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: