What should I wear?
For non-exhibitors:
Thursday Evening, opening reception at 1900: "Business Casual"
Friday night: "coat and tie" (for men -- ladies wear what goes with men's coat and tie)
Saturday night dinner: "suit"
During the day, most military likely will be in ABU or flight suit (Command option).
Male registrants and male guests should comply with the broad guidelines contained on this web page.
If a guest attends in leave or permissive TDY status, daytime wear of the uniform may be optional (commander's perogative)
For exhibitors:
Exhibitors, including military exhibitors, should wear whatever they feel is appropriate.
For A/TA evening functions (other than military exhibitors in the exhibit hall only), NO UNIFORMS!!
Dress Code Definition/Help
Business Casual
Professional business attire, not necessarily including a dress shirt or tie. (Check out Virginia Tech's advice)
Coat and Tie
Sport coat or blazer and slacks (or suit) with a collar-shirt and tie. (Again check out more Virginia Tech advice)
Suit
Coat and trouser fabric match.
Specifically for women:
For Thursday evening, see above Virginia Tech recommendations for "business casual"
For Friday evening, you could wear:
- Skirt and dressy top
- Business-style dress
- Dressy pants outfit or dressy separates
- Short afternoon or cocktail dress
- A little black dress
- Heels, high or low
Saturday evening: it is NOT formal. Although formal ball gowns are not recommended, floor-length dresses or skirts will be part of the norm. Any of the more dressy Friday options -- long or short -- would be perfect for Saturday. Generally, Saturday may be somewhat more dressy than Friday -- but only women might detect a difference. Be reminded that there will be 1000+ other women making this same decision so you will have company in whatever you choose.
For awards-related daytime activities, guests may be more comfortable in "Friday-evening-type" attire.
Ladies should be aware that the awards stage may be backlit requiring modestly opaque clothing.
And, unless you routinely wear very high heels, 2 ½ inches or less is recommended.