“Remember boys, no points for second place.” – Slider, Top Gun
Air travel is back. According to Deloitte & Touche, in September of 2022, domestic traffic levels registered about 81% of 2019 levels. Of course, there are still challenges for the aerospace community. The top three include
- Global supply chain disruptions
- Inflation on fuel and rare materials
- Talent shortages
To combat these challenges, aircraft manufacturers are focusing on designing their engines to be more fuel-efficient and exploring lower- and zero-emissions commercial aircraft for the future. Sustainable Aircraft Fuel (SAF) is an increasingly hot topic in the industry.
Trade shows and other industry events are playing a key role in bringing the community together to develop solutions. In April 2022, MRO Americas was held in Dallas, TX, boasting a fully sold-out floor plan with 800+ exhibitors. The key insights from that show reveal the aviation industry is focusing on optimizing aftermarket revenue, aggressive tech innovation and accelerating the space market.
Here are 10 of the biggest upcoming domestic trade shows A&D professionals should consider attending.
Top 10 Domestic Trade Shows for Aerospace & Defense Professionals
1. I/ITSEC
When: Dec. 2nd – Dec. 6th, 2024
Where: Orlando, FL
The Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) is the world’s premier training grounds for modeling and simulation. According to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), 97% of attendees go to shows for education. I/TSEC capitalizes on this by supplying tutorials, special events, professional workshops, a commercial exhibit hall, a serious game competition and many, many more educational opportunities.
In 2021, the conference reported 13,000+ registrants, including 4,300 attendees, 1,000 international visitors and 3,000 exhibit visitors.
Registration: https://www.iitsec.org/
2. AUVSI Xponential
When: April 22nd – 25th, 2024
Where: San Diego, CA
The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) hosts Xponential, a conference dedicated to the next chapter of automated innovation. Leaders from every industry attend to discover new technology, meet new partners and solve real problems in automation.
Last year, AUVSI produced a hybrid Xponential conference with a comprehensive virtual program which amassed hundreds of hours of interactive content. Meanwhile, more than 4,200 visitors attended live in Atlanta, GA.
Registration: https://www.xponential.org/
3. NBAA-BACE
When: Oct. 22nd – 24th, 2024
Where: Las Vegas, NV
Since 1947, NBAA has been bringing business aviation professionals together, producing one of the most important events for the industry: Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (BACE). NBAA’s exhibitor survey reports 51% of attendees are in executive management and 87% of overall attendees have buying authority or in a high-influence position in purchasing.
With over 1,000 businesses normally exhibiting, NBAA-BACE is a vital event, and exhibitors need to put their best foot forward.
Registration: https://nbaa.org/https://nbaa.org/events/2024-nbaa-business-aviation-convention-exhibition-nbaa-bace/events/
4. MRO Americas
When: April 9th – 11th, 2024
Where: Atlanta, GA
The Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) Americas is a show hosted by Aviation Weekly. The show is dedicated to providing solutions to business aviation companies and airliners. This the emphasis was on building a workforce pipeline to mitigate increasing labor shortages.
Last year’s 2022 event was packed with 800+ exhibitors.
Registration: https://mroamericas.aviationweek.com/
5. Heli-Expo
When: March 10th – 13th, 2025
Where: Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA
In case you didn’t get the name, Heli-Expo is all about helicopters within the aviation industry. Normally the show attracts an audience of around 14,000 professionals looking to discover newest products and services and 600+ exhibits covering 1 million square feet of space.
Registration: https://heliexpo.com/
6. AUSA Exposition
When: Oct. 14th – 16th, 2024
Where: Washington, DC
The Association of the United States Army hosts its annual event with the purpose to deliver Army messages highlighting the capabilities of organizations and presenting a wide range of industry products and services. It is the largest landpower exposition and professional development forum in North America.
According to AUSA’s prospectus, you can expect on average over 31,000 registrants from around the globe.
Registration: https://www.ausa.org/meet
7. Space Symposium
When: April 8th – 11th, 2024
Where: The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, CO
This year, the Space Symposium celebrated its 37th anniversary. The show is renowned for bringing space leads from around the world to address and plan the future of space. Global in scope, the Space Foundation has hosted north of 14,000 people from around the world.
Registration: https://www.spacesymposium.org/
8. EAA AirVenture
When: July 22nd – 24th, 2024
Where: EAA Aviation Center, Oshkosh, WI
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) members come together in Oshkosh, WI every year for a week of aviation celebration. Over 10,000 planes of every stripe fly in to the show in what becomes the busiest airport in the world. AirVenture is packed with air shows, Aerobatics and pyrotechnics.
Any aviation enthusiast is invited to the show!
Registration: https://www.eaa.org/airventure
9. Sea-Air-Space
When: April 8th – 10th, 2024
Where: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center National Harbor, MD
The Navy’s version of AUSA, Sea-Air-Space is second to none in Maritime Expos in the U.S. as key military decision-makers united within the U.S. defense industry. Drawing 15,000 attendees worldwide with 57 international delegations, this is a show you won’t want to miss.
Registration: https://seaairspace.org/
10. Border Security Expo
When: May 21st – 23rd, 2024
Where: El Paso, TX
The Border Security Expo attracts influential leaders from a variety if agencies to foster cooperation and to keep personnel up-to-date on new capabilities and technologies to combat criminal enterprises.
Registration: https://www.bordersecurityexpo.com/
If you’re still searching trade shows for aerospace & defense to attend, use our free trade show search tool. All you need to do is type in your industry and every related show will appear along with # of attendees, exhibitors, date and location.
The Trade Group is a full-service trade show and event marketing company. We will work with you to create an exhibit or an event that brings in leads and helps you achieve your business goals. Contact us here or give us a call at (800) 343-2005.
