Conference highlighting the bi-state area’s aerospace advantages and opportunities for industry growth takes place August 13-14
[Edwardsville, IL/July 31, 2025] The St. Louis region will welcome the first-ever Global Aerospace Summit August 13-14 for a two-day experience focused on elevating aerospace innovation, collaboration and growth across the bi-state area and beyond. Hosted by the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois in conjunction with Madison County and St. Clair County, Illinois, and Bi-State Development’s St. Louis Regional Freightway, the inaugural event will take place at the Regency Conference Center in O’Fallon, Ill.
The conference will feature in-person panel discussions with industry leaders, a career fair, regional aerospace facility tours, networking opportunities and a matchmaking session to pair potential suppliers with aerospace manufacturers. Attendees can register at https://leadershipcouncilswil.com/gas2025/ to secure their spot at this highly anticipated event.
“This premier event in the aviation industry aims to promote and expand the robust aerospace industry calling the greater St. Louis marketplace home, bringing together government leaders and industry experts from across the world,” said Kyle Anderson, Executive Director & CEO of the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois. “Leading voices in the industry will discuss the latest developments, trends, challenges, and opportunities in aerospace and aviation, highlighting everything from how to navigate government contracts to the industry’s charge towards a more sustainable future.”
Things kick off on August 13 with opportunities for attendees to participate in tours of regional aerospace operations to get an inside look at the world-class facilities fueled by one of the best-trained workforces in America. All the panel discussions will be held on Thursday, August 14, with the lineup including the following:
Bridging Education & Industry: Innovative Aerospace & Avionics Training Initiatives. Representatives from Belleville Township High School, Southwestern Illinois College, West Star Aviation and St. Louis Community College will discuss expanding job opportunities in the aerospace industry and how their individual programs and collaborations are helping students to access them.
Ag Sector Innovations: Powering Sustainable Solutions in the Aviation Industry. Leaders from the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center and St. Louis-based CoverCress will delve into the home-grown innovations that are providing alternatives for farmers while helping to advance the development of the bioeconomy, especially regarding biochemicals and sustainable aviation fuel.
Navigating the Future of Aerospace: Insights from Industry Leaders. Representatives from Boeing, Gulfstream and West Star Aviation will highlight their growing operations in the bi-state region, targeted recruitment efforts to support the continuing growth, and the evolving aerospace landscape.
Shaping the Future: Acclaimed Workforce Development Efforts. Innovative recruitment efforts connecting talent to opportunity in the aerospace and manufacturing sector will be showcased by representatives from the Illinois Manufacturers Association, Madison County, The Workforce Connection and Transfr.
Driving Innovation: Public-Private Partnerships Supporting the Aerospace Industry. Insight will be provided by representatives from Bi-State Development, Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) regarding the vital role of public-private partnerships, contributors to their long-term success and the benefits of engaging.
Government Contracting: Opportunities and Tips for Success. Industry leaders from Scott Air Force Base, the Office of Small Business Program, Naval Air Systems Command and the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois will highlight what government agencies are looking for, where to find contracting opportunities and industry best and worst practices.
The IMEC Supplier Matchmaking Program, which will also take place on August 14, is an enticing draw for the Summit. This targeted, one-on-one networking opportunity is designed exclusively for the manufacturing sector. Participating Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) submit real-time sourcing needs in advance, and IMEC curates personalized meeting schedules to connect them with qualified manufacturers and suppliers whose capabilities align.
A Career Fair in partnership with Scott Air Force Base Military & Family Readiness Center will also be held as part of the summit on August 14.
“The St. Louis region is home to a robust aerospace and defense manufacturing ecosystem and nationally recognized public-private partnerships,” said Mary Lamie, Executive Vice President of Multimodal Enterprises for Bi-State Development. “Beyond highlighting the region’s strengths, this summit will open new doors for aerospace companies, suppliers, educators and workforce leaders who want to be part of the future growth of this vibrant industry sector.”
To register or learn more about the Global Aerospace Summit, visit https://leadershipcouncilswil.com/gas2025/
