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AIAA's SciTech Forum covers a range of aerospace topics from from software and avionics to innovations in aircraft structures. Source | CW

Manufacturing in general offers a multitude of trade shows — and the composites sector in particular has its fair share. For many of us, there are always those few events that we know well, having attended them often. And while those more familiar conferences and trade shows may be an integral part of our annual planning, venturing beyond one’s comfort zone to events that may cater to some of the other markets the composites industry serves can reveal new opportunities and insights.

Having served as an editor at Gardner Business Media for 7 years, I’ve seen the vital role that industry events like JEC World, SAMPE and CAMX play in connecting industry professionals and driving business — not to mention being a treasure trove for CW’s editors to discover leads for the content we share throughout the year.

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However, our curiosity about less-familiar events has grown. Traditional manufacturing-focused events are essential for face-to-face interactions and idea sharing, but exploring new venues can lead to fresh contacts and new opportunities. Admittedly, it would be impractical to attend every event that touches the various markets that composites manufacturers serve. Nevertheless, stepping into a few different arenas has become a strategic initiative for CW in 2025. By doing so, we aim to provide a more comprehensive view of where composites intersect with various industries, fostering new connections and understanding.

This interest led us to the SciTech Forum in Orlando, Florida, an event organized by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). The show is quite different than many of the composites and aerospace events CW has experience attending. Attendees were a diverse mix, from students to defense industry professionals. The content spanned a wide range of topics, from software and avionics to aircraft structure innovations. The show felt more like a technology showcase than the manufacturing-focused gatherings we typically attend.

And that was the whole point.

“It’s easy for us, when we think about the aerospace industry, to focus exclusively on composite materials and structures,” says CW brand VP Jeff Sloan. “Events like AIAA’s SciTech provide a much-needed reminder that there is a universe of non-composite disciplines — simulation, testing, AI, ablation, avionics, combustion, flow control, hypersonics — deployed to design and launch a craft, whether it’s within the atmosphere, in low-Earth orbit or for traveling to the moon or Mars. Such a reminder is critical to putting composites in context as one piece in a multipiece puzzle that must be solved for successful flight.”

AIAA’s SciTech is touted to be the world’s largest event dedicated to aerospace research and technology. This year’s theme, “Energize the Future,” highlighted a shift toward new transportation modes, sustainability, advanced tools and inclusivity in aerospace. The technical conference program was massive, featuring nearly 3,000 presentations addressing everything from digital engineering to hypersonics. More than 70 expert speakers from various sectors provided fresh perspectives, while more than 80 exhibitors showcased their latest innovations. In addition, the event was co-located with the AIAA’s 26^th International Space Planes and Hypersonic Systems Conference.

Not all of the content at such an event is the right fit for our audience — something we were well aware of headed into it. But the value behind experiencing a broader perspective on aerospace, defense and space was immediately apparent. While the details on materials and manufacturing may not have been given as much focus, the big-picture visions of emerging trends and cutting-edge applications that are pushing the boundaries of what is possible emerged front and center. By stepping outside our usual circles, the CW team has quickly realized it can uncover unexpected synergies, discover new ways to collaborate, and explore fresh perspectives and new ideas.

Looking ahead, CW is looking forward to attending a few more of these “unconventional” composites events. Maybe we’ll see you there.