Vertical Flight Society to host 17th annual Electric Aircraft Symposium


Opener, which manufactures the BlackFly eVTOL (pictured), is a key participant in the Vertical Flight Society 2023 Electric Aircraft Symposium. Opener Photo

More than 40 of the world’s leading electric aircraft developers and technology experts will be speaking at the 17th Annual Electric Aircraft Symposium (EAS), hosted by the Vertical Flight Society (VFS).

The event will once again be held online and in person in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, on July 22 and 23, 2023 — the weekend prior to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture 2023.

EAS is the world’s longest-running electric aviation technology meeting. It’s organized by industry and government leaders who are part of the advanced air mobility (AAM) ecosystem to provide updates to the community and the public.

A special feature this year is a panel organized to support the United States government’s AAM Interagency Working Group. This session features the Honorable Annie Petsonk, assistant secretary for aviation and international affairs, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT); Peter Irvine, deputy director, Office of Aviation Analysis and executive lead for aviation policy, DOT; Dr. Parimal “PK” Kopardekar, NASA Advanced Research Institute (NARI) director, National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA); and Darshan “Dash” Divakaran, lead for airspace innovation and prime partnerships, U.S. Air Force AFWERX.

This year’s EAS will present experts from industry and government, participating in 12 in-depth moderated panel discussions covering a full spectrum of topics, including community integration, electric aircraft developments, personal/private AAM aircraft, propulsion (including hydrogen-electric), regional air mobility, testing and standards development.

40 in-person speakers

Mark Moore, CEO of Whisper and one of the early pioneers of the electric aviation revolution, is the keynote speaker. Other participating companies and organizations this year include AeroTEC, Archer, Beta Technologies, Community Air Mobility Initiative (CAMI), Diamond Aircraft, Hydroplane, Joby Aviation, Jetson Aero, Limosa, LuftCar, Opener, Overair, SkyDrive, Textron eAviation, Wisk and ZEVA.

Top executives from each company will give their updates and insights.

Just added include executives from electric aircraft startups Væridion (Germany), AIR (Israel) and Elfly (Norway). Top leaders from electric-motor and energy storage companies Evolito (UK), Rolls-Royce Electrical (Germany), H55 (Switzerland) and Electric Power Systems (U.S.) will also highlight the latest in their developments and plans.

Each moderated panel session will include a Q&A discussion with presenters and attendees — a hallmark of the annual Electric Aircraft Symposium.

New student discounts

With a focus on inspiring the next generation of aviation and aerospace innovators, the non-profit VFS event is offering a first-time discount for students. Students coming to the event can attend for only $75, after joining VFS for $25.

There is also a special virtual-only option for VFS student members of only $25. For others, the cost of the two-day symposium ranges from $150 for virtual participants to $245 for in-person attendees.

EAS is a hybrid event, held at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh campus at the air-conditioned Culver Family Welcome Center, and online.

The focus of EAS is on technological advancements and addressing major issues like certification and infrastructure for the industry as a whole. Details on the agenda, registration and sponsorships are posted online.

  
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