Whether you're interested in rapid prototyping methodologies, autonomous flight test challenges, or the integration of AI into operational test programs, this tour provides unique insights into how a new generation of defense technology is being developed, tested, and fielded at a pace the traditional defense industry has struggled to match.
The Tour cost is $60 per person (adults only), which includes transportation to the location, lunch and a tour of Anduril Industries. Full name, employer/organization name, email, and an image file of government ID (U.S. Persons) or passport (non-U.S.) are needed in advance of the Tour for the security clearance process. SETP staff will contact Tour attendees with instructions on how to submit the government ID image and info. Attendees will need to show a valid government ID with photo on the day of the Tour. The Tour is limited to 55 attendees, so register early if you plan to attend. Please note that the Tour is NOT included in the full symposium registration option. Tickets must be purchased separately by 16 September or prior to that date if the Tour sells out, whichever comes first. (DoD will typically NOT cover the cost of the Tour, so if you would like to attend, sign up soon on this site with your own registration for this ticket).
Dress for the Tour is casual. Attendees will meet at the SETP Registration Desk in the Sequoia Foyer of the Grand Californian Hotel at 8:00AM. The bus will not wait for late arrivals and will depart at 8:15AM SHARP (breakfast and coffee will not be provided so please plan accordingly) and return to the hotel at approximately 3:00PM. Note: Tickets must be purchased by 16 September or prior to that date if the tour sells out, whichever comes first. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the hotel. Our thanks to Anduril for sponsoring the Tour this year.
WELCOME RECEPTION - Wednesday, 23 September: A Welcome Reception for networking will be held in the Sequoia Foyer of the Grand Californian Hotel on Wednesday, 23 September from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. Dress is casual. There is no charge for this event and registration is not required.
TECHNICAL SESSIONS: Opening ceremonies and the technical sessions will begin on Thursday, 24 September at 8:00am and conclude on Saturday, 26 September at approximately 11:30am in the Sequoia Ballroom of the Grand Californian Hotel. You must pre-register by 16 September at 12pm PDT, as we cannot guarantee this can be purchased at the hotel. Dress code for the technical sessions is business attire or military uniform of the day (Saturday's technical session is business casual). The Saturday session is open to anyone interested in attending (no registration required).
PARTNER'S EVENT - Thursday, 24 September: Step back in time and explore one of California’s most iconic landmarks on a tour of the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside. This guided experience takes you through the hotel’s stunning architecture, hidden courtyards, and richly decorated hallways while uncovering the fascinating stories behind its creation. Learn how the Mission Inn grew from a small boarding house into a world-famous destination, hosting presidents, royalty, celebrities, and innovators. Along the way, your guide will highlight unique design elements inspired by Spanish, Mexican, and Mediterranean styles, as well as rare artifacts and historic photographs that bring the past to life. Perfect for history lovers, architecture fans, and first-time visitors, the tour offers an engaging look at the cultural, artistic, and social legacy of the Mission Inn - making it much more than just a hotel, but a living piece of history. Meet at the SETP Registration Desk to check-in at 8:45am. The bus will depart from the hotel at 9:00am SHARP (breakfast and coffee will not be provided so please plan accordingly) and return at approximately 3:00pm. The tour will begin at approximately 10:30am and last 1.5 hours. Lunch will be served at approximately 12:00pm at the Mission’s restaurant and includes a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or cider. Lunch will conclude at approximately 1:45pm, after which guests will begin boarding the bus for departure at 2:00pm. Please wear comfortable shoes, as portions of the tour include stairs and uneven terrain, as well as some dark areas within the catacombs beneath the Mission (protective headgear provided by the Mission will be required during this portion of the tour). This event requires a separate ticket purchase. The cost to attend is $150.00 per person and includes transportation, the tour, and lunch. The SETP staff will contact you for your menu selection once registered;. Attire for this event is casual with comfortable shoes. Please note: Tickets must be purchased in advance and cannot be guaranteed for purchase at the hotel. The tour is limited to 25 attendees, so early registration is encouraged.
NETWORKING DINNER - Thursday, 24 September: An outdoor dinner buffet and networking opportunity will be held on Thursday, 24 September at the Adventure Lawn of the Disneyland Hotel from 6:30pm - 11:00pm (transportation will be offered for those that require it to get across the street to this hotel. Details on the transportation pickup area will be available at the SETP Registration Desk in the Sequoia Foyer of the Grand Californian Hotel conference area). A buffet dinner will be served from 7:00pm until 8:30pm. Each dinner ticket purchased includes two drink tickets for alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages (or 1 drink ticket for each child dinner ticket purchased) to be used during this event only (the drink tickets will be included in your registration material so remember to bring these to the lawn!). Cash bars will be available for purchasing additional beverages throughout the evening. Dress for the event is casual and flat shoes are recommended due to being on turf. The dinner is included in the full symposium registration option. Guest tickets or those not signed up for the full symposium registration option may purchase a dinner ticket for $85.00 for adults and $30.00 for children ages 3-12. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets cannot be guaranteed for purchase at the hotel.
