Dates

    11–13 May 2027

    City / country

    Phoenix, USA

    Venue

    Phoenix, Arizona USA

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    Event overview

    Overview

    The Vertical Flight Society's 83rd Annual Forum & Technology Display is the world's leading international technical event on vertical flight technology.

    The conference will span three days and include 250+ technical papers on every discipline from Acoustics to Test & Evaluation, as well as invited presentations and discussions by leaders in the military, government agencies and industry.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Dates and Venue: The VFS Annual Forum & Technology Display takes place from May 11-13, 2027 in Phoenix, Arizona USA.
    2. 2Scale and Focus: This premier event features over 250 technical papers on vertical flight technology, attracting industry leaders and researchers.
    3. 3Organiser: The event is organised by the Vertical Flight Society, a key player in advancing vertical flight technology.
    4. 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include engineers, scientists, and industry leaders with significant influence in vertical flight technology.
    5. 5Entry: Registration details will be available soon; check the official website for updates.

    Why visit

    Attending the VFS Annual Forum provides unparalleled access to the latest research, networking opportunities with industry leaders, and insights into cutting-edge vertical flight technologies. Dates and Venue: The VFS Annual Forum & Technology Display takes place from May 11-13, 2027 in Phoenix, Arizona USA. Buyer Authority: Attendees include engineers, scientists, and industry leaders with significant influence in vertical flight technology.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibiting at the VFS Annual Forum allows companies to showcase their innovations, connect with key decision-makers, and gain visibility in the vertical flight sector. Scale and Focus: This premier event features over 250 technical papers on vertical flight technology, attracting industry leaders and researchers. Buyer Authority: Attendees include engineers, scientists, and industry leaders with significant influence in vertical flight technology.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Aerospace engineers and researchers
    Government and military representatives
    Industry leaders in vertical flight technology
    Students and educators in aerospace fields
    Manufacturers of vertical flight systems
    Service providers in aerospace technology

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Manufacturers of helicopters and VTOL aircraft
    Suppliers of aerospace components and systems
    Research institutions focused on vertical flight
    Technology developers in eVTOL and UAVs
    Consultants in aerospace engineering
    Educational institutions offering aerospace programs

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Vertical flight aircraft and systems
    eVTOL technologies and innovations
    Aerospace components and materials
    Flight control systems and software
    Research publications and technical papers
    Training and educational resources for aerospace

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Open in Google Maps

    Phoenix Convention Center

    Phoenix, Arizona, USA

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Register

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    Vertical Flight Society

    CallWebsite

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Last edition

    2026

    estimate

    Visitors: 1,400

    Exhibitors: 90

    Next edition

    Not announced yet

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    The Vertical Flight Society's 83rd Annual Forum & Technology Display is the world's leading international technical event on vertical flight technology. The conference will span three days and include 250+ technical papers on every discipline from Acoustics to Test & Evaluation, as well as invited presentations and discussions by leaders in the military, government agencies and industry. Dates and Venue: The VFS Annual Forum & Technology Display takes place from May 11-13,.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    Visitors typically include Aerospace engineers and researchers, Government and military representatives, Industry leaders in vertical flight technology, Students and educators in aerospace fields. Dates and Venue: The VFS Annual Forum & Technology Display takes place from May 11-13, 2027 in Phoenix, Arizona USA. Scale and Focus: This premier event features over 250 technical papers on vertical flight technology, attracting industry leaders and researchers. Organiser: The event is organised by the Vertical Flight.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibiting at the VFS Annual Forum allows companies to showcase their innovations, connect with key decision-makers, and gain visibility in the vertical flight sector. Scale and Focus: This premier event features over 250 technical papers on vertical flight technology, attracting industry leaders and researchers. Buyer Authority: Attendees include engineers, scientists, and industry leaders with significant influence in vertical flight technology. Exhibitor categories include Manufacturers of helicopters and VTOL.

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    North America — Phoenix, Arizona, United States (Southwest US aerospace and advanced air mobility corridor)

    Why it matters

    Attending The Vertical Flight Society - VFS Annual Forum & Technology Display on 2027-05-11 to 2027-05-13 in Phoenix lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Digital buyer journeys

    Digital buyer journeys describes how technical buyers research programmes, suppliers and published papers online long before they reach a show floor.

