From the Board: A Historic First How will VERTICON change YOUR life? By Mark A. Schlaefli Greetings from Dallas and welcome to VERTICON 2025! “The stars at night are big and bright, [insert claps here] deep in the heart of Texas!” goes the popular song, describing some of the delights found in the state. And now, Texas logs another first by hosting the inaugural edition of our new annual conference and trade show, VERTICON. In September 2024, I wrote about the many firsts that Vertical Aviation International (VAI) was driving in my column for the first issue of POWER UP (another first for VAI!). Six months later, and we’re now in Dallas for the first VERTICON, ready for the best week of the year. Hats and boots are not only welcome but expected! My first VAI show (HAI HELI-EXPO® back in the day) was in 2005. Before I made the commitment to follow a lifelong dream to become a professional helicopter pilot, I decided to head to Anaheim and see what the industry was all about. I didn’t know a single person in the industry then, and I figured this HAI HELI‑EXPO event would be a great place to change that. Attending that show was an unforgettable experience that changed my life. Upon entering the convention center, the excitement and energy was palpable. The enthusiasm built at every turn as I walked the show floor, seeing these incredible machines up close and personal. That experience alone was confirmation that I was on the right path. The incredible added value of being surrounded by thousands of vertical aviation professionals was evident as I discovered them to be diverse, adventurous, innovative, focused, and just plain fun—definitely the type of people with whom I wanted to work and build a career. I asked a lot of questions at the show, which led to dozens more. The feedback I received was instrumental in determining my career path. That’s my story, and I’m sure there are thousands of other stories that have been told—and will be told in future hangar chats—about how attending the world’s largest vertical aviation conference and trade show changed lives. First, there’s the show floor. VERTICON 2025 will feature over 600 exhibitors showcasing everything you could want for your aviation business or pleasure. Each year, we see more emerging technologies—automation, unmanned systems, new vehicles—on display, which is why innovation is a constant of the VERTICON experience. Second, with over 15,000 industry professionals in attendance from more than 85 countries, you also have unparalleled opportunities to develop strategic connections and partnerships. I encourage all those at VERTICON to attend at least one of the many industry advisory council meetings, forums, panel discussions, and other industry events listed in your Program & Exhibit Guide, including the 100‑plus education sessions and briefings. Yes, the VERTICON show floor is focused on the business of vertical aviation, but as an owner and operator, I can tell you that what happens off the show floor is also critical to the success of my business. Engaging with your industry at VERTICON is a critical piece of how we—and you—will move forward. On behalf of the VAI Board of Directors and the VAI staff, I welcome you to the show. We look forward to meeting you, learning your story, and sharing with you all of the great things VAI is doing for the industry and for you. Now, sit back and buckle up: time to enjoy your very first VERTICON! Mark A. Schlaefli, the owner and operator of Dakota Rotors, a Part 135/133 operator in the Upper Midwest and Mountain West, began his one-year term as chair of the VAI Board of Directors on Jul. 1, 2024. Mark holds an ATP rotorcraft certificate as well as instrument, CFI, and CFII ratings.
