Trade shows and conferences can be very controversial as some companies doesn’t see the return on investment that they can represent. In the Aerospace & Defense industry, theses events are the main Go To Market solution for most of the companies. We are working in an industry that has highly confidential information and it is necessary in most of the case to establish a face to face buyer- seller relationship. Trade shows and conference allow as well to connect with our peers and continue developing specific expertise.
So which Trade Show it is best to attend depending on your type of business and expertise? There are dozens of trade shows worldwide to choose worldwide, which ones are worth visiting?
Fortunately for you, all the information you need on the aerospace and defense trade shows can be found here.
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Aerospace & Defense Market Key Figures
From 2018 to 2019, the aerospace and defense industry has seen considerable growth so far and is predicted to maintain its performance into 2020.
38,000 passenger and freighter aircrafts are to be produced globally in the next 20 years to reach a totale number of 48,000 aircrafts in 2038 according to Airbus. As a result of the increase in aircraft production, there is now a backlog of around 14,000 aircraft in the global market.
Most of this growth is supported by the emergence of the the Asia Pacific market, the consilidation in the North American and European markets.
Some of the reasons of this growth result from an overall increased of passenger travel, transport and also military expenditures around the world.
As a result, the strong economic performance in the aerospace and defense market is largely from positive trends in aircraft production for commercial use and also from increases in defense spending.
As of right now, geopolitical tensions are one of the major reasons for an increase in military spendings. We can easily list few of them such as
- The increased conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
- Trade War between the US and China has gotten worse over the previous few years.
- The conflicts in the South China Sea.
- Disputes between Japan and China over the Senkaku Islands. Resulting to have Japan reinterpreted its constitution to give more powers to its Self-Defense Force.
- Risk of conflict on the Korean Peninsula
- Tensions between India and Pakistan.
- …
These are just a few of the examples of the geopolitical tensions that exist today that justify currently Defense spending globally.
Why Going to an Aerospace & Defense TradeShow
As illustrated in the beginning of this article, going to an aerospace & Defense Trade show or conference is generally the best thing to do if you want to develop your activity.
Connecting with customers
Either if it new or existing ones, theses events are the best place to get business done in a short period of time. It is often really exhausting but it is worse it.
Connecting with your Peers
On top of the knowledge you can obtain from these events, you can also establish real connections with professional individuals within the aerospace and defense industry.
Keeping an eye on your competitors
All the industry players are generally attending the trade shows probably including your competitors. It is generally very interesting to have a look at their product innovation, marketing and strategy.
Learn about technical innovation
There is a lot you can learn in a traditional trade show as all the companies present their innovation and send in some case their product managers or engineering directors.
Learn about the market trend
Few conferences are generally organized where you can learn for key experts and analysts on markets forecasts.
Witness the advancement in our industry
It was on December 17, 1903 when the first plane took off, a little over a hundred years ago – not too long ago. So much have been achieved as we have now planes flying daily for commercial and military use. So let’s not forget that one of the benefits of going to an aerospace and defense Trade show is to appreciate the incredible advancements we have made as humans in aerospace and defense technology.
The follow ing list is what we believe to be the best 30 aerospace and defense shows that we recommend you to attend.
Getting assistance from Industry experts:
Connecting with Aerospace & Defense industry experts is one of the alternative solution in order to ask the different question that you have and to seek the advices that you need. Feel free to have a look at the services providers that we listed for you in the following categories:
Top 30 Aerospace & Defense Shows to Attend in 2020
We listed worldwide Aerospace & Defense events here.
1- Paris Airshow / Farnborough International
Paris Airshow and Farnborough international air show are the two main trade show to attend if you do business in the Aerospace and Defense. Theses two shows generally happen in June and the location just rotate between London and Paris each years. This show just have all the main players of the industries and you can witness each year the battle of contracts announcement between Airbus and Boeing.
2- Singapore Air show
This event will be held from February 11 to February 16, 2020 at the Changi Exhibition Centre in Singapore.
Singapore Airshow is probably the best air shows in Asia with an international exhibition. It is the best event to go when doing business or if you want to expend in Asia Pacific.
