Join us for the only event dedicated exclusively to rotorcraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). Vertical MRO is designed by and for industry professionals looking to enhance their knowledge, explore the latest advancements, gain cutting-edge insights, connect with key rotorcraft maintenance stakeholders, and celebrate rotorcraft maintenance professionals!
Why Attend?
- Expert-Led Education – Gain insights from 25+ industry leaders on topics such as human factors, leadership and management, emerging technologies, component advancements, HUMS, aircraft and engine technical updates and much more. (Full outline of topics will be posted soon!)
- Training & Certification Opportunities – Most sessions are eligible for recurrent training and IA renewal credit.
- Exhibit Hall – Explore the latest products, services, and solutions from top MRO support companies and vendors.
- Networking Opportunities – Build valuable connections with MRO managers, technicians, engineers, vendors, and key decision-makers.
Don't miss this unparalleled opportunity to connect, learn, and shape the future of rotorcraft maintenance.
Agenda
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Registration/Badge Pickup Open
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Wendell gives insight into finding your own niche in aviation maintenance through blending your tribal knowledge, passion, and skill.
Mike shares what’s really involved in creating and implementing a just culture to increase safety and reduce risk.
Explore the maintenance professional’s role and procedures when working with a maintenance test pilot to safely and properly return an aircraft to service.
OEM Technical Update: Bell 206/407/505/429 Product Lines
OEM Technical Update: Pratt & Whitney Product Lines
Anneke illustrates with examples how the Dirty Dozen is causing accidents and how to identify these dangerous human factors in your everyday work.
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Learn practical uses of artificial intelligence in aviation maintenance with current AI tools as well as their limitations for more dynamic training, faster research, clearer technical explanations, and more effective troubleshooting preparation.
OEM Technical Update: Bell 206/407/505/429 Product Lines
OEM Technical Update: Leonardo AW139/169/189
Michael teaches how to avoid the gap in trust between maintenance and operations teams to create safer, more efficient organizations.
Eric shows how safety management systems (SMS) affect maintenance professionals, helping you reduce risk and accidents.
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Dave shows how to best care for and service aircraft batteries to ensure maximum life, safety, and efficiency.
Hands-on: Intro to Bell Mediums
AMEs are in high demand for Bell medium helicopters. Get a strong hands-on introduction to the aircraft with maintenance veteran Howie Murray to learn the basics, what to look out for, and how to transition to maintaining these versatile workhorses.
Using a Norwegian accident, Ray examines how aviation safety is created or eroded across the full maintenance and support chain.
A maintenance veteran, Mike discusses how to use manuals, tribal knowledge, and HUMS for comprehensive maintenance troubleshooting.
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Welcome Reception (Exhibit Hall)
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Registration/Badge Pick-Up Open
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Exhibit Hall Open
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
James Lawrence - the Iron Cowboy - is the only person to complete 50 Ironmans in 50 days across all 50 states - and then raise the bar again with 100 Ironmans in 100 consecutive days.
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
How we nurture culture through supporting individuals on our teams is arguably more important than anything else, as illustrated in this true life tragedy lesson.
OEM Technical Update: Airbus 125/130
OEM Technical Update: Pratt & Whitney Product Lines
OEM Technical Update: Rolls-Royce M250/300
Using a Norwegian accident, Ray examines how aviation safety is created or eroded across the full maintenance and support chain.
Anneke illustrates with examples how the Dirty Dozen is causing accidents and how to identify these dangerous human factors in your everyday work.
A maintenance veteran, Mike discusses how to use manuals, tribal knowledge, and HUMS for comprehensive maintenance troubleshooting.
12:00 PM - 12:15 PM
12:00 PM - 12:15 PM
Dale shares a moving story to emphasize the critical nature of aircraft maintenance, and the serious responsibilities of an aircraft technician.
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
Using real world examples, Tania shares how to recognize stress and provide support for maintenance teams in the wake of aviation accidents.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Lunch
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Steve shows how to use non-destructive testing to discover cracks, corrosion, and defects in critical parts visual inspections can miss.
Brendan and Richard explain how to care for hoists and hooks so they remain reliable, airworthy, and in top condition.
Hands-on: Intro to Bell Mediums
AMEs are in high demand for Bell medium helicopters. Get a strong hands-on introduction to the aircraft with maintenance veteran Howie Murray to learn the basics, what to look out for, and how to transition to maintaining these versatile workhorses.
OEM Technical Update: Airbus H135/145
A culture of control is costing US Companies $300 billion annually. Learn a leadership mentality that bridges multi-generational gaps and moves beyond "policing" to create a culture of ownership that sustains operational and performance excellence.
Jacob shows how artificial intelligence (AI) can work with you to reduce workload, stress, and pressure, making you more efficient and valuable.
Eric shows how safety management systems (SMS) affect maintenance professionals, helping you reduce risk and accidents.
