Aerospace Week Showcases Oklahoma’s Soaring Industry with Statewide Celebrations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OKLAHOMA—The Oklahoma City Innovation District (OKCID) and Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) wrapped up a dynamic and successful second annual Aerospace Week, celebrating Oklahoma’s thriving aerospace, aviation, and defense industries with a wide range of programs and community events across the state.
Photo of child playing with drones at Innovation Hall’s Community Night
Aerospace Week gave OKCID a great chance to showcase the newly opened Innovation Hall, hosting both the kickoff networking happy hour and a popular Community Night. The closing event drew 100+ guests for trivia, STEAM activities, and a movie, highlighting the community’s growing interest in aerospace careers and technology.
In addition to community programming, Innovation Hall served as a hub for industry events. A National Defense Symposium, held by Oklahoma Aerospace and Defense Innovation Institute (OADII) at the University of Oklahoma, drew discussions on aerospace technology and national security, while the UAS Forum ‘Skyward Connections’ provided insights by a panel of experts into the future of unmanned systems in Oklahoma
Photo of AERO Oklahoma, Courtesy of Tinker AFB
At the State Capitol, ODAA’s AERO Oklahoma gathered 1,200+ visitors and 50+ organizations to showcase aerospace projects and careers. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce's ACES hosted its annual career fair at Rose State, connecting job seekers of all levels.
Events reached beyond the metro, with Lawton’s Central Middle School hosting STEAM activities at FISTA Park for 175 students, the Oklahoma Airport Operators Association holding their annual conference of 60+ exhibitors at the Shangri-La Resort in Afton, and the Stafford Air & Space Museum in Weatherford offering discounted admission all week.
"The renewed interest in Oklahoma's aerospace industry, which is the state's second-largest economic sector, has led to an increase in public and private partnerships. Because Aviation is for everyone, we hope to engage new audiences, constituencies, and workforces. We are proud of every individual, company, public official, and innovator contributing to the growth of a stronger aerospace and defense sector."
—Sandra Shelton, Director of Government Relations, Industry Development, and Communications
Aerospace Week 2025 was made possible through a partnership with ODAA and additional support from sponsors including Oklahoma ACES, OSU OAIRE, and Boeing.
Mark your calendars for Aerospace Week 2026, returning March 30–April 3! Until then, explore events, resources, and ways to get involved at www.okcinnovation.com.
The Emerging Aerospace Symposium and Drone Show, hosted by OSU’s Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education (OAIRE) has been rescheduled to May 6th.
OKCID’s Student Aero Day, featuring career talks and interactive STEAM activities for 80 Millwood freshmen at Innovation Hall, has been rescheduled for May 9th.
Media Contact:
Emma Anderson, Marketing Manager
Oklahoma City Innovation District
emma.anderson@okcinnovation.com
734-756-5943