3- NBAA
The National Business Aviation Association trade-show is held in every year in Las Vegas or Orlando. It is the largest Business Aviation trade show worldwide and I the place to be if you want to do business in this market or if you wish to purchase a business jet.
4- ILA Berlin Air Show
This event will be held in Schönefeld, Germany in 2020. This Air Show is getting very popular and is one of the one of the best aerospace events to attend in Europe. This event is a great place to start developing your connection if you intend to do business in Germany/ Europe.
5- Japan Aerospace
This event will be held in a place called Tokyo Big Sight in Tokyo, Japan in November 2020. There will be an international exhibition of aircrafts and aerospace systems.
While it is not the biggest event in Asia, this event is a must to attend if you are willing to start or grow your business in Japan.
6- MRO Middle East
This event will be held in Dubai at the Dubai World Trade Center from February 25 to February 26, 2020.
As mentioned in the name, this event focus heavily on the Aerospace & Defense Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul market. It is one of the biggest event that happen in the Middle East.
So if you want to establish crucial business connections within the aerospace and defense industry, this is the event to visit.
7- Aircrafts Interiors Expo
This event is held in Hamburg, Germany in a place called Messe Hamburg.
Aircraft Interior focus mainly on passenger aircraft cabin segment of the Commercial Aerospace market. You will find all the main player in the space including Seats, Galleys, Entertainment, Lavatory,… A must to go for doing business in this space in Europe.
8- MRO Latin America
Taking place Colombia, MRO Latin America is by far one of the best aerospace and defense shows to visit in South America. From January 22 to January 23, 2020, this show is for professional visitors only and is located in Cartagena, Colombia. As indicated by its name, this event focus on the MRO market but you will find all the main OEM and TIER 1. Highly recommended for professional individuals that want to make connections in Latin America and Colombia.
9- Aircrafts Interior Expo
This event will be held in Los Angeles, California at the Los Angeles Convention Center in September 2020.
Sister’s event of the Hambourg Aircraft Interior Expo, Aircraft Interior Los Angeles will focus on the same market segment but targeting North American players.
10- Aeromart Toulouse
This event is held for only professional visitors in Toulouse, France at a place called Parc des Expositions. The dates for this event are December 2 to December 3, 2020 near the end of the year.
Home town of Airbus, Aeromart exhibition is particularly interesting for professional that intend to connect with Airbus ecosystem in Toulouse.
Abu Dhabi Heli Expo
This event will be held in Abu Dhabi in February 2020 at the Al Bateen Executive Airport, that is located in the downtown area. Specific dates for the event to be revealed at a later point.
HeliExpo is a series of Trade Show focusing on the Helicopter market with its different variants (VIP, Law enforcement, Defense, Oil&Gas,..)
Auvsi’s Exponential 2020
This event will be held from May 4 to May 7, 2020 in Boston, MA at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
Exponential focus on unmanned vehicles and technologies for air, sea and land applications. Therefore, you will find plenty of information on autonomous systems and components, robotics, drones, Urban Air Taxi,… It is a pretty interesting event for those interested in learning about some of this upcoming and latest technologies in the UAV space.
FIDAE 2020
FIDAE is a great air show located in Santiago, Chile at an airport called Aeropuerto Internacional Arturo Merino Benitez. The event will take place from March 31 to April 5, 2020. This event is a large AirShow for any professional individual that wants to make connections in Latin America.
Satellite 2020
This event will be located in Washington, D.C., at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The dates for this event are in May 2020 but exact days have not yet been confirmed. This is a great event for those interested in conferences and expositions targeting mainly the Space Industry.
MRO Russia & CIS
This event will be held at the World Trade Center in Moscow, Russia from March 10 to March 11, 2020. Similar to the other MRO events listed here, this will be one of the best events to attend in Russia.
They will have numerous security experts and airline managers to learn from at their trade fair and conference at this event. Therefore, if you wish to establish business connections and learn from experts in Russia, then this event is crucial to attend in 2020 and will give you the best knowledge and connections in Russia for this year.
