In the relentless pursuit of innovation, efficiency, and national security, the aerospace and defense industries stand at the pinnacle of advanced manufacturing. Every year, a pivotal event brings together the brightest minds, cutting-edge technologies, and strategic insights that drive these critical sectors forward: AeroDef Manufacturing. This show is not merely an exhibition; it’s a vital forum for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the unveiling of solutions that will shape the future of air, space, and defense production.

While AeroDef Manufacturing has a history of bringing its transformative energy to various advanced manufacturing hubs across the United States, its presence in Long Beach, California, has historically marked it as a key West Coast gathering for the industry. It’s a place where the intricate dance between design, engineering, and manufacturing comes alive, showcasing how advanced production techniques are revolutionizing the way aircraft, spacecraft, and defense systems are built.

Where Precision Meets Progress: The Venue and Its Time

When AeroDef Manufacturing makes its stop in Long Beach, it finds its ideal home at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. Located at 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802, USA, this expansive and versatile facility is perfectly suited for an event that features both high-level technical presentations and demonstrations of intricate manufacturing machinery. Its waterfront location and modern infrastructure provide an excellent environment for attendees to engage and explore.

While AeroDef’s location and dates can shift year-to-year to best serve the dynamic aerospace and defense manufacturing landscape (for instance, the 2025 event is scheduled for Detroit), Long Beach has been a significant host in previous years, such as in November 2023. These events typically run for three intense days, often from a Tuesday or Wednesday through a Thursday or Friday. The exact timing allows for focused discussions and extensive networking without overextending attendees’ schedules. The event usually includes both a robust exhibition floor and a comprehensive conference program running concurrently.

A Spectrum of Sophistication: Product Categories You’ll Explore

AeroDef Manufacturing brings together an incredible array of technologies and solutions, all aimed at enhancing the efficiency, quality, and capabilities of aerospace and defense production. The show floor and conference sessions delve into areas critical for building the next generation of aircraft, missiles, satellites, and defense systems. You can expect to encounter innovations across:

• Advanced Materials & Composites: Discover the latest in lightweight, high-strength materials, including advanced composites, metal alloys (titanium, aluminum, superalloys), ceramics, and smart materials crucial for performance and fuel efficiency. This includes solutions for material characterization, testing, and processing.
• Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing): Witness the rapid advancements in 3D printing for aerospace and defense, from metal and polymer additive manufacturing systems to processes for creating complex, lightweight parts, tooling, and prototypes. Discussions often focus on qualification, certification, and production scalability.
• Automation, Assembly & Robotics: Explore state-of-the-art robotic systems, automated assembly lines, collaborative robots (cobots), and intelligent automation solutions designed to improve precision, speed, and safety in manufacturing processes.
• Precision Machining & Tooling: See the newest in CNC machining centers, precision cutting tools, grinding equipment, and specialized tooling designed for the tight tolerances and complex geometries required in aerospace and defense.
• Digital Manufacturing & Industry 4.0: Dive into the world of smart manufacturing, including the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) for manufacturing optimization, machine learning, big data analytics, digital twin technology, and cybersecurity solutions for secure production.
• Design & Simulation Software: Explore advanced CAD/CAM/CAE software, simulation tools, finite element analysis (FEA), and product lifecycle management (PLM) systems that streamline the design and engineering process.
• Quality, Inspection & Metrology: Discover the latest in non-destructive testing (NDT), coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), vision systems, laser scanning, and other advanced metrology solutions that ensure the highest levels of quality and precision.
• Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) & Production Control: Learn about software and systems that manage and monitor work-in-process on the factory floor, optimizing production flow, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Supply Chain Management & Logistics: Discussions and solutions addressing the unique complexities of the aerospace and defense supply chain, including traceability, risk management, and supplier collaboration.
• Workforce Development & Training: Addressing the critical need for a skilled workforce, sessions and exhibitors often showcase training programs, educational initiatives, and technologies aimed at upskilling the manufacturing labor pool.

The convergence of these categories ensures that attendees gain a holistic view of the integrated manufacturing ecosystem required for the future of aerospace and defense.

The Elite Gathering: Visitor Count and Demographics

AeroDef Manufacturing attracts a highly targeted and influential audience. While not a show with tens of thousands of visitors like some broader manufacturing events, its strength lies in the quality and decision-making power of its attendees. Typical attendance figures are in the thousands, often ranging from 2,500 to 5,000+ highly qualified professionals, making it an intimate yet impactful gathering. Recent reports for AeroDef 2025, co-located with other major events, indicate a total event attendance of over 900, with a significant number of exhibit attendees.

