MML IN-PERSON AND LIVE STREAM EVENT – Built to Last. Built to Fly. 80 Years, Three Generations, and the Evolution of an Aerospace Manufacturer – Evan Waldman – Essex Industries

A B2B event focused on aerospace and defense supply chains, manufacturing capabilities, services, and technologies. Suppliers, service providers, engineering, supply chain, procurement, and product development teams connect through pre-arranged one-to-one meetings; attendance is reserved for vetted professionals. The first day features presentations by executives and leaders covering commercial and military programs at Collins, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Topics include market-segment trends, challenges and opportunities, supplier expectations, manufacturing automation, and information integration.

Advanced manufacturing technology is presented across aerospace, automotive, industrial equipment, medical device equipment, and defense, spanning high-end manufacturing equipment, smart manufacturing, and robotic automation. Featured technologies include additive manufacturing; CAD, CAE, and CAM; industrial IoT and Industry 4.0; cybersecurity and digital transformation; materials and metallurgy; tooling and machining; factory automation, robotics, inspection, and machine vision; energy and environmental efficiency; and machine tools and fabrication. SME Mission Critical: Workforce 2030 is a featured experience focused on manufacturers’ workforce challenges and solutions intended to unlock human potential.

The event features manufacturing, distribution, and supply-chain equipment and systems, hands-on demonstrations of equipment and technology, expert-led educational sessions, and in-person business connections. Featured keynote themes include the 2027 MHI Annual Industry Report, innovation at scale, and teamwork and leadership.

The showcase focuses on manufacturing solutions for aerospace, mobility, and defense applications, with an emphasis on flexibility, speed, and adaptability. APEX Accelerators will host small-group Knowledge Bar sessions on conducting business safely and securely in the defense industry and other federal departments. The AeroDef Strategic Advisory Council curates the aerospace and defense tracks of the colocated RAPID + TCT Conference. Those tracks cover additive manufacturing applications and supporting technologies, including AI, automation, advanced materials, digital manufacturing, qualification, and inspection.

The event features exhibits in automation, robotics, smart manufacturing, precision machining, software solutions, industrial IoT, and cybersecurity. Its Executive Perspectives series is a thought-leadership panel program featuring manufacturing-company executives and technology providers; featured presentations cover diverse manufacturing disciplines. The Smart Manufacturing Experience includes exhibits on smart manufacturing and cybersecurity, plus Knowledge Bar conversations about advanced manufacturing technology, innovation, AI, and technology-adoption challenges for small and medium-sized manufacturers. SME Mission Critical: Workforce 2030 focuses on manufacturers’ workforce challenges.

The forum focuses on the Army Aviation Roadmap and the industrial base, sustainment, and acquisition. Its program includes discussion of Army transformation and the organic industrial base, with opportunities for briefings involving project managers, Army aviation transformation and future-capability leaders, original equipment manufacturers, and other industry leaders. Professional sessions address the industrial base, the Army Aviation Roadmap, sustainment and the organic industrial base, acquisition, integration of the Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Maneuver Air portfolio, force modernization, the operating environment, the Pentagon landscape, and future warfighting concepts. Exhibit-hall open-mic panels cover cargo; attack and reconnaissance; utility aircraft; uncrewed aircraft systems; next-generation command and control; AMCOM sustainment; counter-drone systems; aviation mission systems and architecture; tactical aviation and ground munitions; and MV-75 Cheyenne opportunities.

The event features exhibits in automation, robotics, smart manufacturing, precision machining, software, industrial IoT, and cybersecurity, alongside an executive keynote panel series and presentations, technology demonstrations, and interactive Knowledge Bars. The Knowledge Bars address how technology, innovation, and AI can help small and medium-sized manufacturers adopt technology. Featured technology areas also include additive manufacturing, advanced materials, digital transformation, energy and environmental efficiency, and manufacturing engineering. SME Mission Critical: Workforce 2030 focuses on manufacturers’ workforce challenges.

The conference program covers policy, governance, and global strategy for integrating autonomy across air, ground, and maritime domains, including counter-UAS authorities, AI governance, regulatory harmonization, spectrum allocation, and infrastructure readiness. Strategic Resilience addresses cybersecurity, geopolitical disruption, constrained access to critical components, NDAA and FCC covered-list procurement requirements, export controls, battery supply chains, and critical materials. Technology in Motion focuses on AI-driven perception, advanced propulsion, sensor fusion, collaborative autonomy, swarm coordination, counter-UAS systems, AI/ML certification, and verification and validation. Enterprise Operations & Ecosystem Integration examines domestic production, manufacturing readiness, MRO, reshoring, contract and additive manufacturing, vertiport integration, maritime logistics, digital twins, and production scaling. Autonomy in Action covers procurement, BVLOS and Part 108 operations, grants, venture capital, public-private partnerships, and commercial deployments. AUVSI Defense programming addresses maritime autonomy, national security and warfighter requirements, counter-UxS, appropriations, and fielding trusted systems at scale.

The morning program includes an overview of Weber Metals, updates on FIA and FIERF initiatives, and presentations on Boeing’s current market outlook and forging supply-chain insights. Attendees will discuss developments affecting the forging industry and its customers. After lunch, tours of Weber Metals and Aluminum Precision Products will cover their manufacturing operations and capabilities.