MOBILE, Ala., Oct. 24, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — On Nov. 1 and 2, the four-state Aerospace Alliance will host its annual Summit at The Grand Marriott Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa in Point Clear, AL. Hosted by the Secretaries of Commerce from the Aerospace Alliance states of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida, the annual Summit features presentations and discussions centered on subjects shaping aerospace currently today and tomorrow.

“What Lies Ahead” theme will drive the annual industry-focused event, with a keen focus on advances in aerospace innovation and the impact that such technological advancements will have on both the industry and its workforce. Known for its insightful and vigorous discussions from industry executives and state leaders on subjects shaping aerospace today, the Summit offers a range of expertise in aerospace advancements and education. The Summit draws leaders from the southeastern region, leading companies in the industry, economic development and elected officials whose communities and regions have an aerospace focus, and university and workforce professionals whose programs specialize in the sector. 

“Working together for almost a decade, the four states have significantly advanced the aerospace sector in the region. The Summit is a showcase for these efforts,” said Neal Wade, Aerospace Alliance chairman. “The Annual Summit brings together state leaders with industry executives to debate, analyze and learn how to continue to be competitive in this dynamic industry.”

Speakers represent nationally known leaders in aerospace today presenting keynotes and panels addressing industry-specific topics, each exemplifying innovations which will change the face of aerospace in the decade ahead.

“Alabama is pleased to host the Aerospace Alliance Summit and to feature the aerospace companies and assets that have changed the this industry in the U.S. and world-wide,” said Alabama Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield.

Thurs., Nov. 1 Programs and Keynote

The event will launch the afternoon of Thurs., Nov. 1 with a new segment: a three-hour session on the Alliance’s region-wide commitment to providing the best aeronautical workforce in the nation. Focused towards collaboration, education, and aerospace training needs in the Alliance region, panel discussions featuring company leaders from Airbus, Aurora Flight Sciences and Geocent as well as higher education leaders from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide and Alabama Community College Systems will be highlighted.

The Summit’s welcome reception kicks off the evening’s events, a gala dinner and keynote featuring Lockheed Martin’s Jack O’Banion, Vice President, Strategy & Customer Requirements for Advanced Development Programs (ADP), also known as the Skunk Works®. O’Banion will share insights from Skunk Works’ 75 years of innovation.

Friday, Nov. 2 Plenary Sessions

On Friday, Nov. 2, the summit’s plenary sessions begin with a welcome and opening comments from Aerospace Alliance Chair Neal Wade and Alabama Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield.

All morning programs focus intently on innovation, engaging participants to envision the way aerospace will look in the decade ahead. Two keynotes illustrating this point will be presented. First, from the company perspective, Paul Gaskell, head of Airbus A220 FAL Project and A220 Operations – Mobile will present. He will be followed by Dean Bushey, Ph.D., with Voyage, who will share his view from the technological perspective reflecting his work with autonomous transportation supplemented with insights gained as a retired colonel, United States Air Force, with 25+ years of service and over 4500 hours of command flight experience.

Furthering the innovation focus, an interactive session featuring three mini-keynotes with a group Q&A will be presented. Moderated by Vardges “Vago” Muradian, editor-in-chief and host of the Defense & Aerospace Report, Muradian’s overview of innovation’s disruptive industry impacts sets the stage for each of the speakers to present their companies’ most innovative work. Audience members will have the opportunity to interact with all three panelists following talks by Raanan Horowitz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Elbit Systems of America and Bell Helicopter’s Robert T. (Bob) Hastings, Executive Vice President, Chief Communications Officer and Chief of Staff.

The event concludes with closing remarks regarding the state of the region from the Summit chairman, Neal Wade.

For more information about the Summit, visit www.aerospacealliance.com or call 850.558.6909. Or email [email protected]. To register visit https://aerospace-alliance.myshopify.com.

Sponsors of this year’s summit include Presenting Sponsors: Florida Power & Light, and Space Florida. Platinum Sponsor: NASA Michoud Assembly Facility. Gold sponsor is the Cirlot Agency. Silver sponsors are The Boeing Company and Mississippi Gulf Coast Alliance.

About The Aerospace Alliance: The four state Aerospace Alliance was formed to establish the U.S. Southeast region as a world-class aerospace and aviation corridor. The Alliance member states of Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and Louisiana share goals of promoting the region’s common assets and leveraging opportunities to grow the sector in the region. For more information, visit www.aerospacealliance.com

CONTACT:
Melissa Medley, Executive Director
The Aerospace Alliance
850.558.6909, [email protected]

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SOURCE Aerospace Alliance