AIAA Pacific Northwest Section

Tech Symposium 2026 Recap

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by

Chelsea Johnson
in , ,
AIAA PNW Tech Symposium — Thank You & Recap
✅ 18th Annual Tech Symposium Recap · Thank You, PNW Aerospace Community
AIAA Pacific Northwest

AIAA Pacific Northwest Section · 18th Annual Tech Symposium

What a
Success!

The 2026 Tech Symposium exceeded expectations!

Last month the Pacific Northwest aerospace community came together for a truly remarkable day at the Museum of Flight. The 18th Annual AIAA PNW Tech Symposium brought together researchers, engineers, students, and industry leaders for a full day of cutting-edge talks, meaningful connections, and shared passion for the future of flight. Thank you to everyone who made it possible — and to every attendee who showed up.

20
Technical
Presentations
125
Attendees
6
Generous
Sponsors
1
Incredible
Community

Our Sponsors

Thank You, Sponsors!

Individual Sponsors

John Somerville  ·  Richard Wendt

Moments from the Day

By the Numbers & In the Moment

Wide shot of the full audience during the keynote session

The main hall packed with attendees for the opening keynote address by Dr. Dimitri Mavris

Keynote speaker at the podium or presentation screen Attendees talking and networking between sessions

Left: Jaydee Dyess delivers the closing keynote · Right: Connections forming between sessions

Olympia High School students presenting their NASA HUNCH projects

Olympia High School students showcasing their NASA HUNCH projects

Evening networking reception with appetizers and beverages Attendees exploring the Museum of Flight exhibit floor among the aircraft

Left: Evening reception · Right: Exploring the Museum of Flight

AIAA PNW Council and volunteer team group photo
Student networking event — students and professionals mingling
Q&A session — audience member asking a question or panel discussion

Top: Tech Symposium team (Tim Vinopal not pictured) · Middle: Student–professional networking · Bottom: Q&A in action

What Made It Special

Highlights from the Day

🎤
20 World-Class Presentations
From supersonic low-speed configurations to VTOL propulsion, lunar regolith, radiation-hardened spacecraft, aerospace electrification, and orbital compute — the breadth of technical depth on display was extraordinary.
🚀
Olympia HS students Wowed with NASA HUNCH Projects
Olympia High School students delivered impressive presentations on their NASA HUNCH projects, reminding seasoned attendees why we do this work, and inspiring all to think creatively about space engineering solutions.
🤝
Connections Formed and Reinforced
The student-professional networking event, hallway conversations, and evening reception brought together engineers from Boeing, Blue Origin, Amazon, NASA, startups, and universities — old friendships renewed, new ones ignited.
✈️
An Unforgettable Venue
The Museum of Flight never gets old as a backdrop. Attendees explored iconic aircraft between sessions, adding a sense of history and wonder to an already inspiring day.
🌲
The PNW Aerospace Community Is Thriving
Year after year, this event is a reminder of just how vibrant, talented, and collaborative our regional aerospace community is. The energy in the room was palpable from the first session to the final toast at the evening reception.

Be Part of What Comes Next

Want to Help Build
Next Year’s Event?

Join the AIAA PNW Council or Tech Symposium Team

Events like this don’t happen by accident — they’re built by a small, dedicated group of volunteers who care deeply about the PNW aerospace community. If Symposium inspired you, we’d love to have you on the team for 2026–2027.

🏛️
Council Roles
Section officers and council volunteers including Chair, Vice Chair, Communications, Young Professionals, STEM Outreach, Membership, and more.
🛠️
Symposium Team
Help plan, organize, and run the 19th Annual Tech Symposium — logistics, speakers, sponsorships, student programs, and everything in between.
Yes — I Want to Get Involved →
Form takes about 2 minutes · Time commitment: Approx. 4–6 hrs/month, 1 year of service

AIAA Pacific Northwest Section · pnwaiaa.org
Museum of Flight · 9404 E Marginal Way S, Seattle, WA 98108

Questions? Email communications@pnwaiaa.org