2026 Transformative Vertical Flight
Jan 27, 2026 - Jan 29, 2026
Doubletree San Jose, California
The 2026 Transformative Vertical Flight meeting is hosted by VFS and the VFS San Francisco Bay Area Chapter and features two key events: the Vertical Lift Aircraft Design and Aeromechanics Specialists’ Conference and the 13th Annual Electric VTOL Symposium. A preliminary agenda is available and registration is open.
Vertical Lift Aircraft Design and Aeromechanics Specialists' Conference
The San Francisco Bay Area Chapter has been holding a biennial conference since 1974. This year, the focus will be on integrated technical disciplines, including aerodynamics, acoustics, dynamics, and flight dynamics, together with advanced aircraft design. Over 60 technical presentations from NASA, the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, ANAC (Brazil), KARI (Korea), and TAI (Turkey) on topics including:
- Computational & Experimental Aeromechanics
- Downwash/Outwash
- Computational Aerodynamics
- Flight Dynamics and Controls
- Safety & Certification
- Vehicle Design
Aeromechanics Technical Authors: Final papers due January 16, 2026. Download templates and author guide information below.
13th Annual Electric VTOL Symposium
The Vertical Flight Society has been at the forefront of advancing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology for more than a decade. Running in parallel with the Aeromechanics Conference, the eVTOL Symposium will feature invited presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions led by global experts shaping this rapidly evolving field. Attendees and speakers include designers, developers, innovators, and leaders seeking to collaborate and accelerate the eVTOL revolution. It also provides an outstanding networking platform for those new to the vertical flight community.
Program Highlights: The 13th Annual eVTOL Symposium will kick off with an Opening Plenary featuring the following.
- Welcome remarks from San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan
- VFS Executive Director Angelo Collins
- General Chair Maryam Khoshlahjeh, Sr. Manager, Propellers, Archer
- VFS San Francisco Bay Area Chapter Leadership
- A talk by Dennis Sharp, Curator of Aviation, SFO Museum
Following the plenary, the Symposium will feature a wide range of technical sessions, presentations, and keynote discussions, including:
- Hybrid Propulsion insights from VerdeGo Aero, Safran, and additional industry leaders
- Launch of the VFS RRL Calculator, based on Honeywell's RRL Checklist — including presentations and Q&A from Dan Newman and attending Honeywell representatives
- Program updates from Lt. Col. Phillip "Donna" Smith, DARPA Program Manager for ANCILLARY and REMA, including an overview of the new DARPA Lift Challenge
- Presentations from leading researchers and innovators, including:
- Dr Marilyn Smith, Director, Georgia Tech VL-RCOE
- Dr. Zhaodan Kong, Associate Professor, UC Davis, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
- Johnny Doo, President of International Vehicle Research Inc. — AAM "Mission-for-Good"
- Dr. Parimal Kopardekar (PK), Director, NASA, NARI
- eVTOL Test Pilot Panel featuring early flight impressions from pilots at Beta, Joby, and Archer
- A dedicated session on state-of-the-art battery and propulsion technologies
- Updates from SURVICE Engineering
Sponsored Presentations: Additional sponsored talks scheduled during the Symposium include the following speakers.
- Wisk Aero — Sebastien Vigneron, CEO
- Bloomy Controls Inc. — Peter Blume, President
- Toray Group — Mat Wyn, Senior M&P Engineer: "Smart Scaling: Resilient Advanced Composite Supply Chains for Sustainable High-Rate Manufacturing Growth"
- EHang — Autonomous Aerial Vehicle
- Persus Defense — Jason Cornelius, Co-Founder
Featured Events on Monday, Jan. 26 - see more information below
- eVTOL Short Course taught by Dr. James Wang
- Vertical Flight Infrastructure Short Course taught by Rex J. Alexander
Chapter Social Event on Wednesday, Jan. 28 hosted by the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter.
- Venue: San Pedro Market: 87 N. Pedro St.
- Time: 6:00 to 9:00 PM
- Complementary Hors d'oeuvres and Cash Bar
- Limited Capacity: you will be asked to RSVP during your registration process.
Thank you to our VFS members who have volunteered to help organize this event!
- General Chair: Dr. Maryam Khoshlahjeh, Archer Aviation, CA
- Aeromechanics Specialists’ Conference Technical Chair: Dr. Jeff Sinsay, US Army DEVCOM AvMC, Moffett Field, CA
- eVTOL Symposium Technical Chair: Ms. Sarah Conley, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
VFS thanks our Sponsors and Exhibitors!
Sponsors:
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Gold sponsor
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Gold sponsor
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Gold sponsor
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Bronze sponsor
Exhibitors:
Sponsorships and exhibits are still available! Download the Sponsor Application or Exhibit Application for details and rates.
Questions about this event?
Please contact-
Registration information
If you are a member or have an account, log in with the blue button above and stay on this page to register.
Otherwise, create an account to register.
Registration Rates:
Type Member Early Bird
by 12/22/2025Member
After 12/22/2025Non-Member
Includes 1 year of
MembershipRegular Attendee $775 $975 $1350 Speaker / Govt. / Military Personnel $500 $875 $990 Student / Retired $350 $450 N/A Short Courses Member Rate Student Rate eVTOL Design Short Course $550 $250 Infrastructure Short Course $450 $150 What registration includes:
- Access to Opening Plenary and all Aeromechanics Technical Sessions and eVTOL Symposium Presentations (running concurrently)
- Access to TVF exhibits
- Refreshment breaks all 3-days
- Lunches (Tuesday and Wednesday)
- Tuesday Reception: Complimentary hors d’oeuvres; Cash Bar
- Online access to meeting materials (technical papers and eVTOL presentations)
If you're unable to register online, please fill out this PDF registration form and return it to VFS HQ.
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Venue and location
All events will take place at the Doubletree in San Jose.
TVF Conference Rate: $219
Book a Room at TVF 2026 Hotel Reservation Link
Doubletree by Hilton, San Jose
2050 Gateway Place
San Jose, CA 95110 -
Schedule and agenda
Now available:
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Speaker / presenter info
For Technical Authors:
Final Paper Template (word document)
Technical Author Guide (pdf)
Final techncial papers are due January 16, 2026 - authors will be notified of where and how to upload their papers.
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Featured events
Short Courses/ Workshops
eVTOL Design Short Course:
The eighth annual VFS Short Course on Electric VTOL Design, taught by the renowned Dr. James Wang, will take place in-person on Monday, Jan. 26, from 8 am to 5 pm.
Always a big hit, this one-day course provides an overview of the unique design challenges and opportunities of this new class of vehicles. Students gain insights on developing eVTOL aircraft from the beginning to the end of the project: from how to conduct a conceptual study, configuration trade, preliminary design and detail design, to finding partners, manufacturing, assembling, bench testing, flight testing, and certification, to conducting scheduling and cost estimation. The course also covers the state of the art in several technology areas, such as batteries, motors and hybridization.
Infrastructure Short Course:
The inaugural eVTOL Infrastructure Short Course will be taught by Mr. Rex Alexander, who serves as the Society's Infrastructure Advisor. It will also take place on Monday, Jan. 26, from 8 am to 5 pm.
This course will provide attendees with a basic understanding of what vertical flight infrastructure is, the regulations and standards that apply, and many of the key— and frequently overlooked—elements that make it safe, reliable, and economically viable.
