VERTICON 2027
Event Date
March 15–18, 2027
Location
Anaheim, CA
Expected Exhibitors
650
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryVERTICON is the world's largest trade show and conference for the vertical aviation industry, produced annually by Vertical Aviation International (VAI). Formerly known as HAI Heli-Expo, it is run by Vertical Aviation International and is billed as the world's largest vertical aviation conference and trade show. The event brings together the breadth of the industry—manufacturers, suppliers, pilots, maintenance technicians, operators, educators, and business and thought leaders—to showcase the latest innovations in helicopters, powered-lift aircraft, and unmanned aircraft systems, as well as the technology, products, and services that support them.
The 2027 edition returns to Anaheim, California. It combines an exhibit floor with education courses, technical briefings, and networking events for the helicopter and vertical aviation industry. Attendees range from helicopter OEMs and operators to MROs, avionics and parts suppliers, training providers, and the emerging advanced air mobility (eVTOL) segment.
VERTICON is worth attending for anyone who flies, fixes, maintains, or supports vertical-capable aircraft. The show lets you connect with hundreds of industry suppliers, develop strategic connections with industry professionals from more than 80 countries, and discover the issues shaping vertical aviation's future through workshops, forums, and main events. Attendees can also earn continuing education credits, including FAA AMT and WINGS program credits, renew inspection authorization certificates, and meet employers at the industry career fair.
Show Highlights
VERTICON packs a full exhibit floor together with an extensive education and networking program. Key features include:
- Show floor with aircraft on display — VERTICON takes over the convention center for four days with indoor exhibits, an outdoor static display of 50+ helicopters (and an emerging eVTOL/electric segment), and an extensive education program covering safety, operations, maintenance, and regulatory topics.
- Major OEMs and the AAM segment — Expect every major helicopter OEM (Bell, Airbus, Leonardo, Sikorsky, Robinson, MD), HEMS operators, oil-and-gas operators, helicopter training centers, and the rapidly growing AAM/eVTOL segment.
- Professional education — VERTICON Elevations professional courses and VERTICON Foundations best-practices sessions delivered in multiple tracks, plus Technical Briefings for IA renewals.
- Career fair — The pilot career fair connects CFIs and graduating helicopter students with operators across HEMS, oil-and-gas, tour, and utility segments.
- Networking events — VAI working group meetings, forums, receptions, and meetups throughout the week.
Attendance
According to VAI's official figures for the most recent edition, VERTICON 2026 drew 12,850 attendees, 684 exhibitors, 80 countries represented, 64 aircraft on display, and 120 education courses and sessions. The organizer markets the event as reaching a global audience, noting attendees come from more than 80 countries. For VERTICON 2027, the organizer projects connecting attendees with 650+ industry suppliers and 15,000 industry professionals from 80+ countries.
Booth Pricing
VAI publishes 2027 exhibit rates by booth type, with discounts for VAI members. Selected VAI member rates: Standard Display $3,700 for each 10'x10' unit; Static Display $4,350 for each 20'x40' unit; Static Display with Standard Display $3,350 for each 20'x40' unit; Pod – Full Occupancy (3 days) $3,700 (no media fee); Pod – Daily Occupancy $1,700 (no media fee). Selected nonmember rates: Standard Display $5,200 for each 10'x10' unit; Static Display $5,850 for each 20'x40' unit; Pod – Full Occupancy (3 days) $5,200 (no media fee); Pod – Daily Occupancy $3,200 (no media fee).
All VERTICON 2027 standard display booths are sold in 10 ft. x 10 ft. (100 sq ft) increments. A required media fee covers lead retrieval, digital profiles, and printed listings. To receive discounted member rates, a company must have active VAI membership with 2025–2026 dues fully paid at the time of application, and must use its emailed booking code to activate member pricing; membership starts at $375/year.
Registration
Attendee registration and exhibit space open on separate schedules. Registration for VERTICON 2027 opens October 27, 2026. For exhibitors, applications for space begin April 27, 2026 for VERTICON 2027, submitted through the official Apply for Space portal. Prospective exhibitors should review the rates, lottery/space-assignment system, and important deadlines on the official Exhibit pages, and can sign up for the VERTICON email list for updated registration details and pass types as they are announced.
History
VERTICON traces its roots to HAI Heli-Expo, the long-running annual show of the Helicopter Association International. HAI began as the California-based Helicopter Council in 1948, supporting six companies in what was then a brand-new industry, and evolved several times over the following 75 years to support the global helicopter industry. HAI officially became Vertical Aviation International (VAI) in 2024, and at the same time the annual HAI Heli-Expo trade show was rebranded as VERTICON.
The first edition of VERTICON, produced by VAI, concluded in 2025 in Dallas, Texas. The 2026 show was held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, and the 2025 show at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. The 2027 show will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California, following the 2026 show in Atlanta.
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Last updated: September 8, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is VERTICON 2027 taking place?
VERTICON 2027 is held March 15–18, 2027 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. It is produced by Vertical Aviation International (VAI), following the 2026 show in Atlanta.
What is VERTICON and who should attend?
VERTICON, formerly HAI Heli-Expo, is the world's largest vertical aviation trade show and conference. It is designed for manufacturers, suppliers, operators, pilots, maintenance technicians, and educators across the helicopter and emerging eVTOL/advanced air mobility industries.
How do I register to attend VERTICON 2027?
Attendee registration for VERTICON 2027 opens October 27, 2026 through the official VERTICON website. You can sign up for the VERTICON email list to be notified of pass types and deadlines.
How much does it cost to exhibit, and how do I apply for booth space?
Applications for exhibit space open April 27, 2026. VAI member rates start at $3,700 per 10'x10' standard display unit, while nonmember standard display units are $5,200 each, plus a required media fee; various island, peninsula, static display, and pod options are also available.
Where should I stay and how do I get to the venue?
VAI's official housing partner is onPeak, which offers discounted rates at Anaheim hotels, many within walking distance of the convention center. The closest airport is John Wayne Airport (SNA), about 14 miles away, and Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) connects area hotels with the convention district.
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