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Wendell gives insight into finding your own niche in aviation maintenance through blending your tribal knowledge, passion, and skill.
OEM Technical Update: Airbus 125/130
OEM Technical Update: Leonardo AW109/119
Panel Discussion: Decoding Tomorrow
Learn practical workflow guidance, mindset tools, and best practices to help you diagnose issues faster, gain the most efficient support from tech reps, and become a more effective troubleshooter.
Michael teaches how to avoid the gap in trust between maintenance and operations teams to create safer, more efficient organizations.
Ronnie examines the top 5 operator challenges impacting maintenance and readiness and how health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS) helps.
7:00 AM - 2:30 PM
7:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Exhibit Hall Open
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Registration/Badge Pick-Up Open
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Remember the passion that drive you toward leadership. Learn how to rekindle it and fan the flames throughout your career.
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
Elastomeric components are often removed prematurely. Learn about their construction, function, and how to maintain them to achieve maximum life.
Mike shares what’s really involved in creating and implementing a just culture to increase safety and reduce risk.
OEM Technical Update: Pratt & Whitney Product Lines
Panel Discussion
Using a Norwegian accident, Ray examines how aviation safety is created or eroded across the full maintenance and support chain.
This session explores the human factors that contribute to maintenance errors and strategies to manage them, especially at the end of the day when focus can wane and fatigue can set in.
Jacob shows how artificial intelligence (AI) can work with you to reduce workload, stress, and pressure, making you more efficient and valuable.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Ensuring team readiness is just as important as airworthiness in your aircraft. Learn how a fatigue risk management plan (FRPM) and its tools help reduce risk and increase safety culture on the shop floor and in the field.
Wendell gives insight into finding your own niche in aviation maintenance through blending your tribal knowledge, passion, and skill.
Hands On: Track & Balance Best Practices
OEM Technical Update: Bell 206/407/505/429 Product Lines
Panel Discussion: VY: Maximizing The Climb
Safran Engines Technical Update
A maintenance veteran, Mike discusses how to use manuals, tribal knowledge, and HUMS for comprehensive maintenance troubleshooting.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch
Panel Discussion: The Next-Gen MRO Leader
Presenters
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.
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.
Engineer Richard Bryson has more than 35 years of engineering experience, with the last 10 at Onboard Systems.
Brendan Fitzpatrick has worked alongside the Onboard executive team for 19 years helping support customers.
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.
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.
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.
Dave Vega brings decades of aircraft battery technical and customer support experience working with MROs and repair stations throughout the west.
No records found.
More...
Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL CONFERENCE INFORMATION
- When and where is the event being held?The Vertical MRO Conference will be held at the Irving Convention Center in Irving, TX on Monday, November 16th through Wednesday, November 18th.
- Is parking available at the event venue?Parking is available at the Irving Convention Center covered parking decks. Cost is $15.00 per car, per day.
- Which airport should I fly in to?Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is the closest airport to the Irving Convention Center (approximately 7 miles). Or you may fly into Dallas Love Field (DAL), which is approximately 12 miles from the Irving Convention Center.
- What are the Exhibit Hall hours?The exhibit hall will be open on Monday, November 16th and Wednesday, November 18th from 8:00am-9:30am; 12:30pm-2:00pm and 4:15pm-6:15pm.
- Who should attend this event?This event is designed specifically for the rotorcraft maintenance industry.- MRO Managers- Directors of Maintenance- Maintenance Technicians (AMEs)- Purchasing Managers- Directors of Safety- Suppliers- Manufacturers- Regulators- Students/Apprentices and Aspiring Maintenance Professionals
- Will there be Wi-Fi available?Yes, complimentary wi-fi will be available at the Irving Convention Center. All log-in credentials will be provided in the conference app.
- Is the venue wheelchair accessible?Yes, the Irving Convention Center is wheelchair accessible. The facility has a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restrooms, telephones and drinking fountains. They offer ramp access and sidewalk curb cut-outs. The center is also ADA compliant.
- Can I get credit for Recurrent Training or IA Renewal by attending this event?Recurrent training credit and IA Renewal credit will be available at this conference. Your attendance at eligible sessions will be recorded and a Letter of Certification will be provided post-conference that you may submit to your company’s Training Manager or the FAA.
- When will I get my Letter of Certification?Letters of Certification will be emailed to you within two months of the event.
- How will I receive my Letter of Certification?Your Letter of Certification will be emailed to you.
REGISTRATION
- What is the registration cost and what does that include?Registration to attend this conference is $399.00. This includes access to all education sessions, panel discussions and networking events. Continental breakfast and lunch is also included on Tuesday and Wednesday.For companies with 10+ attendees, the registration fee drops to $299.00 per person.Because we went to encourage maintenance students and apprentices to attend, there is no charge for their registration.
- After completing the registration, will I receive an email confirmation?YES- you will receive a registration confirmation email upon completing registration.