The visitor profile is characterized by:

• Aerospace & Defense OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers): Engineers, production managers, R&D specialists, and supply chain executives from major aircraft, spacecraft, and defense system manufacturers.
• Tier 1, 2 & 3 Suppliers: Companies across the supply chain providing components, sub-assemblies, and specialized services.
• Manufacturing Engineers & Production Managers: Professionals directly involved in optimizing production processes, implementing new technologies, and managing factory operations.
• Design & Product Development Engineers: Experts focused on integrating manufacturability into design and exploring new materials and processes.
• Quality Assurance & Metrology Professionals: Those responsible for ensuring compliance with stringent aerospace and defense standards.
• R&D and Academia: Researchers and academics presenting new findings and collaborating on future technologies.
• Government & Military Personnel: Representatives from defense agencies and military branches seeking advanced manufacturing solutions for national security.
• Business Development & Sales Executives: Professionals looking to forge partnerships and expand market reach within the A&D sector.

A significant percentage of attendees (often over 60%) are involved in purchasing decisions, highlighting the show’s focus on facilitating direct business opportunities.

The Elevating Experience: Benefits and Perks of Attending

Attending AeroDef Manufacturing is an unparalleled opportunity to gain a significant competitive advantage in the highly demanding aerospace and defense industries. Here’s why it’s a must-attend event:

• Exclusive Industry Focus: Unlike broader manufacturing shows, AeroDef is solely dedicated to aerospace and defense. This means every exhibit, every session, and every conversation is directly relevant to your industry’s specific challenges and opportunities.
• Cutting-Edge Technology Access: Be among the first to see, touch, and understand the latest advancements in manufacturing technologies specifically tailored for aerospace and defense applications. Witness live demonstrations that illustrate real-world capabilities.
• Expert-Led Education: The conference program is a goldmine of technical presentations, keynotes, and panel discussions led by industry thought leaders, engineers, and executives. Gain actionable insights on topics ranging from advanced materials to smart manufacturing, quality control, and supply chain resilience.
• Unrivalled Networking: Connect face-to-face with a highly concentrated group of your peers, potential customers, key suppliers, and government officials. These targeted networking opportunities are invaluable for building relationships, finding partners, and sparking collaborations.
• Addressing Critical Industry Challenges: AeroDef focuses on solving real-world problems facing the A&D manufacturing supply chain, including workforce development, cybersecurity, and the integration of new technologies into existing systems.
• Strategic Insights: Understand the future direction of the industry, including evolving defense priorities, commercial aerospace growth drivers, and the impact of emerging technologies like AI and autonomy.
• Direct Access to Solution Providers: Engage directly with exhibitors to discuss your specific manufacturing challenges and find tailored solutions that can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
• Workforce Development Opportunities: Explore pathways for professional development and contribute to discussions on building a skilled and resilient workforce for the future of aerospace and defense manufacturing.

Finding Your Base: Nearby Hotels in Long Beach

Long Beach offers a variety of excellent hotel options, many of which are conveniently located near the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, making your commute to AeroDef seamless.

Some popular choices include:

• Hyatt Regency Long Beach: Often a top choice due to its direct proximity and connection to the Convention Center, offering waterfront views.
• Long Beach Marriott Downtown: A reliable and comfortable option within easy walking distance.
• Hilton Long Beach: Another major hotel providing good amenities and a short distance to the venue.
• Hotel Maya – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel: Offers a unique resort-like experience with a Latin American flair, a short complimentary shuttle ride away.
• Courtyard by Marriott Long Beach Downtown: Provides modern accommodations and convenient access.
• The Pike Outlets Area Hotels: Various boutique and branded hotels are available around the vibrant Pike Outlets, offering dining and entertainment options within walking distance of the Convention Center.

Booking your accommodation well in advance is always recommended, especially when attending a major industry event, to ensure availability and secure the best rates. Long Beach also has a free downtown Passport bus service and easily walkable areas, making it convenient to explore the city’s attractions.

The Investment: Understanding the Cost to Attend

The cost to attend AeroDef Manufacturing varies based on your registration type and how early you register. As with most professional conferences, early bird discounts offer significant savings.

Typically, registration tiers might include:

• Exhibits Only Pass: This provides access to the show floor. Prices can range from free (with a promo code or early registration) to a nominal fee (e.g., $50 – $100 USD) for onsite registration.
• Full Conference Pass: This includes access to all conference sessions, keynotes, and the exhibition floor. These passes represent a more significant investment, often ranging from $700 to over $1,000 USD or more, with discounted rates for SME members (the organizing body) and early registrants.
• Individual Sessions/Workshops: Sometimes, you can register for specific technical sessions or hands-on workshops for individual fees.

Always refer to the official AeroDef Manufacturing website for the most current and precise pricing details, registration deadlines, and any available group discounts or special offers. Consider this cost an investment in critical knowledge, invaluable connections, and the advancement of your business within the aerospace and defense manufacturing ecosystem.

Soaring to New Heights with AeroDef Manufacturing

AeroDef Manufacturing is the nexus where the intricate details of advanced manufacturing converge with the grand vision of aerospace and defense. It’s a strategic platform for learning, networking, and discovering the technologies that are building the next generation of air and space capabilities. If you’re committed to precision, innovation, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in these vital industries, then AeroDef Manufacturing is where your journey takes flight.

To explore more and secure your participation at the next AeroDef Manufacturing event, visit: aerodefevent.com