Mobile, Ala. — Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis today announced that the City of Mobile will host the inaugural Gulf Coast Aerospace & Defense Summit (GCADS) on May 25–27, 2027, at the Mobile Convention Center, bringing together aerospace and defense manufacturers, suppliers, buyers, and industry leaders from across the country and around the world.

Organized by Advanced Business Events, with Airbus as a platinum sponsor, the summit is built around a structured business-to-business meeting program. The program includes an exhibition, networking opportunities, and a conference exploring issues shaping aerospace and defense manufacturing and supply chains.

“Mobile is where aerospace is built on the Gulf Coast, and the Gulf Coast Aerospace & Defense Summit puts that story on a global stage,” Mayor Cheriogotis said. “This event will bring decision-makers to our city, open doors for local suppliers and workers, and show the world why Mobile is the right place to grow an aerospace and defense business.”

Mobile was selected for its central position in one of the fastest-growing aerospace and defense ecosystems in the United States. The city is home to Airbus’ U.S. final assembly line and sits at the center of a broader Gulf Coast aerospace corridor that includes RTX in Baldwin County and additional major original equipment manufacturers, defense contractors, tier one suppliers, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers, and advanced technology companies.

The summit is designed for companies across the aerospace and defense supply chain, including OEMs and prime contractors, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, procurement and supply chain teams, manufacturers and engineering firms, MRO and aftermarket providers, technology and cybersecurity innovators, defense and government stakeholders, and economic development organizations. Exhibitors will represent capabilities ranging from aerostructures, composites, and precision machining to avionics, automation, workforce training, and logistics.

Registration for attendees and exhibitors is now open. For more information, visit gulfcoastadsummit.com.