Forum 81 reconnects with key research and development community
The Vertical Flight Society's 81st Annual Forum and Technology Display returns to the Virginia Beach Convention Center, May 20-22, 2025. Home to key US government offices, Forum 81 in Virginia Beach will play host to many of the industry's most distinguished aviation organizations specializing in research and development, flight testing, aviation safety and modeling/simulation. Home to Joint Base Langley-Eustis and more than 100,000 active-duty military personnel serving all branches of the US Armed Forces, Hampton Roads, Virginia will serve as an ideal backdrop to Forum 81.
Key US government offices near Virginia Beach:
- US Army DEVCOM Technology Development Directorate — Aviation (Ft. Eustis, VA)
- NASA Langley Research Center (Hampton, VA)
- Naval Safety Command (Norfolk, VA)
- U.S. Coast Guard Air Station (Elizabeth City, NC)
Who will attend Forum 81?
Forum 81 is the longest running and most established vertical flight event in the industry. Unlike other trade shows, the VFS Forum provides access to an elite technical community responsible for directing the engineering and manufacturing processes of the global rotorcraft industry. Exhibitors will interface with top program decision-makers on the show floor during unopposed exhibit hall viewing hours as well as at exhibit hall luncheons, receptions and industry-wide sessions such as the US Army and US Navy / Marine Corps military program manger briefings. In addition, top ranking officers from the military source selection committees of the US Army, US Navy, US Marine Corps, US Air Force, US Coast Guard, and international counterparts will seek out your companies products, capabilities and expertise for their training and operation needs.
What will I see at the Forum 81 Technology Display?
The VFS Forum Technology Display is the most extensive exposition addressing the needs of the vertical flight industry. Leading manufacturers, service providers, defense agencies, universities and research and development organizations will showcase the very latest in vertical flight technology including:
| Airframes | Autonomous Aerial Vehicles | Avionics | Components | Display Systems |
| Electric VTOL | Engine Propulsion | Fuel and Utility Systems (FUS) | Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS) | Mission Support |
| VTOL Research and Development | Safety Systems | Simulation and Training | Autonomous VTOL Aircraft | University Research Programs |
Exhibit Package Includes
- Quality backdrop draping and divider rails
- Booth identification sign
- Company listing in the Forum 81 Final Program
- 24-hour security in the Exhibit Hall
- One "FULL" registration package for each 10' X 10' space purchased (Limited to a maximum of five badges). Provides access to technical sessions, exhibit hall lunches and reception, VFS Grand Awards Banquet (Seating limited on a first come, first served basis.)
- Two exhibitor badges for each 10' X 10' unit of display space (not to exceed a maximum of ten badges). This badge provides access to the Exhibit Hall during scheduled hours and includes exhibitor lunches and the technology display reception.
Forum 81 Exhibit Hall Hours*
Virginia Beach Convention Center
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 22, 2025 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
*Exhibit hall hours subject to change
| Forum 81 Exhibit Application and Rules | Forum 81 Exhibitor List | Forum 81 Floor Plan |
| Forum 81 Sponsorship Opportunities | Forum 81 Exhibitor Registration Manual | Forum 81 Sponsorship Application |
To confirm exhibit space, simply download, complete and return the Forum 81 exhibit space application to exhibits@vtol.org. If you would prefer to speak with someone regarding exhibitor participation, please contact us by email or call at 703-684-6777, x105.
