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TWO GREAT EVENTS TO CHOOSE FROM:

Canada - Kelowna, BC

WHEN:

October 5–7, 2026

WHERE:

KF CENTRE FOR EXCELLENCE
KELOWNA, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Kelowna Exhibitor Space SOLD OUT! • Kelowna Exhibitor Space SOLD OUT! • Kelowna Exhibitor Space SOLD OUT! • Kelowna Exhibitor Space SOLD OUT! •

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Irving, Texas

WHEN:

November 16–18, 2026

WHERE:

Irving Convention Center
Irving, Texas (Dallas/Fort Worth area)

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Kelowna Exhibitor Space SOLD OUT!

Irving Exhibitor Application Form

CLICK HERE TO VIEW 2025 RECAP

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ABOUT VMRO

Backed by MHM Publishing and Vertical Magazine's deep experience and professional network, the Vertical MRO Conference was born from extensive conversations with helicopter maintenance industry professionals. Rotorcraft MRO is the backbone of the helicopter industry. To stay successful, its members need a way to come together, network, and learn to stay successful.

At the Vertical MRO Conference, attendees receive information on the latest regulations and technologies and methodologies in MRO practices, helping them stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. The conference also includes extensive networking opportunities, access to OEM representatives, training sessions, extensive safety information, and access to students and aspiring professionals for current and future workforce development, all critical needs in rotorcraft MRO.

The Vertical MRO Conference delivers the tools, information, and education rotorcraft MRO professionals need to innovate, grow, and succeed for a price that doesn't break the budget.

2026 Exhibitor and Sponsor Prospectus Now Available!

After two sold-out VMRO conferences in 2025, we anticipate a strong demand for booth space and sponsorship opportunities for 2026.

Due to overwhelming demand and exceptional feedback, VMRO will return to Kelowna, BC and Irving, TX in 2026. Final dates and the full schedule to be announced soon. Get in touch to reserve your spot today!

Kelowna 2026 Exhibitor & Sponsor Prospectus

Irving 2026 Exhibitor & Sponsor Prospectus

Kelowna Exhibitor Space SOLD OUT!

Irving Exhibitor Application Form

WHY ATTEND?

The Vertical MRO conference provides a rotorcraft maintenance-focused environment, allowing MRO professionals to stay informed and up to date on the latest technology, regulations, practices, cost management strategies, and trends. By delivering high-quality, insightful, relevant content that directly addresses the interests and needs of MRO professionals, Vertical MRO helps the rotorcraft maintenance industry succeed.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

The Vertical MRO conference is designed to provide a focused educational and networking environment for the entire rotorcraft maintenance industry. Educational, informative, and insightful opportunities are provided for all maintenance professionals:

MRO Managers
Directors of Maintenance
Maintenance Technicians
Engineers
Purchasing Managers
Directors of Safety

Safety Inspectors
Suppliers
Manufacturers
Regulators
Students, Apprentices, and Aspiring Maintenance Professionals

Discounts are offered for companies sending multiple attendees.

WORKSHOPS

Attend topical workshops addressing subjects critical to MRO professional's success, from tools, techniques, and regulatory changes to new technologies and safety sessions.

EXPERT PANELS

Leaders from across the industry come together to discuss issues facing rotorcraft MRO, changing technologies and regulations, cost saving strategies, safety, AND MORE.

BEST SAFETY PRACTICES

Safety is foremost throughout Vertical MRO. Learn the latest best practices for increased safety and reduced risk throughout your operation in our expert panels, educational sessions, and OEM workshops.

WORKPLACE DEVELOPMENT

Students and aspiring maintenance professionals attend free, giving the MRO industry opportunities to interview, hire, and develop a strong workforce.

SPECIAL GUESTS & SPEAKERS

Vertical MRO brings together the industry's leading MRO leaders and regulatory experts to share the latest information, techniques, and best practices to help attendees succeed and grow.

Here's what attendees said about VMRO Kelowna

“We’ve just attended the inaugural Vertical MRO Conference held in Kelowna BC, and what a success it was. This event really brought the industry together on the MRO side, where we could all take in the maintenance focussed educational sessions, enjoy some impressive presentations, and benefit from valuable networking opportunities. Our industry needed this event, and now we have it!”

Scott Hope

President, Heli Connections Aviation Inc.

