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MAC2024

The Rockford area is home to the sixth largest aerospace cluster in the nation, and Intersect Illinois is looking forward to building on this thriving industry at the Midwest Aerospace Conference (MAC2024) on Oct. 17, hosted by the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC). Attendees at MAC2024 will gain industry insights on topics including building the supply chain, workforce development, and sustainable aviation fuel from renowned speakers. The conference also includes interactive breakout sessions and networking opportunities with leaders, peers, and exhibitors.

Join us to discover the latest innovations and solutions in aerospace, and why Illinois is the best place for your aerospace business by registering here (and stop by booth #3!) 

Why Illinois for Aerospace? 

  • Strategic Location: Illinois is centrally located in the United States, providing easy access to major markets and transportation hubs, including Chicago O’Hare International Airport—ranked #1 most connected airport in the U.S. by Official Aviation Guide. Additionally, Rockford International Airport ranks among the top in the country for air cargo.
  • Robust Workforce: The state boasts a highly skilled workforce, supported by strong educational institutions like the University of Illinois, and various community colleges such as Rock Valley College and Southwestern Illinois College, that offer aerospace engineering programs. Illinois also has 69,000 biofuel manufacturing experts ready to help accelerate your production efforts.
  • Industry Presence: Many major aerospace companies have operations in Illinois, including Northrop Grumman and Raytheon, creating a strong ecosystem of manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers.
  • Government Support: The state government actively supports the aerospace sector through initiatives aimed at promoting research, development, and investment in the industry, notably the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Tax Incentive.
  • Infrastructure: Illinois has a well-developed infrastructure, including transportation networks and facilities that support aerospace manufacturing and logistics.

Connect With Us

Will you or someone you know be at MAC this year? Let’s connect! We’d love to share more about what we do, and what we can do for you.    

Not attending MAC2024 but still interested in learning more about how growing your business in Illinois can benefit your company? Contact us today.