2026 Global Aerospace Summit

August 19 & 20, 2026

The Regency in O’Fallon, IL

The 2026 Global Aerospace Summit builds on the strong momentum of its inaugural year, which welcomed more than 230 attendees, over 140 job seekers, along with participation from a Governor, a Congresswoman, and companies representing more than 10 states and Canada — truly making it a global event.

This year’s Summit promises to be even bigger and more impactful, offering a deeper dive into the aerospace industry of today and tomorrow. A variety of panel discussions will bring together industry leaders from Boeing, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., West Star Aviation, Scott Air Force Base, the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Institute and other leading organizations for insightful discussions on topics ranging from alternative fuels and unmanned aerial vehicles to aerospace manufacturing trends & opportunities.

Attendees can once again take advantage of unparalleled networking opportunities — including the chance to experience high-speed laps at World Wide Technology Raceway, the same track used by NASCAR and INDYCAR, reaching speeds of over 120 mph.

The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) will also be hosting its popular Supplier Matchmaking Program on Thursday, August 20. The program, scheduled for 1 pm to 4 pm, facilitates targeted, one-on-one networking opportunities connecting manufacturers from across the bi-state St. Louis region with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) actively seeking new suppliers. Participating 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.

With valuable insights, meaningful connections, and unique experiences — all at an accessible price point — this is an event you won’t want to miss.

We are also once again partnering with the Scott Air Force Base Military & Family Readiness Center to host a career fair on August 19 to coincide with our event.

Extra Information:

If you are coming from outside the area we have a hotel block set up at the adjoining Hampton Inn & Suites in O’Fallon. You can call the Hampton directly at 618-589-9006 to book or use this link: Leadership Council Global Aerospace Summit 

August 19:

• SAFB Career Fair – 10:00am – 2:00pm at Regency Conference Center
• Summit Day 1: 1:00pm – 4:50pm
  • Panels:
    • The Future of Aerospace: Boeing’s MQ-25
    • Connecting Markets & Missions: Kalitta Air’s Global Reach
    • Illinois’ Aviation Economic Impact & Future Advanced Air Mobility
    • The Future of Flight Runs on SAF
• Evening Reception at World Wide Technology Raceway: 5:30pm – 7:30pm

August 20:

• Summit Day 2: 8:30am – 11:40am
  • Panels:
    • Building & Sustaining the Fleet: OEM, MRO, & Defense Perspectives
    • From Compliance to Competitiveness: Navigating Today’s Defense Landscape
    • More to Come!
• Afternoon matchmaking sessions sponsored by IMEC that directly connect aerospace manufacturers with potential buyers
  • Lunch at Noon for those participating in Matchmaking
  • Matchmaking sessions from 1:00pm – 4:00pm
  • Must register by August 10 to participate