Midwest Aerospace Conference – MAC2026

The Rockford Area Aerospace Network (RAAN), in partnership with the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce, proudly presents MAC2026 — bigger, bolder, and now a two-day event.

This year, we’re expanding from a single-day conference into a full two-day experience built to deliver deeper insight, broader access, and more value for suppliers across the Midwest aerospace and defense industry. Join us October 14–15 for exclusive facility tours, high-level industry programming, and unmatched networking opportunities.

What’s New in 2026

• Two Full Days — More sessions, more access, more time to connect.
• Exclusive Facility Tours — Get an inside look at two industry-leading operations: Collins Aerospace and Woodward. These behind-the-scenes tours are a rare chance to see top-tier aerospace manufacturing up close.
• Expanded Speaker Lineup — Hear directly from leaders at Boeing Commercial Aircraft, Fairbanks Morse Defense, Oshkosh Defense, and more.
• More Networking, More Often — From a dinner networking event on Day 1 to a full day of panels, breaks, and exhibitor access on Day 2.

Focused Programming

From keynote presentations to panel discussions, MAC2026 delivers practical strategies you can put to work immediately to drive performance and profitability. This year’s lineup includes:

• Keynote: Fairbanks Morse Defense — Markets, Products & Strategies, with George Whittier
• Featured Presentation: Doing Business with Boeing Commercial Aircraft, with Janene Collins, SVP Supply Chain
• Oshkosh Defense Profile, with Ryan O’Quinn
• Panel: Opportunities in the Naval Shipbuilding Market
• Panel: M&A Insights, featuring leaders from Fairbanks Morse Defense, Vision One, and Rexnord
• Panel: Cost-Effective Approaches to CMMC
• Advanced Robotics, with Craig Zoberis, Fusion OEM
• Enhanced KPI Improvement Utilizing AI, with Mike Bigda, QX Impact

Exclusive Facility Tours
Kick off MAC2026 with guided tours of two of the region’s premier aerospace facilities: Collins Aerospace and Woodward. This is a rare opportunity to see cutting-edge manufacturing and engineering in action — and it’s included as part of the Day 1 experience.

Exclusive Matchmaking Sessions
Back again by popular demand: moderated, one-on-one matchmaking meetings that give manufacturers direct access to key supply chain stakeholders. A three-hour dedicated matchmaking block on Day 1 makes this one of the most valuable ways to build new supplier relationships face-to-face.

Matchmaking sessions are available to manufacturers only.

Exhibit Hall
Showcase your products and services — or explore innovations from others in the field. The exhibit hall is open across both days, giving you extended visibility and more opportunities to connect with attendees. Exhibit space is limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

To learn more, click here.