“This was probably one of the best conferences I've attended, for our HeliWelder's and the Nampa Helicopters/HeliServices shops, the attendees at this show were exactly who fit our models, especially the attendees that would probably never get the opportunity to go to the VAI or European Rotor shows. Nice to have the newer folks just entering into the industry at this conference who are keen and we can engage them with our passion for this industry and real first hand advice on what awesomeness awaits them. If the schools aren't going to let them know, then we sure will.”

Jasen Gerein

Executive VP of Business Development, Heli-Welders Canada Ltd.

“An amazing and well organized MRO Conference. It's exactly what the helicopter industry needed.”

Brian Thistle

CD, BTech Director - Business Development, Sales & Marketing, VIH Aviation Group

“This was a turning point in our industry. VMRO provided a much needed reset to gather old and new innovators, providers, maintainers, operators in one location to evaluate our industry and its direction. It was an honor to participate and feel the presence of the industry in such a niche, safe, inviting environment. I look forward to the growth and collaboration within our industry for the benefit of us all.”

Joaquin Demoreta

President/Owner, Digital Airware, LLC

“Vertical MRO conference was intimate, it provided lots of opportunity to have conversations, not just so much in aviation but MRO based which is exactly what Cadorath does.”

Cory Cadorath

Director of Business Development, Cadorath

“The Vertical MRO Conference in Kelowna was a great experience for us. Having a conference dedicated to helicopter maintenance allowed us to connect with our current and future customers. The educational sessions that were offered were excellent.”

Sean Smith

AME M1/M2 Chief Operations Officer, Aircraft Maintenance Systems

“I was pleasantly surprised at the great mix of attendees: DOM’s, owners, purchasers, and AME’s. All conversation was meaningful, whether it was a new connection, a chance to touch base with an existing customer or vendor, or an opportunity to meet the maintainers – some of which will be the decision makers of tomorrow. Well worth our time to exhibit.”

Dana Washington

Owner, Select Helicopter Services Ltd.

“VMRO Kelowna provided a great platform to exchange ideas on technical challenges and emerging repair technologies. The discussions on improving rotorcraft maintenance efficiency were both insightful and immediately applicable.”

Brian Bouquillon

Director of Engineering

“VMRO Kelowna did an outstanding job bringing together the rotorcraft MRO community. It was encouraging to see so many leaders committed to collaboration, innovation, and advancing the standards of our industry.”

Seth Hardage

CEO, Rotorcraft Repair & Manufacturing

“What stood out about VMRO Kelowna was the genuine collaboration — from operators to suppliers, everyone was focused on finding real solutions. It was a productive event that turned conversations into opportunities.”

Daniel Gabaldon

VP of Sales & Business Development

“VMRO Kelowna was an incredible opportunity to connect with industry peers and showcase the innovation happening in rotorcraft MRO. The energy and shared commitment to progress made it a standout event.”

Ricardo Quintero

Marketing Manager, Rotorcraft Repair & Manufacturing

Irving, Texas Sponsors

Corporate Sponsor

Show Sponsor

Kelowna, BC Sponsors

Corporate Sponsor

Show Sponsor

Speakers & Panelists

Interested in becoming a presenter or panelist? Click here to learn more.

Michael Benton

President
VyClimb Consulting
Michael Benton is President & CEO of VyClimb Consulting with nearly 30 years in helicopter operations across HEMS, SAR, offshore, and military sectors. He has served as an NTSB party member, a board member for NEMSPA and CAMTS, and specializes in improving organizational culture and leadership.

Trevor Bjorklund

Senior Account Executive
DF Steer Inc.
With a background spanning industries, including 15 years in aviation insurance, Trevor Bjorklund has honed his expertise through managing and expanding client bases with major multinational insurance brokerage firms.

Dr. Kodey Bogart

CEO
KB Aviation Solutions, LLC
Dr. Kodey Bogart is an internationally recognized SMS strategist with over 20 years of aviation experience. She consults with aviation organizations worldwide, helping maintenance and operational leaders integrate SMS into daily decision-making, risk management, and performance improvement.

Mike Broderick

A&P and Owner,
Rotordoc LLC
With 55 years in the rotorcraft industry, Mike Broderick is an A&P mechanic, independent technical consultant, and longtime educator known for his deep expertise in maintenance safety and human factors.

