About this Event
This industry-only event brings together professionals from across the aerospace, defense and aviation sectors for a day of insight and conversation. The forum will be held on Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Omni Oklahoma City Hotel. Attendees will hear from panels of industry experts on the current state of aerospace in Oklahoma and network with leaders from across the region.
Event Contacts:
- Phinina Corey, Jones Strategies, [email protected]
- Taylor Ketchum, Jones Strategies, [email protected]
SCHEDULE:
- 8:00 - 9:30 AM | Registration & Networking Breakfast
- 9:30 - 10:25 AM | Welcome Session & ACES Update
- 10:25 - 10:45 AM | Networking Break
- 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM | Breakout Sessions 1 & 2
- 12:00 - 1:30 PM | Lunch & Keynote Presentation
- 1:30 – 2:00 PM | Networking Break
- 2:00 - 3:15 PM | Breakout Sessions 3 & 4
- 3:15-3:30 | Closing Remarks
- 3:30 - 4:30 | Upcoming Talent Q&A Session
KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Victor J. Glover, Jr., NASA Astronaut and U.S. Navy Captain
Captain Victor J. Glover, Jr. most recently served as Pilot of NASA’s Artemis II mission around the Moon, a nearly 10-day journey that marked a major milestone in NASA’s return to lunar exploration. Glover was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2013 and previously served as pilot of the Crew-1 Dragon spacecraft, Resilience, and as a Flight Engineer aboard the International Space Station for Expedition 64/65. A U.S. Navy Captain, Glover brings extensive experience in aviation, spaceflight and leadership to NASA’s human exploration missions.
BREAKOUT SESSION TOPICS + SPEAKERS:
Aerospace Workforce: Building the Region's Talent Pipeline
Explore how Oklahoma schools, CareerTech programs, universities, and industry partners are preparing the next generation of aerospace talent. Learn how apprenticeships and hands-on training are creating opportunities for employers across the aerospace industry.
Panelists:
- Tonja Norwood, CareerTech
- Mandy Monahan, NORDAM
- Rodney Rogers, Tinker Air Force Base OC-ALC
- Sarah Guardiola, Launch OK
- Moderated by Paula Kedy, ODAA
Autonomous Systems: Advancing the Future of Flight
Advanced Air Mobility, uncrewed aircraft and emerging aviation technologies are changing how people and goods move. Hear how industry, government and research partners are positioning Oklahoma at the forefront of aviation innovation.
Panelists:
- Dr. Katrina Avers, FAA
- James Spencer Jr., OSU OAIRE
- Alan Hicks, Manna Air Delivery
- Moderated by James Grimsley, Choctaw Nation
Space, Propulsion and the Emerging Aerospace Economy
Commercial space growth is driving innovation in propulsion, satellite systems, testing, and advanced manufacturing. This panel will explore emerging technologies, investment opportunities, and the future of the aerospace economy.
Panelists:
- Chris Pearson, Agile Space Industries
- Rick Ketchum, Quantum Space
- Moderated by Gabe Sherman, Artemis Group
Defense Sustainment, Investment and Aerospace Growth
Defense priorities and sustainment demands continue to shape aerospace manufacturing, MRO and innovation. Hear how military installations, industry leaders, and economic development partners are supporting long-term aerospace growth.
Panelists:
- Steve Gray, Tinker Air Force Base AFSC
- Tim Frisby, Critical Components
- Jason Childs, Northrop Grumman
- John Taylor, Field Aero
- Moderated by Colonel Fencisco Harris, Tinker Air Force Base
EXHIBITORS, SPONSORSHIPS & TABLES:
Interested in sponsoring or reserving an exhibitor booth space? Contact Phinina Corey at [email protected] for booth opportunities and sponsorship information.
Tables include registration for the whole day for 8 attendees and a reserved table at the Keynote Luncheon. To purchase a table after the Sept. 8 deadline, contact Phinina Corey at [email protected] for availablity.
STUDENT & EDUCATOR DISCOUNT:
Students and school faculty interested in attending or bringing a group of students should email Phinina Corey at [email protected] for a discount code.
STEERING COMMITTEE:
Thank you to the Oklahoma Aerospace Forum Steering Committee members who ensure our event is of value to aerospace companies across the region!
- Leshia Pearson - Oklahoma Aerospace Commerce Economic Services (ACES) / Oklahoma Department of Commerce
- Keith Rash - Consolidated Turbine Specialists / Kratos Defense
- Tim Frisby - Critical Components Aerospace
- Justin Cockroft - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Debbie Uglean - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- James Peake - Frontier Electronic Systems (FES)
- Brenda Jones-Barwick - Jones Strategies
- Colin Oetken - L3Harris
- Greg "Sven" Smith - M1 Composites
- Chris Van Denhende - Mint Turbines
- Janelle Stafford - Moog
- Mandy Monahan - NORDAM
- Allyson Carson - OK Defense Industry Association (ODIA)
- Grayson Ardies - OK Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA)
- Craig Smith - OK Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA)
- Eddie Compton - Oklahoma CareerTech
- Rob Clouse - Oklahoma State University Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education (OSU OAIRE)
- Clay Pearce - Spirit AeroSystems
- David Hanisch - Tinker Air Force Base
- Daniel Regan - Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust
- Chase Beasley - Tulsa Innovation Labs
Join our LinkedIn Group - The Oklahoma Aerospace Forum https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9082263/
Refund Policy
The $13.11 processing fee charged at checkout is non-refundable. Refunds are unavailable after Wednesday, Sept. 30.
Event venue & nearby stays
Omni Oklahoma City Hotel, 100 Oklahoma City Blvd, Oklahoma City, United States
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