2025 Aerospace, Aviation, Defense and Manufacturing Conference

Join the Arizona Technology Council and the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Arizona at the 13th Annual Aerospace, Aviation, Defense and Manufacturing (AADM) Conference!

Hear from regional experts as they discuss the aerospace ecosystem and manufacturing innovations and explore cutting-edge intersections with thought leaders on the latest industry trends, challenges and forecasts.

Network in person with over 250 industry leaders, make new contacts, connect with clients and colleagues and hear about the future of Arizona’s growing aerospace and defense, aviation and manufacturing sectors.

Agenda (subject to change):

12:00 PM | Registration/Sponsor Exhibitor Tables
1:00 PM | Opening Remarks/Sponsor Presentations
1:25 PM | Featured Speakers – Dr. Jim Bell – ASU, Drew Trojanowski – SWMAC, and Brigadier General Michael Liesmann – U.S. Army
2:15 PM | Panel Presentation | Arizona’s Impact on Military & Defense Applications – Explore how Arizona is shaping the future of national security through cutting-edge defense and military innovations. This panel will discuss emerging technologies, strategic partnerships, and Arizona’s growing role in supporting U.S. defense capabilities.

• Moderator: Drew Trojanowski – SWMAC; Panelists: Josh Tor – Raytheon, Peter Don – U.S. Army, Gil Petrina – Yellow Hat Group

3:00 PM | Networking Break/Sponsor Exhibitor Tables
3:30 PM | Panel Presentation | Exploring the Future of Advanced Air Mobility – Explore how Advanced Air Mobility is transforming the future of flight—from urban air taxis to cargo drones. This panel will discuss the opportunities, challenges, and regulatory landscape shaping AAM in Arizona and beyond.

• Moderator: Toni Drummond – Future Flight Global; Panelists: Clint Harper – Harper4D Solution, Michelle Duquette – 3 MAD Air, Michelle Olson – Lambert, Clifford Cruz – Skyway

4:15 PM | Panel Presentation | Arizona’s Growing Space & Satellite Technologies – Discover how Arizona is contributing to the rapidly evolving space economy through advancements in satellite technologies, orbital systems, and space-based research. This panel will explore innovations in satellite manufacturing, data applications, and the infrastructure powering the next frontier of space exploration.

• Moderator: Marisa Walker – ACA, Panelists: Erika Hamden – UA Space Institute, Douglas Nicholls – Yuma Spaceport, Megan Fitzgerald – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Lisa Morris – Virgin Galactic

5:00 PM | Closing Remarks/Networking Reception/Sponsor Exhibitor Tables
6:00 PM | Event Ends

Location: Pima Community College Aviation Tech Center HANGAR 2.

MAP: https://tinyurl.com/2r3b8pa6

Note: Lunch is not provided for this event and there are no food options available at the venue.  Please plan accordingly. There will be light snacks provided at the 3pm networking break and light hors d’oeuvres at the 5pm reception.

Are you interested in sponsoring this event? View the 2025 AADM Sponsor Deck here or contact Jamie Neilson at [email protected] for more information.

Thank you to our Event Committee:

• Chair – Sonia Vohnout, OppsSpot
• Co-Chair – Jessica Sutton, SW Mission Acceleration Center
• Cade Bradley, Raytheon
• Viaggio Chavez, Winsor Consulting
• John Dennis, Optics Valley
• Toni Drummond, Future Flight Global
• Giovanni Garcin, Micromex
• Ana Greif, JobPath
• Sarah Jayne, Pima Community College
• Darren Long, Elevate Southwest
• Jonathan Roll, ASU Space Tech & Science
• Dean Simms-Elias, Plug and Play
• Mary Turner, Edmund Optics
• Robert Walker, Leonardo