# Event Details - **Event Name**: The Difference Makers: 2026 Top 10 Reveal - **Event Start and End Date**: Tue, 15 Sep, 2026 at 05:00 pm – Tue, 15 Sep, 2026 at 08:00 pm (-04:00) - **Event Description**: Celebrate the 2026 Top 100 Difference Makers and experience the live reveal of the Top 10 in defense innovation.About this EventThere are people in defense innovation whose work shows up everywhere, but whose names rarely receive the recognition they deserve.The Difference Makers was created to recognize the practitioners, leaders, and operators whose contributions moved the work forward and produced measurable impact.Join The Difference LLC for the inaugural Difference Makers recognition event as we celebrate the full 2026 Top 100 community and reveal the Top 10 live.The evening will bring together honorees, government and industry leaders, founders, operators, and members of the defense innovation community for recognition, connection, and conversation.Guests can expect:Recognition of the 2026 Top 100 Difference MakersLive reveal of the Top 10Cocktail reception with heavy passed appetizersNetworking with leaders across defense, government, industry, and technologyEvent photography and a concise awards programDate: Tuesday, September 15, 2026Time: 5:00–8:00 PMLocation: Virginia Tech Innovation Campus, National LandingExact location details: Boeing Auditorium and AtriumVirginia Tech Academic Building OneAttire: Dressy or cocktail attireAdvance registration is required. Additional details regarding the exact venue location, parking, and arrival instructions will be shared with registered guests before the event. - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/alexandria/the-difference-makers-2026-top-10-reveal/100001997046974259 - **Event Categories**: fitness - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 124.56, max: 124.56, currency: USD ## Event venue details - **city**: Alexandria - **state**: VA - **country**: United States - **location**: Virginia Tech - **lat**: 38.837851 - **long**: -77.0486469 - **full address**: Virginia Tech, 3625 Potomac Avenue, Alexandria, United States ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: The Difference Makers: 2026 Top 10 Reveal - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events7/banners/2bc43b66308c1abdc4e40a6d1b3b2f7fc36376d88f692fd145190fdb3c0e3731-rimg-w1200-h675-dc080808-gmir.jpg?v=1788488179 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is The Difference Makers: 2026 Top 10 Reveal being held? - **A:** The Difference Makers: 2026 Top 10 Reveal takes place on Tue, 15 Sep, 2026 at 05:00 pm to Tue, 15 Sep, 2026 at 08:00 pm at Virginia Tech, 3625 Potomac Avenue, Alexandria, United States. - **Q**: Who is organizing The Difference Makers: 2026 Top 10 Reveal? - **A:** The Difference Makers: 2026 Top 10 Reveal is organized by Trish Martinelli. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** The Difference Makers: 2026 Top 10 Reveal is ideal for professionals, entrepreneurs, startup founders, and networking enthusiasts eager to grow their connections. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Alexandria, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. 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A former senior advisor at the Office of the Secretary of Defense and Executive Director of the Defense Entrepreneurs Forum, Trish is known for building bridges between industry and government to solve complex challenges.She holds an active TS/SCI clearance and is fluent in Russian and Arabic." } ] } ] ```