VAI Briefs: VAI Introduces VERTICON Vertical Aviation International (VAI) enters an exciting new chapter in 2025 as the association formerly known as Helicopter Association International prepares to produce the inaugural VERTICON trade show, which takes place Mar. 10–13 (exhibits open Mar. 11–13). VERTICON 2025, which will be held in Dallas, Texas, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, aims to redefine the vertical flight industry’s premier exhibition and conference, formerly known as HAI HELI-EXPO®. The annual event was rebranded following HAI HELI-EXPO 2024 in February of this year, in concert with the association’s rebranding as VAI. VERTICON will amplify industry messages about aviation innovation, safety, and sustainability. VAI’s leadership team reinvented the event known since 1989 as HAI HELI-EXPO understanding that the vertical flight industry is evolving to increasingly focus on not only helicopters but advanced air mobility technologies and electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, as well. With VERTICON, the association creates a show that will resonate with both industry veterans and emerging players in the market. New Programs and Spaces With the VERTICON rebranding come several new or expanded programs and spaces for the event, including the VAI Connect area on the show floor, a place for attendees to network and meet with their peers throughout the conference. Connect will also be the site of two programs on alternative fuels, including a presentation on the Piasecki hydrogen-powered helicopter, the PA-890. VERTICON will also feature “pods” with small turnkey exhibit spaces to make it easier for small businesses and first-time exhibitors to introduce themselves and their products and services. Each pod will be staffed continuously during show hours and will contain a kiosk with seating, a sign with the company’s name, lockable storage, and electricity. Planned sections include Small Business, Emerging Technology, Maintenance, and International Business. Education Transformation As always, education will play an important role at VERTICON, but with some new names. Elevations, previously called Professional Education Courses, are in-depth classes taught by industry experts that are designed to support attendees’ career development. Foundations replace the Rotor Safety Challenge (RSC) sessions and go beyond safety to include additional topics. Led by industry-expert volunteers, these one-hour classes are organized by tracks focusing on not only safety but career development, operations, maintenance, small-business success, and other subjects. As with the former RSC sessions, anyone attending six Foundations sessions will receive a certificate recognizing their commitment to lifelong learning. Some sessions may also be eligible for FAA WINGS or FAA AMT credit. For more information about VERTICON 2025 and to register, please visit the show website. Don’t Miss These VERTICON Main Stage Events! Ethics, Bias, & Things That Go Bump in an AI Night Paul Zikopoulos, VP at IBM Technology, explains the possibilities for AI in business and personal relationships. Wed., Mar. 12, 9:00 am – 10:00 am Supersonic Survivor with Brian Udell If you can survive being ejected from an aircraft at 800 mph, what else can you do? Thu., Mar. 13, 9:00 am – 10:00 am