Passenger Terminal Expo
This event will be held from March 31 to April 2, 2020 in Paris at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.
Great international trade fairs with a conference and exhibition. This event focus on passenger terminal design, security, management and technology. Various different type of professional has to be expected such as CEOs, airport executives, engineers and more at this event.
Inter Airport China
This event will be held in Beijing, China at the China International Exhibition Center (CIEC) in September 2020.
While here, you will enjoy an international trade fair that focuses on airport management, security and connectivity.
This event is great fro professional that are looking to get connection and to do business with the fastest growing economy in the world.
Canadian Aviation Association Convention 2020
This event will be located in Calgary, Canada and is from June 23 to June 25, 2020. There will be a trade show and a static display along with an aircraft convention. This event is organized by the Canadian Aviation Association, one of the main organizations in the Canadian aerospace industry. This event will be specially useful for those that need to connect with Canadian aviation business community.
ATX Montreal 2020
This event will be held in Montreal at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal from November 4 to November 5, 2020. This event focus mainly on Automation and you can expect conference and exhibition with suppliers from the aerospace and defense Industry.
Feiplar Composites & Feiplar 2020
This event focus on Aerospace & Defense composites technologies and will be held in São Paulo, Brazil at the Expo Center Norte in November 2020.
Here there will be an international exhibition and conference focusing on structural materials used in the aerospace industry, including engineered plastics, polyurethane and composites. So if you are looking to establish business connections within that segment of the market in South America, you should check out this event.
Air Expo
This event will be held in Zel am See, Austria at a place called Flugplatz. The event will be held sometime in September 2020 with dates to be released at a later time.
You should visit this event because it is the largest aviation trade fair in Austria and one of the better ones to visit in Europe in general. Given that it only takes place every two years, make sure to visit it in 2020 as it will be a long wait before another one happens. There will be lecturers on aviation safety so check it out.
And given that it is the largest trade fair in Austria, this place is the event to attend if you want to establish real connections with professional individuals in the Austrian aerospace industry. There is no other event that compares to this one for learning about the aerospace industry in Austria and establishing connections there.
World Aviation Festival
This event is one of the best aviation events to attend in England. It will be held in London at the Business Design Center in September 2020. There will be an aviation business and technology show for professional visitors only.
At this exhibition and conference, you will find some of the best airlines, travel and airport technology companies represented here in England. Therefore, for those interested in learning about the aerospace industry in England and establishing connections with British professionals, you should attend this event. This is likely to be even more important now than ever before because England is scheduled to leave the European Union and you will want to learn from professionals here on how that will impact the aerospace industry in England.
Aerospace Meetings Brazil 2020
This is an international business convention held in São José dos Campos, Brazil during June 2020 with specific dates to be specified later.
This matchmaking event will discuss topics related to aeronautics and subcontracting, suppliers and partners for those interested in the aerospace industry in Brazil.
Out of all of the events for Brazil in this list, this is by far the best event to attend. All of the best leaders within the Brazilian aerospace and defense industry will be here as it is a business convention. For those looking to learn and do business in Brazil within their aerospace industry, this event is recommended.
Fastener Fair Mexico 2020
This event will be held somewhere in Mexico with a specific place to be specified later (though previous events were held in Mexico City). The event will be held in June 2020 with specific dates to be specified at a later point.
This is an international exhibition that will have plenty of information regarding fixing and fastener technology. Being one of the best events to attend in Mexico for aerospace, this event is recommended for those looking to learn about the aerospace industry in Mexico and establish connections with professionals in this country.
Labace 2020
This is another event held in São Paulo, Brazil and will be held sometime in August 2020 with specific dates to be confirmed later.
This is one of the best events to attend for anyone in the public that is interested in Latin American business aviation as there will be a conference and exhibition on this held here. There will be plenty to learn in this event when it comes to the latest trends in the aerospace industry in Brazil.
Coburg Airshow
This is a simple but exciting airshow that will be held in Coburg, Germany and is available to anyone in the public.