- What is the cancellation/refund policy for event registration?If for some reason you need to cancel your registration, please email Madison Reyno at madison.reyno@mhmpub.com by August 7, 2026, to receive a full refund minus a $20.00 processing fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after August 7th.You may substitute a co-worker if you are unable to attend the conference. Please contact Madison Reyno at madison.reyno@mhmpub.com for assistance.
- If I am unable to attend the event, can someone substitute for me?Yes, if you are unable to attend the event, we can substitute a co-worker. Please contact Madison Reyno at madison.reyno@mhmpub.com for assistance.
- What type of payment is accepted for registration?We accept VISA and Mastercard for credit card purchases.
- Will I receive a paid receipt for online registrations?YES- you will receive a receipt via email after you have completed payment for registration.
- How secure are my credit card details?All transactions are secured and processed through Authorize.net. No billing information is stored on any of our servers or shared with 3rd parties.
- I can’t pay by credit card; is there an alternate payment method?Please contact Madison Reyno at madison.reyno@mhmpub.com for alternative payment methods.
- Can I make changes to my attendee registration and/or review my registration information?Yes - Once you've registered you will receive an email confirmation which includes links to view and modify your registration details, personal info, contact methods and sessions you wish to attend.
- Are there group discounts available if we have more than one person who wants to register for an event?For companies who have more than ten (10) attendees, the registration cost drops to $299.00 per person if registered before August 6th.
- Is there a student/apprentice rate?YES…maintenance students and apprentices can register at no charge. If you are a maintenance student or apprentice, please contact Madison Reyno at madison.reyno@mhmpub.com for a code to use when registering.
- Can I register on-site?Capacity at the Irving Convention Center is limited. Registration on-site will only be available if the event is not sold out.
- Where do I pick up my conference badge?Upon entering the Irving Convention Center, you can take the elevator or escalators up to the 4th level. Check-In/Registration Desks are located on the 4th level in the Pre-function Area. The Check-In/Registration area will be open to pick up your conference badge, along with a bag of goodies as follows:- Monday November 16th - 1:00pm-5:00pm- Tuesday November 17th - 8:00am-5:00pm- Wednesday November 18th - 8:00am-3:00pm
- I have special accessibility needs/dietary requirements; can you accommodate me?YES, we can accommodate most accessibility needs and dietary requirements. Please provide details about your requirements in the specified space in registration. We will reach out to you to discuss and find a way to accommodate.
- Are the meals included?Yes, a continental breakfast is available in the exhibit area on Tuesday and Wednesday. Lunch will be provided on Tuesday and Wednesday. Refreshments will be available at the Opening Reception and in the exhibit hall each afternoon.
- What identification or information do I need to bring?Please bring along your registration confirmation email with QR Code pick up your conference badge/registration bag.
CONFERENCE APP
- Is there a conference app?YES-there is a conference app. Instructions on how to download the app are included on the registration site. You will also receive an email in the weeks leading up to the conference with instructions on how to download the app.
- How do I access/log-in/download the conference app?A link to download the Eventleaf Event Guide app is included in your registration confirmation email. You can also access links to download the app directly from the Eventleaf VMRO Conference page.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS/TRAVEL
- Is there a recommended hotel where I should book my reservations?The Westin Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas is offering a limited number of rooms at a conference rate of US$254.00/night, plus applicable taxes for conference attendees. This rate is significantly less than the advertised rate on the hotel website. Please book your hotel reservation before October 23,2026 in order to secure this rate. After this date, the rate will no longer be guaranteed. (NOTE: Parking is US$15.00/night – self park) Click here to book now.
Rooms are also available at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Convention Center – Las Colinas at a rate of US$139.00/night, plus applicable taxes for conference attendees. This rate includes complimentary breakfast, complimentary standard in-room internet access and complimentary parking. Click here to book now. - Is transportation between the hotel and event provided?The Westin is located across from the conference center. Transportation is not provided from the Holiday Inn.
- Is there a charge for parking at the hotel?The hotel charges $15.00USD/night for parking and is complimentary at the Holiday Inn.
MISCELLANEOUS
- Can I bring my spouse and children to the reception?All events during the conference are for registered attendees only.
- Is there a dress code for the event?Feel free to dress comfortably for the conference. If you have a shirt with your company’s logo, wear it – we’d love to see all of the companies represented at the conference!
- How do I request special meals or let you know about accessibility requirements.We can accommodate most accessibility needs and dietary requirements. Please provide details about your requirements in the specified space in registration. We will reach out to you to discuss and find a way to accommodate.
- Who should I speak to about sponsorship opportunities?Please contact Madison Reyno at madison.reyno@mhmpub.com if you are interested in becoming a sponsor or exhibitor at this conference.
- If I have questions, whom should I call?If you have any questions please contact Madison Reyno at madison.reyno@mhmpub.com