    Source
    02

    Sustainability in procurement

    Sustainability in procurement is the shift toward scoring suppliers on energy use, emissions, noise and lifecycle impact during qualification.

    Source
    03

    Automation and labour efficiency

    Automation and labour efficiency covers how manufacturers reduce manual hours, rework and downtime across engineering and production.

    Source
    04

    Regional supply-chain resilience

    Regional supply-chain resilience is about qualifying suppliers across several regions so programmes survive single-source disruption.

    Source
    05

    Hybrid engagement models

    Hybrid engagement models blend a three-day technical forum with year-round digital proceedings, webinars and supplier catalogues.

    Source

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · USD

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    PHX

    Phoenix Sky Harbor

    to venue

    by car

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    Budget
    North Phoenix / Norterra or Scottsdale periphery; 25–35 min drive to Phoenix Convention Center

    USD 140–240 / night

    All-suite value properties with parking and pool; commute needed — confirm shuttle or ride-hail costs before travel.

    Mid-range
    Downtown Phoenix fringe or central corridor; 5–15 min walk or short ride to the venue

    USD 200–320 / night

    Extended-stay and business hotels near the convention centre cluster; book early for forum week.

    Premium
    Downtown Phoenix, CityScape / convention centre district; walkable

    USD 260–420 / night

    Full-service downtown properties within 2–4 blocks of the halls; rates spike during large citywide events — confirm before travel.

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    taxi

    Estimated costUSD 20–30 metered; USD 25–40 ride-hail off-peak
    Best forPhoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) to downtown Phoenix / convention centre

    10–15 minutes off-peak via I-10 or Washington Street; pickup on Level 1 of terminal garages — confirm before travel.

    metro

    Estimated costUSD 2 single ride
    Best forValley Metro Rail (light rail), downtown Phoenix to convention centre stations

    Every 12–20 minutes; stations 2–5 minutes from downtown hotel cluster — confirm before travel.

    bus

    Estimated costUSD 2 single ride
    Best forValley Metro Route 13 / Route 44 from PHX Sky Train stations to downtown

    Wheelchair-accessible; connects airport Sky Train to downtown and wider network — confirm before travel.

    parking

    Estimated costUSD 12–25 per day in event garages
    Best forDowntown Phoenix garages and metered street parking near Phoenix Convention Center

    Garages fill by 08:30 on show days; metered spaces USD 1–4 per hour — confirm before travel.

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa required
    ATA Carnet: check with organiser
    TypeWho needs itFeeProcessing
    B-1 Business Visitor VisaCitizens of countries outside the Visa Waiver Program attending the forum, negotiating contracts, consulting with business associates or staffing a technology-display stand.$185.00Consular interview wait times vary by post; apply several months ahead and request a VFS invitation letter as soon as your abstract or registration is confirmed.
    B-1/B-2 Combined Visitor VisaTravellers combining the forum with tourism or family visits, or who want a single visa covering both business and leisure travel in the United States.$185.00Same interview process as B-1; begin well before May 2027 as interview slots at busy consulates can be several weeks out.
    ESTA under the Visa Waiver ProgramCitizens and eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries travelling for business or pleasure for 90 days or less who do not already hold a US visitor visa.$21.00Online authorisation normally granted within 72 hours; apply before booking non-refundable travel and renew if your passport changes.

    Travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries can enter the United States without a visa for business or pleasure for stays of 90 days or less when they hold an approved ESTA. All other nationalities need a B-1 or combined B-1/B-2 visitor visa; VFS issues invitation letters to support the application.

