PNAA aerospace conference returns in person Feb. 7-10

This February, the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance (PNAA) is working to get suppliers Back to the Skies at its 21st Annual Conference, ADVANCE/2022. The program will feature multiple topics directed at supporting suppliers with knowledge to help them navigate a vastly changing aerospace industry. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), top industry analysts, materials suppliers, and others will present global market outlooks, supply chain updates, workforce best practices, new technologies to support manufacturing, and more.

Nikki Malcom, PNAA’s interim CEO, explains what attendees and sponsors can expect.

Aerospace Manufacturing & Design (AM&D): What’s this year’s theme?

Nikki Malcom (NM): Back to the Skies focuses on supporting the aerospace manufacturing supply chain in navigating the changes we’ve faced and will continue to face in the coming years. We’re seeing advancements in digital manufacturing methods, changes in workforce and workplace culture, consistent merger and acquisition (M&A) activity, new industry segments, and geopolitical variables. Our programs will tackle the tough challenges the industry is facing such as supply chain and workforce shortages.

AM&D: Why attend the conference?

NM: This is a unique time in aerospace as maturation of new technologies is increasing the demand on the supply chain and workforce. For the industry to stay competitive and continue to advance, we must stay current on the changes and market outlooks to understand how others are successfully navigating these changes. Collaboration is going to be key to getting back to the skies, and this conference is an excellent opportunity to come together with your global aerospace colleagues.

AM&D: Who are the presenters?

NM: Back by popular demand, market analysts Dr. Kevin Michaels of AeroDynamic Advisory and Richard Aboulafia of Teal Group will share their insights on where the aerospace market is headed. Throughout three days, we’ll host speakers from Airbus, Tier 1s, and other commercial and defense industries, including materials supply chain, companies who have addressed workforce challenges successfully, and panelists covering M&A, geopolitics, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

AM&D: What’s the best way to attend?

NM: First, register on our website and plan your agenda. You can fly into Sea-Tac Airport, rent a car, or take Uber or Lyft to Lynnwood. Alaska Airlines now offers passenger flights to nearby Paine Field in Everett, Washington. Hotel block and other information is on the website.

PNAA

About the author: Eric Brothers is senior editor of AM&D. He can be reached at 216.393.0228 or ebrothers@gie.net