If your business is in the aviation industry, attending VERTICON is an absolute no-brainer.
The very first edition of VERTICON, produced by Vertical Aviation International (VAI), took place in March of this year in Dallas and attracted over 14,000 people from 88 countries.
In total, this event featured:
- 686 exhibitors.
- 44 aircraft from top-tier aircraft manufacturers.
- More than 125 education and training sessions.
The 2026 installment promises to be an even more expansive experience for helicopter and vertical aviation professionals. If the numbers from 2025’s event are anything to go by, there is a lot of business and knowledge about to be passed around.
Our article explores what to expect from VERTICON 2026 and how you can start preparing for it today.
What is VERTICON?
VERTICON is the world’s largest vertical aviation trade show and conference, focusing specifically on helicopters and other vertical-capable aircraft.
It was previously known as HAI Heli-Expo until the show organizers rebranded it in 2024.
VERTICON allows attendees to:
- Attract qualified international buyers
- Build relationships with thousands of attendees
- Close sales at the lowest cost of the year
- Learn more about the issues shaping vertical aviation’s future by attending workshops, forums, and main events
- Launch new products and services with global press coverage
- Meet desirable employers or top-notch candidates at the industry career fair
… and much more.
As we explained at the start, this event is hosted by Vertical Aviation International (VAI), formerly Helicopter Association International (HAI).
VAI is the world’s leading membership association dedicated to the vertical aviation industry, which encompasses all aircraft capable of vertical or short takeoff and landing.
Who attends VERTICON?
VERTICON brings together manufacturers, suppliers, pilots, maintenance technicians, and operators from all over the world. Think household names like
Airbus, Bell, Leonardo, and Robinson Helicopter Company.
Almost three-quarters of attendees (74%) are based in the US, with 26% working in international distribution.
If you want to meet with key decision-makers—and let’s face it, that’s what we all want when we attend a trade show—VERTICON is the place to be. Seven in ten attendees are involved in the decision-making process, while 40% of attendees are able to authorize purchases.
For more information, check out the VERTICON 2026 Exhibit Planner.
Key information about VERTICON 2026
Here are all the important details you need to know to start preparing for next year’s event.
When and where is VERTICON 2026 taking place?
VERTICON 2026 takes place in Halls B, BC & C4 of Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, from 9-12 March. Exhibits open from March 10-12.
What are the trade show floor hours at VERTICON?
The exhibit floor hours for VERTICON 2026 are as follows:
- Tuesday, March 10: 10:00 - 17:00
- Wednesday, March 11: 10:00 - 17:00
- Thursday, March 12: 10:00 - 16:00
What is the deadline for VERTICON 2026 applications?
Applications for space must be received by Friday, December 19, 2025 to be included in the VERTICON 2026 Program & Exhibit Guide.
You can check out the full list of deadlines here.
What happened at VERTICON 2025?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZLg7lTaakA
In short—a lot.
Here are some of the highlights:
- Leonardo secured close to €370 million in helicopter orders, signing deals for nearly 30 helicopters at the show.
- Airbus Helicopters launched its latest new light twin-engined aircraft, the H140, at VERTICON 2025.
- The company also secured 118 helicopter commitments.
- Ascent Aerosystems, a specialist in coaxial uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), revealed a brand new platform to the market, the Helius.
- The Robinson Helicopter Company unveiled its R88, the company’s first all-new aircraft in nearly 15 years.
- There was a helicopter fly-in—the biggest of 2025.
You can see some of the innovative technologies on show and experience VERTICON through the lens of other exhibitors by watching the below video.
This is from Day 1 of VERTICON 2025.
What to expect at VERTICON 2026
Charlotte Zilke, Sr. Director, Conventions, VAI:
“VERTICON 2026 in Atlanta will build on the momentum of this year’s event by offering an even more dynamic platform to showcase the best in vertical aviation.
We’re scaling up. That means a larger exhibit footprint, new industry-focused pavilions, and upgraded digital tools to help exhibitors connect with attendees. We’re also reworking the education schedule to eliminate session overlap with peak exhibit hours—maximizing your exposure and ROI.
Exhibitors can expect expanded networking and sales opportunities, targeted programming to connect with decision-makers, and a show floor featuring the newest technologies and best products.
We’re also investing in improved exhibitor support and streamlined logistics to enhance your overall show experience.”
The pitfalls of NOT exhibiting at VERTICON 2026
Charlotte Zilke:
“If you're not on the floor at VERTICON 2026, you're out of the conversation. This is where operators, OEMs, suppliers, government officials, and competitors meet to shape the future of vertical aviation. Skipping the show means missing real-time feedback from current and potential customers, falling behind competitors, and forgoing high-value business development opportunities. It’s not just about presence—it’s about staying relevant.”
How to prepare for VERTICON 2026
Charlotte Zilke:
“Start early. Secure your space as soon as possible for prime placement. Develop a clear engagement strategy—don’t just show up with a booth; show up with a plan. Think about what problems you solve for your audience and how you’ll demonstrate this problem-solving capability. Use VERTICON’s exhibitor tools for lead generation, promotion, and scheduling. And bring the right people—those who can speak to both your product and your mission. Lastly, follow up fast. The show opens the door, but post-show outreach closes the deal.”
How we’ll help you stand out at VERTICON 2026
Make no mistake about it.
The aviation industry’s major players are going to descend on Atlanta next March, and there are some game-changing deals to be done for your business.
The question you need to ask yourself is, do you want to:
A) give yourself the best possible chance of closing those deals by having a standout booth with a premium look and feel, or
B) blend into the background?
If your answer is B, best of luck.
But if your answer is A, we’re ready to work with you.
At The Trade Group, we’ve helped businesses like yours bring their products and services to life since 1986.
We don’t just create booths—we create immersive, engaging, storytelling assets that bring your business to life.
Call us today at 800-343-2005 to get the ball rolling.
