Rolls-Royce LDC, Derby
Join us for the next MAA Annual Conference at Rolls-Royce Learning and Development Centre, Derby.
The MAA Conference – which takes place on 17 March - is renowned for being a great opportunity to hear from leading industry experts from the Midlands and beyond so you can grow your business in aerospace.
The theme of this year's conference is:
"Business growth opportunities in civil aerospace, defence:
getting the manufacturing supply chain ready"
To make sure you have a seat at this important event, book your place today (scroll to bottom of page!).
The venue
Rolls-Royce Learning and Development Centre, Derby.
Draft Agenda
08:00 Registration, refreshments, networking
09:00 Welcome to MAA Conference 2026
Sam Buckton, Chair, Midlands Aerospace Alliance and Vice President, Proxima, Dr Andrew Mair, Chief Executive, MAA
Session 1: THE BIG PICTURE, THE OPPORTUNITY IN CIVIL AEROSPACE
Richard Aboulafia, Managing Director, AeroDynamic Advisory
- Richard will deliver a keynote exploring the forces currently shaping the global aerospace and defence landscape. He will examine the latest developments in commercial aviation markets, evolving industry conditions, and the risks and pressures facing aerospace manufacturers and supply chains in the years ahead.
Andy Mitchell, Technical Lead (Hot End) – R&T Demonstrators, Rolls-Royce
- Andy will be talking about how the Ultrafan engine is a generational opportunity.
Nour Eid, Head of Strategy, Aerospace Technology Institute
- Nour will be looking at the future of the UK aerospace sector from a technology perspective, sharing the ATI’s views on the opportunities and challenges that face the UK sector over the next decade.
10:45 Break, refreshments, networking
11:15 Session 2: THE OPPORTUNITY IN DEFENCE AEROSPACE
Chris Pett, Supply Chain Director, Future Combat Air Systems, BAE Systems
- Chris will share an update on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), focusing on progress to date, the evolving industry landscape, the establishment of Edgewing, and the vital role and readiness of the supply chain in driving programme success.
John Mc Cague - Programme Manager, Moog Military Aircraft Group
- John will give an overview of the current trends shaping the Military Aerospace market, followed by a deeper dive into various aspects of the MV‑75 (FLRAA) programme.
James Thomas, Director of Quality, Rachel Davies, Supply Chain Strategy Lead, Safran Actuation UK
- James and Rachel will be discussing entry into emerging military markets, the main compliance regulation requirements, and how suppliers can prepare.
Tim Richmond, Chair, East Midlands Regional Defence and Security Council, Dr Daniel Symes, Head of Business for Advanced Manufacturing and Defence at the University of Nottingham
- Tim and Dan will present the East Midlands RDSC, its links with other RDSCs as part of the MoD’s initiatives to expand community, business and academia’s involvement and support for defence; focusing on innovation, defence primes, the supply chain and improving SME access to defence market opportunities.
12:45 Lunch and networking
13:45 Session 3: THE MANUFACTURING SUPPLY CHAIN: WORKING TOGETHER TO MAXIMISE THE POTENTIAL
Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands
- Claire will be joining MAA Chief Executive, Andrew Mair for a ‘fireside chat.’ She will be setting out her vision for aerospace, her takeaways from visiting aerospace companies in the region, and sharing where all of this fits in the region’s ambitions.
Warren Gee, Vice President Business Development, Rolls-Royce
- Warren is the Chair of the Aerospace Growth Partnership's Manufacturing and Supply Chain Working Group. He will be talking about the AGP’s work to develop the UK aerospace supply chain.
Deborah Robinson, Director, Procurement Transformation, Rolls-Royce
- Deborah will be setting out how procurement is being transformed at Rolls-Royce to be resilient for future opportunities.
Midlands Aerospace Alliance Team
- The MAA team will be explaining MAA initiatives to support members to develop their capability and capacity to take full advantage of the business opportunities ahead.
Richard Aboulafia
- Richard will return to the stage to summarise lessons learned from the day and his key takeaways for the manufacturing supply chain.
15:45 Conference closes
Our confirmed keynote speakers
Chris Pett, Supply Chain Director, Future Combat Air Systems, BAE Systems
Click here for Chris's bio.
Deborah Robinson, Director, Procurement Transformation, Rolls-Royce
Click here for Deborah's bio.
Tim Richmond OBE TD DL, Co-Chair, East Midlands Regional Defence and Security Cluster
Click here for Tim's bio.
Dr Daniel Symes, Head of Business for Advanced Manufacturing and Defence, University of Nottingham
Click here for Daniel's bio.
Registration rates for 2026
| First participant | Additional participants | |
| MAA member company | £330 | £240 |
| Member of partner organisation (ADS, AWF, FAC, NWAA, WEAF) | £390 | £300 |
| Non-member organisation | £450 | £450 |
All prices are subject to VAT at the current rate.
Click here to see if you are members of the MAA.
Our event partners
(To see the partnership opportunities that were available for this event click here.)
Photos of the 2024 conference at this venue
Book your place now!
