Are There More AAM Events Than Air Taxis in the Market?

The Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector is generating significant buzz in the aviation world. Even before the industry is fully operational—without engines running or wheels on the ground—there has been a surge in events. But are there more AAM events than actual air taxis? Surprisingly, the answer might be yes. AAM events, or those integrating AAM into larger aviation gatherings, are already monetizing. In fact, beyond AAM, I’ve been hearing more and more that people are growing tired of even the major industry events simply because there are too many.

Beyond AAM or aviation events, there are also numerous invite-only and government-level events that companies are keen to attend, as they provide valuable access to regulators and investors.

What’s interesting is that, while many of these events target similar audiences, some manage to reach untapped contacts. The question becomes: How do you connect the right people? When organizing an event, you’re not simply selling a product with an immediate ROI. You’re selling a vision — the idea that participants might meet the investor they’ve been searching for or gain significant brand exposure. While this promise can sometimes materialize, it's often left to chance. Some events see companies partnering, but that outcome is never guaranteed.

The aviation industry is vast, yet we often encounter the same familiar faces year after year. AAM, as a subset of aviation, is even smaller, with fewer players and tighter budgets. So, how many events can these companies realistically attend or sponsor in a given year? And how often do we see major updates? Perhaps three or four milestones annually. So, it’s not surprising when the same people gather at events, only to leave thinking, "This could have been an email."

As someone who believes in the success of every stakeholder in this industry — be it consultants, air taxis, vertiports, airports, airlines, or events — it’s essential to ensure that AAM events serve a genuine purpose. In an industry filled with uncertainty, we must be careful not to overwhelm people with events that feel redundant. Creating and selling events without considering client needs is a flawed approach. Understanding the 'why' behind each event is crucial: Is it for industry recognition, showcasing capability, or simply to make money? If your primary goal is to make money, you'll miss the opportunity to meet attendees' true needs.

As the AAM sector continues to generate significant buzz, the proliferation of industry events has become a notable trend. However, as air taxis transition from concept to operational status, companies may reallocate their marketing budgets toward direct business-to-consumer strategies. This shift could impact the event industry, as funds previously dedicated to event participation and sponsorships are redirected to initiatives aimed at public recognition and acceptance.

In the early stages, event participation serves as a vital platform for networking, brand exposure, and stakeholder engagement. Yet, as companies establish their operational presence and seek to attract a broader customer base, the focus may shift toward marketing strategies that directly engage consumers. This transition could lead to a reduction in event-related expenditures, potentially affecting the sustainability of certain events that rely on industry funding.

It's important to note that while the initial operational revenues are often allocated to investors, labor, and maintenance, the strategic reallocation of marketing budgets toward consumer-focused initiatives could influence the dynamics of the event industry. This shift underscores the need for event organizers to adapt and offer value propositions that align with the evolving priorities of AAM companies.

That being said, there are several AAM events (or those integrating AAM into existing aviation events) that I believe are worth attending. Some of these I’ve attended personally, while others I’ve heard valuable feedback about from trusted sources. These include the Paris Air Show AAM Conference, Dubai Airshow AAM Conference, DriftX, and K-UAM Confex.

One event I’m curious about is the upcoming Future Mobility Forum, launched by RTA and hosted by the World Governments Summit (WGS) in collaboration with UP Summit.I also have insider knowledge about two upcoming AAM events that I trust will make waves in the industry. I’m confident their success will be recognized soon.

What are your thoughts on the AAM event landscape? Do you think the industry is being flooded with too many events, or are they a necessary part of building connections and momentum?