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MAC2026: Midwest Aerospace Conference

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

Description

The Rockford Area Aerospace Network (RAAN), in partnership with the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce, proudly presents:

MAC2026 – Midwest Aerospace Conference

Get ready for a dynamic, full-day conference packed with industry insights, expert-led sessions, and valuable networking opportunities.

Focused Programming
From keynote presentations to panel discussions, the content is designed to deliver practical strategies you can implement immediately to drive performance and profitability.

Back Again – Exclusive Matchmaking Sessions
Meet one-on-one with top industry players. These moderated meetings are a rare opportunity to introduce your capabilities directly to key supply chain stakeholders.
Note: Matchmaking sessions are available to manufacturers only. 

Exhibit Hall
Showcase your products and services—or explore innovations from others in the field. This is also a great opportunity to connect and collaborate with peers. Exhibit space is limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

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

NEW in 2026: Join & Go!

Come for the day, join for the year. MAC2026 attendees have an opportunity to join the Rockford Area Aerospace Network (RAAN) at a 50% discount for the first year. RAAN members receive direct access to a network of more than 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.

When registering, you will have the opportunity to add a RAAN membership to your registration. Please select the level that best corresponds to you and/or your organization.

RAAN Membership Annual Investment
*Promotion for new RAAN members only

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

RAAN membership details will be confirmed following registration. RAAN memberships renew annually until cancelled. Please note: There is planned price increase in 2027 and membership will renew and be billed at the adjusted rate at. For more information, contact Everett Butzine, Vice President of Business Expansion & Attraction.

Schedule of Events 

Day 1 – October 14 

8:30 AM Exhibitor Arrival & Setup 
(Must be fully set up by 10:00 AM in order to participate in tours.) 

9:30–9:45 AM Welcome Address + Greeting to conference attendees and tour participants. 

9:45–10:00 AM Load Buses for Tours 

10:00–10:30 AM Travel to Collins Aerospace

10:30 AM–12:00 PM Collins Aerospace Tour

12:00–12:30 PM Travel to Woodward

12:30 PM Arrival at Woodward

12:30–1:00 PM Lunch (Boxed) + RAAN Overview  
NOTE: Participants must attend both tours. 

1:00–2:30 PM Woodward

2:30–3:30 PM Return to Embassy Suites + Break 

3:30–6:30 PM Matchmaking Sessions 

Three-hour matchmaking block to maximize participation. 
Exhibits open in the main room; matchmaking in the upstairs River Room. 

3:30–6:30 PM Exhibits Open + Open Networking 

6:30–8:00 PM Networking & Dinner Event

Day 2 — October 15 

7:30–8:30 a.m. Coffee, Networking & Exhibitors Open 

8:30–8:40 a.m. Welcome | David Forward, Woodward

8:40–9:10 a.m. Aerospace Market Trends | Sam Guagenti, Woodward

9:10–9:40 a.m Keynote Address: Fairbanks Morse Defense- Markets, Products & Strategies | George Whittier, Fairbanks Morse Defense

9:40–10:10 a.m. Featured Presentation: Doing Business with Boeing Commercial Aircraft | Janene Collins, Senior Vice President Supply Chain, Boeing Commercial Aircraft 

10:10–10:30 a.m. Break/ Networking

10:30–11:00 a.m. Oshkosh Defense Profile | Ryan O'Quinn, OshKosh Defense
11:00–11:40 a.m. Panel Discussion: Opportunities in the Naval Shipbuilding Market | Moderator, Dean Harms, IMEC

11:40 a.m.–12:20 p.m. Panel Discussion: M&A Insights | George Whittier, Fairbanks Morse Defense; Steve Martinez, Vision One; John Meyer, Rexnord

12:20–1:50 p.m.  Lunch & Networking with Exhibitors

1:50 –2:20 p.m. Positioning Your Business for Growth | Dean Svarc, DS Consulting

2:20–3:00 p.m. Panel Discussion: Cost Effective Approach to CMMC | Nate Millsap, Fincantieri Marinette Marine; Moderator, Megan McKinney, CyberNINES

3:00–3:20 p.m. Afternoon Break / Networking 

3:20–4:00 p.m. Advanced Robotics | Craig Zoberis, Fusion OEM 

4:00–4:40 p.m.  Enhanced KPI Improvement Utilizing AI | Mike Bigda, QX Impact 

4:40–5:00 p.m. Closing 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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