LUNCHEON - Friday, 25 September: A Luncheon will be held from 12:30pm to 2:00pm in the Sequoia Ballroom of the Grand Californian Hotel on Friday, 25 September (chicken will be served). Our guest speakers are NASA Astronauts Reid Wiseman (AF) and Victor Glover (AF) of Artemis II. The Luncheon is included in the full symposium registration option or the single day Friday Technical Sessions to include the Luncheon. Guest tickets or those who have not signed up for the full symposium registration or Friday single day Technical Sessions to include lunch option may purchase a luncheon ticket for $75.00 per person. Dress for the Luncheon is business attire/appropriate military attire. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets cannot be guaranteed for purchase at the hotel.
FRIDAY NIGHT MIXER - 25 September: Meet with friends and colleagues in the "reimagined suites", located in the conference area of the Grand Californian Hotel on Friday, 25 September beginning at 8:00pm - Midnight - making it easy for all to gather in one location! In the conference area there will be separate sidebar rooms as well as an adjacent outdoor patio for socializing/networking. There is no cost to attend the Mixer so registration is not required (adults only please). NOTE: From 8:00pm - 9:00pm ONLY: Each attendee will receive two complimentary drink tickets for alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages upon their arrival to the Mixer distributed by the SETP Staff to be used during this event only. Cash bars will be available for purchasing additional beverages throughout the evening. Dress for this event is casual. Our thanks to Scaled Composites for sponsoring a sidebar room this year.
SETP ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING - Saturday, 26 September: This meeting will be held immediately following the final symposium technical presentation on Saturday, 26 September at approximately 11:45am. It will be open to all grades of membership and corporate representatives, so please remain in the Sequoia Ballroom of the Grand Californian Hotel for this important meeting if it applies to you. The 2026/2027 SETP Officers will be installed at this time, along with the State of the Society being presented by the SETP President.
AWARDS BANQUET - Saturday, 26 September: The 70th Annual Awards Banquet will be held on Saturday, 26 September at 6:30pm in the Sequoia Ballroom of the Grand Californian Hotel (a duet of beef filet and shrimp will be served with wine). A no-host social hour will begin at 5:00pm in the Sequoia Foyer of the Grand Californian Hotel with cash bars available. The program will include the induction of the class of 2026 SETP Fellows and the presentation of the Ray E. Tenhoff, Joseph W. Ozier ETA, Javier Arango, H. R. Salmon, 2026 J. H. Doolittle and 2026 Iven C. Kincheloe Awards. Dress for the event is black tie/formal attire or military mess dress. Tickets are $180.00 per person or a table of 10 for $1800.00. The Banquet will be assigned seating. Your ticket will have your table number on it and you must sit at that table to ensure the seating arrangement stays intact. If your company has purchased your Banquet ticket(s), you will be given your ticket by the company point of contact and must sit at the assigned table number. After the Banquet, socializing will continue at the New President’s Reception in the Sequoia Foyer. Please note that the Banquet is NOT included in the full symposium registration option. Tickets must be purchased separately. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
ATTIRE FOR EACH EVENT:
Welcome Reception - Casual
Technical Tour - Casual and comfortable, closed-toed shoes
Technical Sessions - Business Attire/Appropriate Military Attire - NO FLIGHT SUITS/CAMOUFLAGE (Saturday's technical session is business casual)
Partner's Event - Casual and comfortable shoes
Networking Dinner - Casual and recommended flat shoes due to being on turf
Luncheon - Business Attire/Appropriate Military Attire
Friday Night Mixer - Casual
Awards Banquet - Black Tie/Military Mess Dress/Formal
THEME PARK TICKETS:
Discounted tickets to the theme parks will NOT be available at the SETP Registration Desk. You may purchase these using the hotel booking link. When clicking the room link, there is an option to either book your room or purchase theme park tickets. Please be sure to read all information on the store's website related to the reservations requirement for your tickets, policies related to refunds, etc. SETP is not responsible for anything related to the purchase of theme park tickets and any inquiries regarding tickets should be directed to the Disneyland Resort at (714) 520-7053. Please do not contact SETP Headquarters with questions related to theme park tickets.
Refund Policy
The deadline for refunds on cancellations is 16 September 2026 at 12pm PDT - no exception.