American Aerospace & Defense Summit 2026 in Glendale, AZ

The American Aerospace & Defense Summit (AAD) is a premier executive-level conference that gathers senior decision-makers from the aerospace and defense industry alongside leading solution providers. Over two days in Glendale, Arizona, attendees explore how to accelerate aerospace manufacturing, harden supply chain resilience, drive cost efficiency and elevate quality across A&D systems. The 2026 edition — the 12th annual — features 50+ speakers and 60+ sponsors, with keynotes, workshops, industry panels, fireside chats and curated 1-to-1 meetings. Agenda themes span supply chain & logistics, quality assurance, manufacturing & operations, and AI & emerging technology, including additive manufacturing, digital twins, cyber-hardened avionics and predictive design. Attendance is invitation-only and vetted for seniority, company size and purchasing power, keeping the audience to roughly 200 qualified aerospace & defense executives. Networking runs through drink receptions, breakfast sessions, lunch & learn roundtables and pre-scheduled 1-2-1 meetings. The summit takes place at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Conference Center, minutes from State Farm Stadium and Westgate Entertainment District. Attendees traveling in typically book rooms at the venue or nearby Glendale/Phoenix properties, and the organizer offers a special room block rate.