Frequently Asked Questions

AeroDef Manufacturing is the most comprehensive event focused on advancing the U.S. aerospace and defense industries through exhibits, networking and education. The one-of-a-kind gathering is designed to boost the U.S. manufacturing supply chain, foster resilience, and strengthen national security. 

The event is an unprecedented opportunity to connect with the people and technologies transforming business and manufacturing in air, sea, land, and space while experiencing world-class education and unrivaled networking opportunities.

AeroDef brings together top government and industry leaders focused on unique materials and manufacturing technologies. In 2025, it will expand from aerospace to include innovations across air, sea, land, and space. Attendees include key leadership from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Space divisions, as well as companies supplying next-generation aerospace and defense systems and equipment.

The three-day AeroDef event showcases advanced technology exhibits and features insightful educational sessions led by manufacturing, aerospace, and defense experts.

The information and insights shared at AeroDef include the following:

• The Deck
• The Conference
• Knowledge Bar

AeroDef will be co-located with three other leading manufacturing events:

• RAPID + TCT
• The World Congress Experience (WCX)
• America Makes’ Spring Technical Review and Exchange (TRX)

Detroit is the birthplace of advanced manufacturing and an engine of mobility innovation. “Motor City” is more than just a moniker. It’s a living, breathing testament to American manufacturing. As the epicenter of industrial innovation for over a century, Detroit offers an unparalleled stage to host the most comprehensive U.S. gathering of manufacturing for air, sea, land and space. Learn more here.

Get a FREE Expo Pass with promo code AD25FREEEXPO

Save 25% on conference registration when you register by February 24.

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Discounts

Current SME Members, Government, and Academia: Receive a free Expo Pass, 30% off Conference Passes, and permanent Early Bird Pricing. Non-members adding a membership to their registration will receive 30% off Conference Passes. Students: Receive a free Expo Pass and 80% off Conference Passes. Once you have registered, please email a photo of your VALID relevant ID to AeroDef@Xpressreg.Net. On-site Conference Passes prices increase by 25%.

You can register to attend AeroDef by clicking here. 

Get a FREE Expo Pass with promo code AD25FREEEXPO

Save 25% on conference registration when you register by February 24, 2025

AeroDef has always aimed to foster innovation and collaboration, guided by leading OEMs and government agencies. This strategic partnership enhances the sustainability and advancement of the aerospace and defense sectors.

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AeroDef Manufacturing® is an aerospace manufacturing and defense manufacturing conference and trade show for the aerospace and defense manufacturing industry. Produced by SME, in partnership with industry OEMs, our mission is to foster innovation across the extended enterprise to reduce costs, expedite production times and maintain manufacturing competitiveness in the global economy. AeroDef showcases the industry’s most advanced technologies across an innovative floor plan to facilitate interaction and business relationships between exhibitors and buyers looking for integrated solutions.

Since 2011, AeroDef has aimed to foster innovation in the aerospace and defense sector, reducing costs and speeding up production. Established with input from leading OEMs and government agencies, AeroDef addresses supplier needs and develops the workforce.

The advisory committee of executives from these organizations focuses on sustainability in manufacturing and guides AeroDef's strategic and technical initiatives. Some members also contribute to technical programming with SMEs.

AeroDef has traditionally taken place in the spring and in Long Beach, CA, and it has alternated between Long Beach Dallas and Fort Worth, TX, areas with strong aerospace and defense airframe assembly manufacturing.  Impacting the more significant supply chain has always been a goal for AeroDef. The large concentration of aerospace and defense suppliers in the Midwest provides an opportunity to engage them alongside the leading additive manufacturing event in North America – RAPID+. 

The aerospace and defense industry has always been at the forefront of additive manufacturing adoption and leveraging its potential and benefits to programs, whether low-volume high-mix uses or high-volume low-mix applications. The large concentration of A&D suppliers within two hundred miles of Detroit including Michigan, Northern Ohio and Northeast Indiana is one of the strongest in the country. 

AeroDef and SMEs work with OEMs to enhance the industrial base by supporting U.S. competitiveness. Near Detroit, three Manufacturing USA Institutes—America Makes, LIFT, and IACMII—help startups accelerate technology development and support suppliers through research and production.