Innovation & Ingenuity was the theme of the 2024 event, and many speakers discussed space and workforce opportunities.
The I-90 Aerospace Corridor Conference & Expo is an annual manufacturing conference held at the Coeur d’Alene Resort after Memorial Day. Mark Norton, executive director of NIMA Alliance, and the Coeur d’Alene Economic Development Council (CDA EDC) host the conference. Both groups, along with sponsors, are proud to bring this high-quality event to the region. The event provides networking, trade show opportunities, and new industry content.
Norton said, “Eastern Washington and North Idaho are showing exponential growth in manufacturing for aerospace, space, biotech, and energy management. The conference is a great venue to tell the story of the collaboration between industry, public, and private sectors fueling this boom.”
This year, newcomer John Davenport, owner of CpK Metrology of Redmond, Washington, came to the conference to show off his metrology equipment. Davenport also brought two business-related suppliers – a machine rep from LK Metrology, Inc. and a metrology software rep from Prolink. Davenport said he came to the event to “bring CpK Metrology’s expertise to a broader market. Exciting things are happening in the aerospace and medical industries in the greater Spokane region that CpK Metrology can help grow.”
His reaction to the conference was that it was a friendly and collaborative community of manufacturers working in the education sector. He added, “It’s a real model for a successful future.”
Norton observed “great engagement in the trade show and networking events.” He said that most companies return year over year, which “tells me that we provide value.”
The 2024 event launched with space topics. First, astrobiologist and aspiring Mars traveler Alyssa Carson spoke about dreaming about space and its potential. At 23 years old, Carson speaks four languages and is completing a Doctor of Philosophy degree at the University of Arkansas. Carson spoke to both the professional and adult groups as a keynote and a student group about fulfilling your dreams and career planning.
Following Carson was Stan Shull of Alliance Velocity and Space Northwest. Shull is an expert on commercial space endeavors and spoke in depth about the Washington State Space Ecosystem. He shared about companies in spacecraft and components, space transportation, satellites for telecom and data, software services, and other enabling products and services for the space industry. Shull said there are many open positions in the industry, and the audience was enthralled by the opportunities he presented.
Richard McCauley of Mazak discussed Factories of the Future on the conference’s second day. Cody James of Universal Robots spoke about Transforming Manufacturing with Collaborative Robots, another forward-looking topic. Both future-focused topics were popular. Another engaging speaker was Dr. Ed Schweitzer of Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, who discussed the Energy of Free Enterprise. As a successful entrepreneur, Schweitzer had many personal examples and insights from his long career.
Jacob Bonwell of ATC Manufacturing and AAMMC Tech Hub was on hand to talk about the Next Generation of Aircraft Manufacturing. The audience was engaged, as the grant to help the regional workforce may impact many aerospace suppliers in the short term.
Regarding workforce development, Davenport said, “It is always exciting to be part of a community that knows the value of growing the industry from the ground up. Teach our kids in school how to make things. Teach them young and watch them develop the next new technologies that make the impossible a reality.”
Norton observed as an event host and emcee, “Several people mentioned that we are their favorite event of the year — partly due to a less hectic pace in our area. When I observe conversations, I see that people really take time to engage with each other. I think that is unique to our region and the event.”
The popular golf event was a great success this year. We had 28 players, which is a record turnout. We played 18 beautiful holes at the CDA resort. Ability level is very broad from beginners to experienced golfers. Golf is such an excellent way to connect with a few people on a more personal level. Novation Inc. sponsored a lunch and drinks on the deck overlooking the lake afterwards. Next year we hope to get even more participants to join us in this great event!
While the 2024 Conference of Innovation & Ingenuity is over, another great conference will return next year. This conference is marked by consistently returning exhibitors and new vendors each year, like John Davenport. The region is growing, and there is a lot of opportunity. See you at the Coeur d’Alene Resort next year for new and timely topics and much-needed networking.
