AeroOne 2025 is the fourth annual aerospace summit hosted by the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (AIAM). The conference is designed as a comprehensive platform for aerospace professionals to engage in high-level discussions about the industry's most pressing challenges and opportunities. The event features a unique blend of keynote presentations, panel discussions, exclusive roundtable sessions, networking receptions, and showcase displays from leading aerospace companies.

The conference places special emphasis on the innovative Aerospace Roundtables, where participants collaborate directly with industry giants like Pratt & Whitney, Moeller Aerospace, and Eaton on real-world business challenges. This hands-on approach sets AeroOne apart from traditional conferences by fostering actionable solutions and meaningful business relationships. The event covers critical topics including automation integration, cybersecurity threats, artificial intelligence adoption, supply chain excellence, military engine development, satellite manufacturing, and next-generation propulsion systems.

Event Dates

Start Date: September 3, 2025
End Date: September 5, 2025

Keynote Speakers

Richard Aboulafia - Managing Director, AeroDynamic Advisory
Richard is a renowned aerospace industry analyst who will deliver insights on the "State of Defense Industry & Outlook," providing attendees with comprehensive market analysis and forecasting.

Dr. Lyon (Brad) King - CEO and Co-Founder, Orbion Space Technology
Dr. King will present on "Satellite Manufacturing: Challenges & Opportunities," sharing expertise on the rapidly evolving space technology sector and manufacturing innovations.

Peter Johnson - Vice President & General Manager Commercial Airplanes, Fabrication Division, Boeing
Johnson will address "Road to Success & The Need for Supply Chain Excellence," offering Boeing's perspective on optimizing aerospace supply chain operations.

Kevin Laurence - Director of Automated Manufacturing Systems, Pratt & Whitney
Laurence will discuss "Automation – Integration for Manufacturing Excellence," exploring how automation is revolutionizing aerospace manufacturing processes.

Jason Bilnoski - Deputy Assistant Director, FBI Cyber Operations Branch
Bilnoski will deliver a critical presentation on "The Silent War: Cybersecurity's Growing Impact on Business," addressing the increasing cybersecurity threats facing the aerospace industry.

Jeff Williams - Managing Partner, Atomic Object
Williams will present "Beyond the Hype: Practical Strategies for AI Adoption in Aerospace," providing actionable guidance on implementing artificial intelligence solutions.

John Sapp - President, Eaton's Aerospace Group
Sapp will contribute to discussions on enabling supply chain success in aerospace's unprecedented growth period.

Joe Anselmo - Editor in Chief, Aviation Week & Space Technology
Anselmo will moderate key panels and contribute editorial insights on industry trends and developments.

Dr. Kevin Michaels - Managing Director, AeroDynamic Advisory
Dr. Michaels will participate in fireside chats discussing supply chain challenges in the aftermath of tariffs and inflation.

Tony Vernaci - President, Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (AIAM)
As the event host, Vernaci will provide welcome addresses and facilitate discussions on industry collaboration and growth.

Complete Agenda

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

• • 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Registration

• • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Aerospace Roundtables - Collaborative sessions with Pratt & Whitney, Moeller Aerospace, and Eaton addressing real business challenges

• • 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Welcome Reception (Spouses Invited)

Thursday, September 4, 2025

• • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Breakfast & Registration

• • 9:00 AM – 9:20 AM: Welcome Address by Tony Vernaci, President of AIAM

• • 9:20 AM – 10:10 AM: Keynote Address

• • 10:10 AM – 10:40 AM: "Satellite Manufacturing: Challenges & Opportunities" by Dr. Lyon (Brad) King

• • 10:40 AM – 11:10 AM: Networking Break

• • 11:10 AM – 11:55 AM: Student Panel – Talent Retention for Today's Workforce

• • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch

• • 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM: "State of Defense Industry & Outlook" by Richard Aboulafia

• • 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM: "Unrealized Opportunities for AI Adoption"

• • 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM: "Automation – Integration for Manufacturing Excellence" by Kevin Laurence

• • 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Networking Break

• • 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: "Next Gen Commercial Aircraft Engine Propulsion" by Engine OEM

• • 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM: Panel - "How to Recommend Industry Policy to Lawmakers" moderated by McAlvey Merchant & Associates

• • 3:45 PM – 4:20 PM: "State of the Supply Chain in the Aftermath of Tariffs & Inflation" - Fireside chat with Dr. Kevin Michaels, moderated by Joe Anselmo

• • 4:20 PM – 4:45 PM: Business Resources from State Government by Michigan Economic Development Corporation

• • 4:45 PM – 5:00 PM: Wrap Up by Aaron Johnson, Executive Director Member Relations, AIAM

• • 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Networking Reception (Spouses Invited) - Light Hors D'Oeuvres & Cocktails

Friday, September 5, 2025

• • 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM: Breakfast

• • 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: "Military Engines – Future Opportunities & Challenges" by Engine OEM

• • 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: "The Untold Reality of Cybersecurity Threats on Business"

• • 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM: "Use of Drones Are Shaping the Future"

• • 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Morning Coffee Break

• • 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM: Panel - "Reality of CMMC To Be Taken Seriously"

• • 11:15 AM – 11:45 PM: "Road to Success & The Need for Supply Chain Excellence" by Peter Johnson, Boeing

• • 11:45 AM – 12:00 PM: Wrap Up by Tony Vernaci, President of AIAM

• • 12:00 PM: Travel-Friendly Box Lunch

Additional programming includes panel discussions on "Reinventing Manufacturing: Convergence of AI, Digital Twins & Smart Machine Controls," "CMMC & the Supply Chain: Challenges, Changes, and Compliance," and "Use of Drones Are Shaping the Future."