    Official visa page

    Weather

    Phoenix in May 2027 is hot and extremely dry: average daytime highs near 34 C (91–94 F), overnight lows around 17–20 C (63–68 F), roughly 19% relative humidity and only about 6 mm (0.19 in) of rain across the whole month. Late-May afternoons can reach 37 C (99 F), so plan outdoor walking for early morning or after sunset and move between downtown hotels and the convention centre on the shaded or air-conditioned routes. Forum sessions and the Technology Display run indoors in heavily air-conditioned halls, so carry a light layer for session rooms along with water and high-SPF sunscreen.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    US mobile networks cover Phoenix comprehensively: T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T all offer strong 5G/LTE coverage downtown and around the convention centre, with prepaid tourist SIMs available at PHX airport kiosks and carrier stores. Most international delegates use an eSIM (Airalo, Nomad, Holafly or a direct T-Mobile/Verizon trial) rather than roaming on a home-country plan, which keeps data, hotspot tethering and video calls affordable. Free Wi-Fi runs through PHX terminals, downtown hotels and convention centre meeting rooms; a corporate VPN is advisable for secure access to company systems, and 110 V/US Type A–B plugs apply, so bring a converter if travelling from Europe or Asia.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Tipping

    Tipping is expected in Phoenix: 18–20% on restaurant bills, USD 2–5 per bag for hotel porters and USD 2–3 per drink at bars. Ride-hail and taxi apps handle gratuity in-app.

    Business dress and etiquette

    Business casual is standard — open-collar shirts and chinos for men, smart separates for women; technical sessions are more relaxed than commercial trade floors. A firm handshake, first-name introductions and punctuality for meetings are the norm.

    Practical courtesy

    Arizona venues are strictly non-smoking indoors, including e-cigarettes, and alcohol is not permitted on public streets. Carry photo ID: it is routinely requested at hotels, bars and airport security.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: PHX

    PHX is a hub for American Airlines and one of Southwest Airlines' largest bases, with nonstop service from most major US cities plus international links including London Heathrow (British Airways), Frankfurt (Condor) and routes to Canada and Mexico. Book 8–12 weeks before May 2027 as Phoenix demand climbs with spring conference season. Most carriers arrive at Terminal 3 or Terminal 4, connected by the free PHX Sky Train, and Scottsdale Airport (SCF) handles private and corporate aircraft.

    Visa

    Most international delegates need a US B-1 business visitor visa; attending a convention, conference or business meeting is an allowed B-1 activity. Nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries can instead travel visa-free for up to 90 days with an approved ESTA. VFS issues invitation letters on request for the visa application.

    Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).

    Processing: Varies by nationality and consulate. VFS advises contacting the Registrar for an invitation letter as soon as possible to allow ample time for the US visa application process, so start several weeks to several months before May 2027.

    Apply through the official US Department of State channels only. Visa Waiver Program travellers should apply for ESTA at esta.cbp.dhs.gov and travel for 90 days or less. Include your paper title, passport name, date of birth and passport details when requesting an invitation letter from the VFS Registrar.

    Official

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX). Allow road or rail time to Phoenix Convention Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Phoenix Convention Center: Downtown Phoenix, CityScape (2 blocks from the convention centre): Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix; Phoenix resort corridor: Kimpton Miralina Resort And Villas; Downtown Phoenix: Residence Inn by Marriott Phoenix Downtown.

    Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate across metro Phoenix with airport pickup zones on Level 1 of the PHX terminal garages; downtown-to-airport trips typically run USD 25–40 and 15–20 minutes off-peak. Waymo One, the driverless ride-hail service, also operates in central Phoenix and Scottsdale. Conventional taxi ranks serve the convention centre and major downtown hotels, and surge pricing applies during conference peak hours and evening ballgames.

    Public transit: Valley Metro Rail serves the downtown Phoenix corridor with stations a short walk from the convention centre, running roughly every 12–20 minutes; fares are USD 2 per single ride or USD 4 for an all-day pass. From PHX, the free Sky Train connects all terminals to the 24th Street and 44th Street stations, where Routes 13 and 44 continue toward downtown. Plan trips and buy passes on the Valley Metro app or at station ticket machines.

    Parking: Phoenix Convention Center operates adjacent North and South building garages with event-day rates typically USD 12–25 and entrances off Washington, Monroe and Third Streets. The City of Phoenix also runs roughly 2,000 metered street spaces downtown at USD 1–4 per hour, alongside private garages at USD 10–25 per day. Arrive before 08:30 during forum week, or use hotel valet or light rail, as downtown capacity tightens quickly.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: May 2027 (late spring, dry desert season)

    Temperature: Average high 34 C (91–94 F), average low 17–20 C (63–68 F); late-May afternoons can reach 37 C (99 F).

