Building Relationships for Success 

Newly Confirmed Speaker: Dick DeVos

Founder of West Michigan Aviation Academy & Former President of Amway

On Wednesday, September 4th Dick DeVos will be speaking about Talent Investments Today to Yield a Future for Generations. He will also be introducing the new to 2024 Talent Panels, which will discuss critical skills necessary for industry and what students are looking for as they enter the workplace.

View the Agenda 

Conference aims to forge successful industry relationships with national aerospace leaders

ROCHESTER, MI — On Sept. 4–6, 2024, Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (AIAM) will hold its third annual AeroOne summit. This year’s summit will focus on developing the right relationships for success in building a strong aerospace industry. OEMS, suppliers, and thought leaders will gather at Royal Park Hotel in downtown Rochester, MI for two-and-a-half days of keynotes, panel discussions, and small group roundtables with OEM’s and Tier 1s to network with internationally renowned companies and speakers. Registration is now open. Attendance will be limited, so early registration is encouraged.

"AeroOne will provide suppliers with tools and strategies they need to build successful and meaningful relationships in the aerospace industry," said AIAM President, Tony Vernaci. "Growing business in the aerospace sector requires much more than accreditations and capabilities. Relationships are at the heart of our industry, and AeroOne has become an indispensable opportunity to connect one-on-one with the people who are shaping aerospace across the globe."

Last year’s conference drew attendees from more than 150 companies across 20 states. It featured top space, defense, and aerospace suppliers as well as leaders from global OEMs such as Airbus, Boeing, and Tier 1s Eaton, Woodward, and Pratt & Whitney along with representatives from the US Department of Defense. Attendees gained insight on topics such as electrification, the space economy, digital engineering, partnering with Tier 1s, sustainability, transitioning from auto to aero, and more.

The conference will kick off on September 4 with a day of roundtable collaboration opportunities and panel discussions on talent. The day will conclude with a premium welcome reception that evening. The popular roundtables give participating businesses the opportunity to collaborate with other suppliers and develop real-world industry solutions in partnership with leading Tier 1 companies. The roundtables — viewed as an overwhelming success among last year’s attendees — will be limited to 80 participants. To facilitate a much-needed dialog regarding the talent crisis, the AIAM Foundation, which supports aerospace expansion across the state, will host panel discussions between students, academia, and industry leaders, who will address aerospace careers and talent attraction.

Days two and three will once again be full of innovative and highly informative keynotes and panel discussions and will provide multiple opportunities for networking. While the speaker lineup is being finalized, it is guaranteed to match previous years’ essential topics from the industry’s top leaders.

A limited number of showcase display tables will provide companies with an outstanding platform to meet face-to-face with key figures in the global aerospace industry. The displays are strategically located in a high traffic area to provide companies with a captive audience and opportunities to meet with all conference attendees.

To learn more about the summit or to register, visit www.aerooneconference.com. Attendees can book hotel rooms at Royal Park Hotel for September 4 and 5 at a deeply discounted promotional rate starting now.

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About AIAM: The Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (AIAM) is a non-profit, member-driven industry organization. It is a platform for aerospace leaders in the state to work together on a common set of priorities to strengthen and support the continued growth in the industry through talent attraction and new investment in Michigan.

About AIAM Foundation: The AIAM Foundation supports aerospace expansion across Michigan. Efforts include: creating a diverse talent pipeline, especially among students in underserved and rural communities; strengthening small, under-resourced companies and helping them navigate the complexities to successfully compete in aerospace; and raising awareness of the important impact of aerospace in Michigan.

Warmest Regards,

Tony Vernaci

AIAM, President