Designed Exclusively for Oklahoma’s Aviation, Aeronautics & Aerospace Professionals and Industry Leaders
In conjunction with Oklahoma Aviation and Aerospace Day and National Aviation Day, Crowe Dunlevy is pleased to announce the inaugural Tulsa event of our Aviation Leaders in Oklahoma Flight & Technology, or “ALOFT” initiative, an industry-focused forum highlighting the strength and future of our state’s aviation, aerospace, and unmanned systems ecosystem.
The ALOFT initiative brings together industry executives, innovators, academic partners, policymakers, and economic development leaders to discuss trends shaping Oklahoma’s aviation future – including workforce, technology innovation, advanced air mobility, and emerging UAS applications.
“Crowe Dunlevy has created ALOFT to serve as a relationship-building conduit for aviation, aeronautics, and aerospace professional across the state,” said Crowe Dunlevy’s Bob Kalsu, a shareholder and director in the firm’s Oklahoma City office and chair of the firm’s Aviation & Commercial Space practice.
A little background on the aviation industry in the state of Oklahoma:
- The aerospace and defense sector is Oklahoma’s second largest and fastest-growing industry, generating approximately $44 billion in annual economic activity and supporting over 206,000 jobs statewide across aviation, aerospace, and related services.
- Specifically, as of the 2024–2025 data, this industry supports 206,000 jobs with a combined payroll of around $11.7 billion.
- In Greater Oklahoma City, there are 338 aviation and aerospace companies employing over 45,500 people directly.
- Tulsa has a concentration of aerospace jobs within its city limits, particularly near Tulsa International Airport and the Aerospace Industrial Park. Tulsa’s aerospace cluster supports tens of thousands of jobs, with companies spanning engineering, manufacturing, maintenance, and R&D. Many small- to mid-sized aerospace suppliers, drone startups, and defense contractors are concentrated in northeast Tulsa near the airport and industrial corridors.
“The continued growth and enthusiasm surrounding the aviation, aeronautics, and aerospace industries in Oklahoma reflect a real need for trusted, local forums where industry leaders can learn from one another,” said Crowe Dunlevy’s John Eix, the firm’s Director of Business Development & Marketing. “These events are about building relationships, sharing experiences, and strengthening Oklahoma’s vibrant aviation, aeronautics aerospace communities.”
The ALOFT initiative hosts two events a year – one in Oklahoma City and one in Tulsa. The inaugural Oklahoma City event took place on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Innovation Hall. The inaugural Tulsa event is scheduled for Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Gradient.
For the full agenda, visit the event page below.
https://www.crowedunlevy.com/events/2026-aloft-seminar-tulsa/
Invitations for the event are scheduled to go out next week, on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
“The most effective innovation comes from collaboration,” said Crowe Dunlevy’s Adam W, Childers, the firm’s President & CEO. “ALOFT will bring together aviation, aeronautics, and aerospace leaders who understand the value of sharing insights and learning from peers facing similar challenges – all while building collaborative relationship that will be the industries, the companies and the state.”
If aviation, aeronautics, and aerospace leaders in Oklahoma would like to be included in invitations for upcoming events and/or member activities, please contact John Eix at john.eix@crowedunlevy.com or 918.592.9803.
