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MAC2026: Midwest Aerospace Conference

October 14, 2026 8:00 AM - October 15, 2026 5:00 PM (CDT)

Description

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.

Registration

Registration Deadline: October 2 at Noon Day-of registration will not be available.

Hotel Block for the conference can be found here.

NEW in 2026: Join & Go!

Come for the event, join for the year. MAC2026 attendees have the opportunity to join the Rockford Area Aerospace Network (RAAN) at 50% off their first year.

RAAN members receive:

  • Direct access to a network of 500+ certified suppliers across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin
  • Visibility among regional OEMs and Tier 1 buyers
  • Access to supplier development programs and showcases
  • Technical assistance and AS9100/9110 readiness resources
  • And so much more

RAAN Membership — Annual Investment (Join & Go promotional pricing for new members only)

Membership Level
Standard Price
Join & Go Price
Individual
$250
$125
0–50 FTE Employees
$750
$375
51–300 FTE Employees
$1,250
$625
301–500 FTE Employees
$2,000
$1,000
500+ FTE Employees
$3,000
$1,500
Educational Institutions
$500
$250
Industry Associates
$1,000
$500

You'll have the option to add a RAAN membership when you register — just select the level that best fits you or your organization. Membership details will be confirmed following registration. RAAN memberships renew annually until cancelled. Please note: a price increase is planned for 2027; memberships will renew and be billed at the adjusted rate.

For more information, contact Everett Butzine, Vice President of Business Expansion & Attraction.

Schedule of Events

Day 1 – October 14

TimeEvent
8:30 AMExhibitor Arrival & Setup (must be fully set up by 10:00 AM to participate in tours)
9:30–9:45 AMWelcome Address + Greeting to conference attendees and tour participants
9:45–10:00 AMLoad Buses for Tours
10:00–10:30 AMTravel to Collins Aerospace
10:30 AM–12:00 PMCollins Aerospace Tour
12:00–12:30 PMTravel to Woodward
12:30 PMArrival at Woodward
12:30–1:00 PMLunch (Boxed) + RAAN Overview (Note: Participants must attend both tours)
1:00–2:30 PMWoodward Tour
2:30–3:30 PMReturn to Embassy Suites + Break
3:30–6:30 PMMatchmaking Sessions (River Room) & Exhibits Open + Open Networking (Main Room)
6:30–8:00 PMNetworking & Dinner Event

Day 2 – October 15

TimeEvent
7:30–8:30 AMCoffee, Networking & Exhibitors Open
8:30–8:40 AMWelcome — Angela Kay Larson, GRCC
8:40-8:50 AMOpening Comments/ Agenda Review - David Forward, Woodward
8:50–9:20 AMAerospace Market Trends — Sam Guagenti, Woodward
9:20–9:50 AMKeynote: Fairbanks Morse Defense — Markets, Products & Strategies — George Whittier
9:50–10:20 AMFeatured Presentation: Doing Business with Boeing Commercial Aircraft — Janene Collins, SVP Supply Chain, Boeing Commercial Aircraft
10:20–10:40 AMBreak / Networking
10:40–11:10 AMOshkosh Defense Profile — Ryan O'Quinn
11:10–11:50 AMPanel: Opportunities in the Naval Shipbuilding Market — Moderator: Dean Harms, IMEC
11:50 AM–12:30 PMPanel: M&A Insights — Panelists: George Whittier (Fairbanks Morse Defense), Steve Martinez (Vision One), John Meyer (Rexnord); Moderator: Angela Kay Larson, GRCC
12:30–2:00 PMLunch & Networking with Exhibitors
2:00–2:30 PMPositioning Your Business for Growth — Dean Svarc, DS Consulting
2:30–3:10 PMPanel: Cost-Effective Approach to CMMC — Nate Millsap (Fincantieri Marinette Marine), Paul Wild (Ingenium Technologies), Jerome Miastkowski (Aeroplicity); Moderator: Megan McKinney, CyberNINES
3:10–3:30 PMAfternoon Break / Networking
3:30–4:10 PMAdvanced Robotics — Craig Zoberis, Fusion OEM
4:10–4:50 PMEnhanced KPI Improvement Utilizing AI — Mike Bigda, QX Impact
4:50–5:00 PMClosing Remarks — David Forward, Woodward

Pricing

Day 1 & 2 Individual Registration: $350 

Day 2 Individual Registration: $225 

Exhibitor Registration (includes one- 2 day MAC2026 Conference ticket): $1,000

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Contact Information

Name: Carmen Kellerman
Email: ckellerman@rockfordchamber.com
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