The 2026 Oklahoma Aerospace Forum

This industry-only event brings together professionals from across the aerospace, defense and aviation sectors for a day of insight and conversation. The forum will be held on Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Omni Oklahoma City Hotel. Attendees will hear from panels of industry experts on the current state of aerospace in Oklahoma and network with leaders from across the region.

Event Contacts:

• Phinina Corey, Jones Strategies, [email protected]
• Taylor Ketchum, Jones Strategies, [email protected]

SCHEDULE:

• 8:00 - 9:30 AM | Registration & Networking Breakfast
• 9:30 - 10:25 AM | Welcome Session & ACES Update
• 10:25 - 10:45 AM | Networking Break
• 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM | Breakout Sessions 1 & 2
• 12:00 - 1:30 PM | Lunch & Keynote Presentation
• 1:30 – 2:00 PM | Networking Break
• 2:00 - 3:15 PM | Breakout Sessions 3 & 4
• 3:15-3:30 | Closing Remarks
• 3:30 - 4:30 | Upcoming Talent Q&A Session

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

Victor J. Glover, Jr., NASA Astronaut and U.S. Navy Captain

Captain Victor J. Glover, Jr. most recently served as Pilot of NASA’s Artemis II mission around the Moon, a nearly 10-day journey that marked a major milestone in NASA’s return to lunar exploration. Glover was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2013 and previously served as pilot of the Crew-1 Dragon spacecraft, Resilience, and as a Flight Engineer aboard the International Space Station for Expedition 64/65. A U.S. Navy Captain, Glover brings extensive experience in aviation, spaceflight and leadership to NASA’s human exploration missions.

BREAKOUT SESSION TOPICS + SPEAKERS:

Aerospace Workforce: Building the Region's Talent Pipeline
Explore how Oklahoma schools, CareerTech programs, universities, and industry partners are preparing the next generation of aerospace talent. Learn how apprenticeships and hands-on training are creating opportunities for employers across the aerospace industry.

Panelists:

• Tonja Norwood, CareerTech
• Mandy Monahan, NORDAM
• Rodney Rogers, Tinker Air Force Base OC-ALC
• Moderated by Paula Kedy, ODAA

Autonomous Systems: Advancing the Future of Flight
Advanced Air Mobility, uncrewed aircraft and emerging aviation technologies are changing how people and goods move. Hear how industry, government and research partners are positioning Oklahoma at the forefront of aviation innovation.

Panelists:

• Dr. Katrina Avers, FAA
• James Spencer Jr., OSU OAIRE
• Manna Air Delivery
• Moderated by James Grimsley, Choctaw Nation

Space, Propulsion and the Emerging Aerospace Economy
Commercial space growth is driving innovation in propulsion, satellite systems, testing, and advanced manufacturing. This panel will explore emerging technologies, investment opportunities, and the future of the aerospace economy.

Panelists:

• Chris Pearson, Agile Space Industries
• Rick Ketchum, Quantum Space
• Moderated by Gabe Sherman, Artemis Group

Defense Sustainment, Investment and Aerospace Growth
Defense priorities and sustainment demands continue to shape aerospace manufacturing, MRO and innovation. Hear how military installations, industry leaders, and economic development partners are supporting long-term aerospace growth.

Panelists:

• Steve Gray, Tinker Air Force Base AFSC
• Tim Frisby, Critical Componets
• Northrop Grumman

EXHIBITORS, SPONSORSHIPS & TABLES:

Interested in sponsoring or reserving an exhibitor booth space? Contact Phinina Corey at [email protected] for booth opportunities and sponsorship information.

Tables include registration for the whole day for 8 attendees and a reserved table at the Keynote Luncheon. To purchase a table after the Sept. 8 deadline, contact Phinina Corey at [email protected] for availablity.

STUDENT & EDUCATOR DISCOUNT:

Students and school faculty interested in attending or bringing a group of students should email Phinina Corey at [email protected] for a discount code.

STEERING COMMITTEE:

Thank you to the Oklahoma Aerospace Forum Steering Committee members who ensure our event is of value to aerospace companies across the region!

• Leshia Pearson - Oklahoma Department of Commerce / Oklahoma Aerospace Commerce Economic Services (ACES)
• Keith Rash - Consolidated Turbine Specialists
• Tim Frisby - Critical Components Aerospace
• Justin Cockroft - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• Douglas Rodzon - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• James Peake - Frontier Electronic Systems
• Tom Okeefe - INTRUST Bank
• Brenda Jones-Barwick - Jones Strategies
• Colin Oetken - L3Harris
• Greg "Sven" Smith - M1 Composites
• Chris Van Denhende - Mint Turbines
• Janelle Stafford - Moog
• Mandy Monahan - NORDAM
• Allyson Carson - OK Defense Industry Association(ODIA)
• Grayson Ardies - OK Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA)
• Craig Smith - OK Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA)
• Eddie Compton - Oklahoma CareerTech
• Rob Clouse - OSU Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education (OSU OAIRE)
• Clay Pearce - Spirit AeroSystems
• Daniel Regan - Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust
• Chase Beasley - Tulsa Innovation Labs
• David Hanisch - Tinker Air Force Base

Join our LinkedIn Group - The Oklahoma Aerospace Forum https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9082263/

Refund Policy

The $13.11 processing fee charged at checkout is non-refundable. Refunds are unavailable after Wednesday, Sept. 30.