    Seasonality: May is one of the driest months in Phoenix: about 6 mm (0.19 in) of rain and roughly one day with measurable precipitation. Expect intense desert sun, low humidity and clear skies through the show week, with strong air-conditioning in all session halls.

    Packing: Lightweight business attire for warm days, plus a jacket or light layer for heavily air-conditioned session rooms. Add sunglasses, a hat, high-SPF sunscreen, a refillable water bottle and comfortable walking shoes for the exhibit hall and downtown blocks.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: Wednesday 12 May 2027 (Day 2)

    Day 2 delivers the fullest combination of parallel technical tracks on advanced air mobility, propulsion and autonomy while the Technology Display is fully staffed and past its opening-day rush, so exhibitor engineers and procurement leads have time for substantive conversations. Opening-day plenaries (11 May) draw the largest general attendance but leave less floor time, and Day 3 (13 May) narrows as delegates begin departing — making Wednesday the single most efficient day to combine sessions, booth meetings and evening networking.

    14

    Confirm passport validity and visa route — Check passport validity and confirm whether you qualify for Visa Waiver Program ESTA or need a US B-1 business visa for the 11-13 May 2027 VFS Annual Forum in Phoenix.

    12

    Book flights to Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) — Compare fares into PHX, the closest gateway to downtown Phoenix and the convention centre; the PHX Sky Train links terminals to the 44th Street and 24th Street stations.

    11

    Reserve hotel for 11-13 May 2027 — Check the VFS hotel and travel page, then compare downtown options such as Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix, Residence Inn by Marriott Phoenix Downtown or Sheraton Phoenix Downtown.

    10

    Complete online registration and badge — Register through vtol.org and confirm what your registration covers, including access to the technology display and technical sessions.

    9

    Request an invitation letter if needed — Contact the VFS Registrar with your paper title, full name as on passport, date of birth and passport details to support the US visa application.

    8

    Review the technical programme — Shortlist sessions across disciplines such as acoustics, unmanned systems, test and evaluation, and the invited military, government and industry presentations.

    7

    Schedule supplier and partner meetings — Email exhibitors and programme contacts to fix on-floor meeting slots during the three-day technology display.

    5

    Plan airport transfer and public transit — Choose taxi or rideshare (about USD 20-40), or use the PHX Sky Train plus Valley Metro bus Route 13 or 44 into the light rail network.

    4

    Budget local transport and parking — Downtown Phoenix has roughly 2,000 metered spaces; plan USD 10-25 per day for garages near the convention centre.

    3

    Pack for desert spring weather — Expect highs near 34 C and lows around 17 C with very low rainfall; pack lightweight business attire, a layer for air-conditioned halls, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle.

    2

    Prepare meeting and technical materials — Load papers, capability statements and note-taking tools for sessions and supplier meetings on the show floor.

    1

    Arrive, collect badge and check session rooms — Fly in the evening before opening day if possible, collect your badge on arrival and confirm room locations before the opening plenary.

    Side trips

    3

    Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon

    Grand Canyon South Rim

    Tucson and Saguaro National Park

    Networking spots

    3

    Technology Display aisles, Phoenix Convention Center

    Session-room corridors and poster boards

    Downtown Phoenix after-hours venues

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Build your working budget

    Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

    Estimated budget
    Live estimate
    • Hotel × 2 nights$280.00
    • Per diem × 2$150.00
    • Visa$185.00
    Estimated total$615.00

    This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    visa_fee

    visitor · B-1 Business Visitor Visa

    USD 185 / per application

    organiser_published

    visa_fee

    visitor · B-1/B-2 Combined Visitor Visa

    USD 185 / per application

    organiser_published

    visa_fee

    visitor · ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program

    USD 21 / per application

    organiser_published

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    What is your primary role?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    Assess how this option fits your objectives.

    Best for

    Rotary-wing and advanced air mobility engineers, programme managers and procurement leads who need to benchmark suppliers, attend technical sessions and meet the programme decision makers who direct global rotorcraft engineering.

