Featured Co-Host for the 2027 Mississippi Aerospace & Defense Symposium
Issued by: Aerospace & Defense Alliance of Mississippi (ADAM) & Mississippi Enterprise for Technology (MSET)
Issued on: January 13, 2026
Proposal Deadline: May 1, 2026
Introduction
The Aerospace & Defense Alliance of Mississippi (ADAM) is seeking proposals from Mississippi communities, universities, regional organizations, or consortiums interested in serving as the Featured Co-Host for the upcoming 2027 Mississippi Aerospace & Defense Symposium.
This premier annual event convenes federal, state, and industry leaders to advance Mississippi’s role in the aerospace and defense sectors, highlight technological innovation, and strengthen statewide partnerships.
The selected Featured Co-Host will work in collaboration with ADAM and MSET to plan, promote, and execute a successful statewide program that supports economic growth, industry engagement, and workforce development.
Goals of the Symposium
- Showcase Mississippi’s aerospace, defense, and space capabilities
- Highlight regional assets, research strengths, and workforce pipelines
- Facilitate strategic engagement between government, industry, and academia
- Strengthen Mississippi’s position as a national leader in aerospace and defense
- Provide statewide visibility for the hosting community or institution
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:
- Mississippi municipalities, counties, or local economic development organizations
- Universities, colleges, or research institutions
- Regional coalitions, alliances, or airport authorities
- Public-private partnerships demonstrating strong local support
Applicants may apply individually or as a consortium.
Featured Co-Host Responsibilities
Selected Co-Host will collaborate closely with ADAM and MSET on:
Event Planning & Coordination
- Provide venue options suitable for general sessions, breakout rooms, exhibits, and receptions
- Assist with securing event space, on-site logistics, and regional support partners
- Coordinate local transportation, tours, or facility visits (if applicable)
Program Development
- Work with ADAM and MSET to identify speakers, panelists, and local assets to highlight
- Recommend regional or university-based content (research centers, labs, industry partners, etc.)
Marketing & Promotion
- Promote the Symposium through local networks, institutions, and partners
- Support statewide outreach to ensure robust attendance
Community & Industry Engagement
- Engage local aerospace/defense companies, workforce partners, and elected officials
- Highlight unique regional strengths (facilities, programs, innovation assets)
Resource Support
- Provide in-kind or financial support where possible (venue discounts, staffing, volunteers, etc.)
- Designate a staff lead to coordinate with ADAM and MSET on planning and execution
ADAM and MSET Responsibilities
ADAM and MSET will:
- Lead overall event strategy, program agenda, and statewide marketing
- Manage registration, sponsorships, and financial operations
- Provide design and communications support
- Secure major speakers, federal partners, and industry leaders
- Work closely with the Featured Co-Host to ensure event success
Proposal Requirements
Proposals should include the following sections:
- Applicant Information
- Primary organization(s)
- Key contact person and contact information
- Statement of Interest
- Why your community/institution wants to co-host
- How the event aligns with regional strengths or strategic priorities
- Facilities & Infrastructure
- Proposed venue(s)
- Meeting space capacities
- Nearby hotels and transportation options
- Optional: tour/demo opportunities (labs, manufacturing, test sites, research centers)
- Regional or Institutional Strengths
- Aerospace/defense capabilities
- University research assets
- Workforce programs
- Local companies or collaborators
- Proposed Support
- In-kind contributions (venue, AV, volunteers, etc.)
- Financial support (if available)
- Staffing and planning resources
- Additional Information
- Any unique value-add your community or institution offers
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Alignment with Symposium goals
- Strength of regional or institutional aerospace/defense assets
- Quality and suitability of facilities and logistics
- Level of commitment and resource availability
- Ability to attract participation from industry, academia, and government
- Demonstrated partnership capability with ADAM
Submission Instructions
Proposals must be submitted electronically as a single PDF to:
info@msaerodefense.org
Deadline: May 1, 2026
Questions may be directed to:
Sara Doss, Executive Director
Aerospace & Defense Alliance of Mississippi
sara@mset.org
662-574-2929
Timeline
- RFP Released: January 13, 2026
- Deadline for Questions: April 1, 2026
- Proposal Submission Deadline: May 1, 2026
- Selection Announcement: June 1, 2026
- Target Event Date: Late Summer/Early Fall 2027
Additional Notes
ADAM and MSET reserve the right to request additional information, negotiate elements of proposals, or determine the best location based on statewide strategic priorities.