Richard Bryson

Technical Capture Manager
Onboard Systems International
Engineer Richard Bryson has more than 35 years of engineering experience, with the last 10 at Onboard Systems.

Wendell Dunaway

Regional Sales Director MRO Services
PHI Aviation
An FAA-licensed A&P mechanic, Wendell Dunaway is a 30-year helicopter maintenance veteran. His employment experience spans engine and airframe manufacturers, MROs, and operators.

Steve Dutt

Director of Aerospace
Kova Engineering Inc.
Steve Dutt is the Director of the Aerospace Division and Director of the Transport Canada Recognized Training Organization (RTO) at Industrial Inspections and Analysis - Canadian Services (KOVA Engineering). He is a CGSB- and ANST-certified MT and PT Level III inspector and a Transport Canada–licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME), M2.

Brendon Fitzpatrick

Business Development Manager
Onboard Systems International
Brendan Fitzpatrick has worked alongside the Onboard executive team for 19 years helping support customers.

Eric Harris

Principal Consultant
Infinite Success Safety Consulting
A U.S. Air Force veteran, Eric Harris specializes in designing and implementing ICAO-compliant Safety Management Systems and building just-culture environments that encourage open hazard reporting, stronger teamwork, and true organizational resilience.

Mike Kunkel

SMS Program Manager,
PG&E
A veteran helicopter and fixed-wing pilot with over 30 years in aviation, Mike Kunkel is the SMS Program Manager at Pacific Gas & Electric and a recognized expert in safety culture and SMS implementation.

Francois Magnan

Customer Manager
Parker Lord
Francois Magnan has been flying and maintaining helicopters for more than 40 years. He served 27 years with Bell as an engineer in the medium and intermediate helicopter groups, traveling extensively training, delivering briefings, and performing field modifications. He joined Parker Lord in 2014.

Terry Miyauchi

Consultant
TM Consulting
Recently retired from Bell, Terry MiYauchi started flying helicopters in the 1980s with the US Army. His career spans military, government, private, and corporate flying and leadership, from instructor pilot and safety officer to regional aviation manager and commander.

Ronnie Ries

Vice President, Marketing
GPMS
Ronnie Ries is a seasoned aviation marketing and business development leader with deep experience in advanced aerospace technologies and services. He currently serves as vice president of marketing at GPMS, leading global marketing and sales for the company’s Foresight MX Health and Usage Monitoring System.

Anneke Tucker

Consultant
Attain Aviation
Anneke Tucker is an FAA-certificated A&P mechanic with Inspection Authorization (IA) and 23 years of aviation maintenance experience, from the flightline to the front office. She is currently a consultant at Attain Aviation, specializing in Part 145 certification, quality systems, workforce development, and human factors in MRO environments.

Dave Vega

Western Technical Sales Manager
Concord Battery
Dave Vega brings decades of aircraft battery technical and customer support experience working with MROs and repair stations throughout the west.

Ken Wylie

Founder
Archetypal
After decades of living and working in High Potential Consequence (HPC) environments in the mountains and surviving a 2003 avalanche that claimed seven lives, Ken Wylie brings a deeply human lens to hazard management, leadership, navigating adversity, and organizational transformation.

Ray Bennett

Consultant
Proteus Advisors
Raymond B. Bennett is a senior aviation maintenance and engineering executive with more than 40 years of experience leading helicopter and airline maintenance organizations, MROs, and aerospace operations through operational transformation and turnaround.

Michael Benton

Mike Broderick

Richard Bryson

Technical Capture Manager
Onboard Systems International
Engineer Richard Bryson has more than 35 years of engineering experience, with the last 10 at Onboard Systems.

Wendell Dunaway

Steve Dutt

Brendon Fitzpatrick

Business Development Manager
Onboard Systems International
Brendan Fitzpatrick has worked alongside the Onboard executive team for 19 years helping support customers.

Dr. Tania Glenn

President
Tania Glenn and Associates
A licensed clinician with 33 years of experience, Dr. Tania Glenn runs a clinical practice in Central Texas that is focused on promoting resilience and providing critical care to first responders and veterans.

Eric Harris

Jacob Kelderhouse

A&P Mechanic and Aviation Maintenance Manager
USMC
Jacob Kelderhouse is a senior aviation maintenance manager with more than 20 years of experience leading maintenance operations, planning, and workforce execution in safety-critical environments.