Events Calendar for eVTOL, Advanced Air Mobility, and electric aircraft events:
Stay updated with the latest eVTOL conferences, symposiums, forums, and expos. Perfect for professionals seeking to network, learn, and discover the latest trends in eVTOL technology, Advanced air mobility solutions, and electric aircraft. Visit the Events Calendar
The Vertical Flight Society's 81st Annual Forum & Technology Display
Forum 81 is the world’s leading technical conference on vertical flight innovation, featuring 250+ peer-reviewed technical papers spanning disciplines like acoustics, propulsion, and autonomous systems. The concurrent Technology Display highlights cutting-edge aerospace technologies from manufacturers, defense agencies, and research institutions. The event emphasizes collaboration between industry, military, and academia to advance rotorcraft and advanced air mobility (AAM.)
Event Dates
Start: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
End: Thursday, May 22, 2025
Key Features:
-
290+ technical presentations across 15 technical tracks
-
First-ever Advanced Air Mobility Investor Summit (parallel session on May 21)
-
Daily "Tech Talks" in Exhibit Hall at 10 AM/3 PM
Keynote Speakers
The forum will host leaders from:
- Major rotorcraft manufacturers (e.g., executives in "Straight Talk from the Top" sessions)
- Military branches (program managers from US Army, Navy, and Marine Corps aviation divisions)
- Government and civil defense organizations (discussing AAM/eVTOL regulations and innovation)
Special Events:
- Grand Awards Breakfast Banquet: Recognition of industry achievements12.
- 45th Annual Nikolsky Lecture: Prestigious academic keynote12.
- eVTOL Short Course: In-depth workshops on electric vertical flight12.
- NASA Industry Tour: Exclusive tour for US citizens (limited availability)
Complete Agenda
(Virginia Beach Convention Center, May 20-22, 2025)
Tuesday, May 20
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 AM | Registration Opens | Badge pickup at Convention Center Lobby |
| 8:00 AM-Noon | Technical Paper Sessions | Concurrent sessions: - Advanced Rotorcraft Design - eVTOL Certification Challenges |
| 12:00-1:30 PM | Exhibit Hall Luncheon | Networking with 150+ exhibitors in Technology Display |
| 2:00-5:00 PM | Military Program Briefings | - US Army Future Vertical Lift Update - Navy/Marine Corps Aviation Modernization |
| 6:00-8:00 PM | Welcome Reception | Opening social in Exhibit Hall with live tech demonstrations |
Wednesday, May 21
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Grand Awards Breakfast | Recognition of engineering achievements in vertical flight |
| 9:30 AM-Noon | Keynote Sessions | - "Future of AAM" by VFS Executive Director - DoD Keynote Address |
| 1:30-4:30 PM | Technical Workshops | - Advanced Materials Forum - Autonomous Flight Systems Tutorial |
| 5:00-6:30 PM | Poster Sessions | Graduate research presentations in Ballroom C |
Thursday, May 22
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00-10:00 AM | Final Paper Sessions | - Hypersonic VTOL Concepts - Urban Air Mobility Infrastructure |
| 10:30 AM | NASA Langley Tour Departure | Chartered buses for registered attendees (US citizens only) |
| 2:00-4:00 PM | Closing Panels | - Military-Industry Collaboration Roundtable - Academic Research Roadmap |
| 7:00 PM | Grand Awards Banquet | Formal dinner with induction of Vertical Flight Hall of Fame honorees |
Event Information
| Event Date | 05-20-2025 |
| Event End Date | 05-22-2025 |
| Event Website | https://vtol.org/register |
| Location | Virginia Beach Convention Center |
Venue Information - Virginia Beach Convention Center
The Virginia Beach Convention Center stands as a state-of-the-art event facility, distinguished as the nation's first convention center to earn LEED® Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council
. Located minutes from the beach and resort area, this impressive venue combines coastal charm with metropolitan amenities.
Venue Specifications
The facility boasts impressive dimensions and capabilities:
- Over 516,000 gross square feet of total space
- 150,000 square feet of column-free exhibit space
- Nearly 29,000 square feet of meeting space
- Over 31,000 square feet ballroom (one of the largest on the East Coast)
- 2,209 free parking spaces
Amenities and Services
The convention center offers comprehensive facilities including:
- Full AV capabilities with onsite staff
- Business center
- Onsite catering
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Loading dock and staging areas
- Portable walls
- Dance floor and piano
Location and Transportation
Situated in Virginia Beach's oceanfront resort area, the venue is:
- 12.6 miles from the airport
- Minutes from the beach and resort area
- Accessible by bus, taxi, and airport shuttle
- Equipped with complimentary parking and bus parking facilities
Environmental Commitment
The facility demonstrates strong environmental leadership: