Arizona Technology Council’s 12th AADM conference fuels aerospace and defense dialogue

The Arizona Technology Council hosted its 12th annual Aerospace, Aviation, Defense, and Manufacturing (AADM) Conference on July 12th in Tucson, uniting industry figureheads to discuss advances in the local sector. In a statement obtained by Pima County Newsroom, over 220 industry enthusiasts and professionals convened at the Pima Community College’s Aviation Technology Center to network and deliberate on Arizona’s role in propelling the aerospace, defense, aviation, and manufacturing industries.

During the conference, Danette Bewley, the President & CEO of Tucson Airport Authority, shared her journey in aviation and her rise to her current role. Confirmed by the same source, she divulged plans for upgrades at Tucson International Airport, including a spare parallel runway and expanded terminal space envisioned in the roadmap.

One panel discussion that turned heads, “Blast, Soar, Explore: Testing the Future,” looked into the synergy between aerospace innovation, governmental strategies, and defense in the Arizonian context. According to what panelists from Phantom Space, Raytheon, AZ Spaceport Alliance, and more told the Pima County Newsroom these Arizona initiatives are crucial for human space exploration.

The source further highlighted another discussion that probed the aerospace ecosystem’s lacunas. Panelists from FreeFall Aerospace, the Arizona Commerce Authority, and Pipeline AZ discussed the untapped oportunities lying in the real challenges and gaps. In an effort to address these challenges, the final panel brought together “Manufacturing Mavericks” — industry disruptors and building trade, fostering talent, and leveraging new technologies.