Over the course of three days in Grand Rapids, aerospace leaders from 24 states came together to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and set the course for aerospace innovation. As we move the industry forward together, I want to highlight a handful of the many memorable moments that made this year’s event so impactful.
Pratt & Whitney, Moeller Aerospace, and Eaton Aerospace ignited AeroOne 2025 with record roundtable participation.
Valuing the unique format to meet attendees and network with businesses, participants described the roundtable experience as “engaging, collaborative, informative, and insightful” – setting a powerful tone for the rest of the conference.
Keith Flail, SVP & GM of Fluid & Electrical Distribution at Eaton Aerospace, continued this theme by kicking off Thursday’s session with a question none of us will forget: “How many parts does it take to build an aircraft? All of them.” It takes every single supplier, working together with honesty and open collaboration, to deliver safe, quality aircraft on time.
Dr. Lyon (Brad) King, CEO & Co-Founder of Orbion Space Technology, illuminated the staggering potential within satellite production. His images of the current satellite infrastructure – and projections of future demand – underscored the immense growth opportunities awaiting suppliers ready to scale and innovate in this rapidly evolving industry.
Thursday evening, we honored Tony Vernaci, AIAM’s Founder and one of aerospace’s greatest advocates. In recognition of his extraordinary vision and lifelong dedication to advancing Michigan’s aerospace industry, the AIAM Board of Directors established the Tony Vernaci Aerospace Futures Fund. This endowed fund will annually support the mission and pillars of the AIAM Foundation. Learn more about the Fund and how to donate here.
Following Friday’s breakfast, speakers Chris Flynn, VP of Military Development Programs & GATORWORKS at Pratt & Whitney, and Peter Johnson, VP and GM of Boeing’s Fabrication Division, underscored the urgent need for talent development in sustaining the aerospace supply chain. Another memorable line was delivered: “the workforce of 2035 is in middle school today.” Attendees saw how AIAM is helping to inspire the next generation of aerospace talent through our Drone Soccer initiative — now in five Michigan schools because of Foundation grants
Mark your calendars for AeroOne 2026, September 9-11 (location to be announced at a later date).
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Contact: Dawn Fraylick, Marketing Manager P: (586) 242-6142 E: dawnf@AIAMnow.com |