The dates for this event are still unknown so keep an eye out for dates on this one since it will be worth the visit! It is mostly for entertainment since it is an air show but you can surely learn a bit about the aerospace industry and the aircraft available in Germany by attending.
AIAA Aviation and Aeronautics Forum 2020
This event is one of the best in the US and will be held from June 5 to June 19, 2020. Given how it is much longer than most events, there will be plenty to learn and enjoy while coming here.
So where should you go? Reno, Nevada.
Once there in June 2020, you will enjoy some of the best networking available for Boeing industry, air traffic control support, latest aircraft design and more. This event is more ideal for those interested in establishing connections and learning from professionals associated with Boeing.
West Grand Traverse Bay Air Show 2020
This event will be held in Traverse City, Michigan in the US and will be held sometime in June 2020 with specific dates for this event to be specified at a later point.
This is an acrobatic air show near Lake Michigan with a wide variety of aircraft to be shown, including vintage aircraft, RV aircraft, warbirds and more. So don’t miss it!
Similar to just a few of the other events on this list, this event is more ideal for beginners looking to learn about some aspects of the aerospace industry in the US but also enjoy a good show.
Low Cost Airlines World Americas
This will be held in Miami, Florida in the US from May 12 to May 13, 2020 at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel.
This event is a congress for people to attend and learn regarding low cost airlines and commercial aircraft in the tourism industry. So if you are interested in learning more about low cost airlines and commercial aircraft in the US, this is the event to attend in 2020.
Boeing Seafair Air Show 2020
This event will be held in Seattle, Washington at the Genesee Park sometime in August 2020 with dates later to be specified.
This event will hold some of the most impressive air shows in the US and will allow you to learn well about the aerospace industry and Boeing. So make sure not to miss it!
Thunder Over Cedar Creek Lake Air Show 2020
This event will be held in Corsicana, Texas at the Cedar Creek Lake during sometime in July 2020 with specific dates to be later confirmed.
This will be one of the best air shows in the US in 2020 with a wide variety of aircraft to be shown. These aircraft include vintage aircraft, RV aircraft, warbirds, firefighter planes and much more.
Given the wide variety of aircraft presented in this conference, you will have plenty to learn from about the aerospace industry and the different aircraft that exists.
Final Thoughts
Keep in mind that these are just some of the numerous amazing events on aerospace and defense in 2020. However, based on our intensive research, these are some of the best aerospace and defense shows being hosted in 2020.
So make sure to check them out!
And if you have any questions or concerns, let us know in the comment section. Thank you for reading!
Finding a job at an Aerospace Company
No matter if you are looking for an engineering, technician or executive position at an Aerospace or Defense company, we recommend you the following steps:
- To search for the preselected Company’s website and to look for any contact information available in order to send an application. Human ressources contact information are best but they are sometime not available online. You should realize this step to a small number of selected companies.
- Another good practice would be to use LinkedIn contact search feature in order to find the right contact within the targeted businesses. To do so, preselect the location filter, enter the name of the targeted company and look for any contacts with the same position that you target or from the human ressources department.
- To ask for more information/ help to the contacts that you found in the selected companies. It is always easier to get an answer when you ask for some advises. Try to connect with the targeted contact and to potentially organise a quick phone call in order to ask your questions about the work environment, the position,.. before applying. Your new connections would increase your chances of success with your application.
- Apply to the available position potentially referring to your new connection and referencing the information learned during your previous conversations.
AerospaceExport Job Application Service
AerospaceExport Job Application Service is an easy way to send your application to hundreds selected companies (including Boeing, Safran, Airbus, GKN, …) in one simple process.
DOING BUSINESS WITH an Aerospace company?
Willing to do business with an Aerospace company and you don’t know how to start? Looking for a person with extensive knowledge in the Aerospace & Defense market or in a specific company?
Aerospace Export regroups experts from all location with all type of skills (sales rep, M&A consultant, lawyers, government officials,..). We specialized in supporting the organic and external growth of Aerospace & Defense companies. If you feel that we could be helpful in your projects, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We will assist, advise and connect you with our network for FREE.
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