    Min. budget

    $1,200.00

    Timeline

    4-6 weeks for flights into PHX and a downtown hotel before 11 May 2027

    Risks

    Downtown Phoenix hotel rates climb sharply as the forum week approaches

    US visa interview availability can delay delegates outside the Visa Waiver Program

    exhibit

    Assess how this option fits your objectives.

    Best for

    Rotorcraft and eVTOL suppliers plus avionics, composites, power system and MRO firms that want direct floor access to the technical community responsible for engineering and manufacturing decisions.

    Min. budget

    $6,500.00

    Timeline

    4-6 months for stand booking, booth design, build and freight scheduling

    Risks

    Technology display space is limited and allocated early

    Freight and customs lead times for demo hardware and mock-ups

    Staff travel and hotel costs during the show week

    skip

    Assess how this option fits your objectives.

    Best for

    Generalist aviation enthusiasts or consumer audiences with no rotorcraft, vertical lift or advanced air mobility procurement interest.

    Timeline

    Not applicable for non-attendance

    Risks

    Missing direct contact with the elite technical community that shapes vertical flight programmes

    Book with

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    Gallery

    Photos

    Official imagery from The Vertical Flight Society - VFS Annual Forum & Technology Display
    Official imagery from The Vertical Flight Society - VFS Annual Forum & Technology Display

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    What is the VFS Annual Forum?
    The VFS Annual Forum is the world's leading international technical event on vertical flight technology, featuring technical papers and discussions.
    When is the event?
    The event will take place from May 11-13, 2027.
    Where is the event held?
    The event will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
    How can I register?
    Registration details will be available on the official website closer to the event date.
    What topics will be covered?
    The forum will cover a wide range of topics related to vertical flight technology, including acoustics and unmanned systems.
    Do I need a visa, and how do I get an invitation letter?
    Most international delegates need a US B-1 business visitor visa, since attending a professional convention or conference is an allowed B-1 activity; nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries may instead use an approved ESTA for stays of 90 days or less. Contact the VFS Registrar with your paper title, full name as on your passport, date of birth and passport details to request an invitation letter as early as possible.
    Who attends the VFS Annual Forum?
    The forum draws the elite technical community responsible for directing engineering and manufacturing in the global rotorcraft industry, including engineers, programme decision makers, military and government representatives and academics. The programme spans technical papers across every discipline from acoustics to test and evaluation alongside invited presentations by industry leaders.

    Glossary

    1
    VTOL
    Vertical Take-Off and Landing, referring to aircraft that can take off and land vertically.
    2
    eVTOL
    Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing, referring to electric aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing.
    3
    AHS
    American Helicopter Society, the former name of the Vertical Flight Society, founded in 1943.
    4
    Technical Papers
    Peer-reviewed research documents presented at the forum covering the engineering disciplines of vertical flight technology.
    5
    Technology Display
    The exhibition element of the forum where suppliers show hardware, systems and services to the technical community.
    6
    AAM
    Advanced Air Mobility, the emerging sector of electric and hybrid aircraft developed for new urban and regional air services.
    7
    Rotorcraft
    Any aircraft that derives lift principally from rotating wings, including helicopters, compound helicopters and gyrodynes.
    8
    Tiltrotor
    An aircraft that tilts its proprotors between helicopter and aeroplane modes to combine vertical lift with high-speed cruise.
    9
    UAS
    Unmanned Aircraft Systems, covering uncrewed vertical flight platforms together with their ground control stations and payloads.
    10
    Vertical Lift
    The umbrella term for helicopter, tiltrotor and eVTOL technologies that take off and land vertically, the central theme of the VFS Annual Forum.

    Also known as

    Alternate names and search phrases for this event.

    • VFS Annual Forum & Technology Display
    • Vertical Flight Society Annual Forum
    • VFS Annual Forum 2027
    • VFS Phoenix 2027
    • Vertical Flight Society Phoenix
    • vertical flight technology conference
    • eVTOL technologies conference Phoenix
    • vertical flight aircraft expo USA
    • eVTOL innovations forum Phoenix
    • aerospace components and materials expo

    7 more alternate names hidden

    Trust footer

    Sources

    2

    References

    1

    Publishers

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    Date checked

    1

    Vertical Flight Society

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