Story ID: 
Vertical Flight Society Moves Annual Show Online
By: Charles Alcock
Caption: The Vertical Flight Society saw its membership rise during 2020 and has announced a new partnership with the U.S. Army to support skills training. 
Word Count: 235
The Vertical Flight Society (VFS) will hold its 77th Annual Forum & Technology Display as a virtual event from May 10 to 14. The trade show had been planned as a hybrid in-person/virtual event to be staged in West Palm Beach, Florida, from May 11 to 13.

Announcing the change of plan on January 25, the VFS said it resulted from ongoing concern over high rates of Covid-19 infection. The expanded online program is intended to allow more time for more technical presentations and to accommodate participation by attendees based in other time zones, such as Europe.

During 2020, the VFS grew its membership by 15 percent to include a total of 137 companies. Last year, 36 new corporate members joined the U.S.-based group, which has doubled its membership base over the past five years.

In addition to focusing on the rotorcraft sector, the VFS has been an energetic advocate for the development of new eVTOL aircraft and the wider advanced air mobility (AAM) concept. This week, the group is holding its 8th Annual Electric VTOL Symposium.

Separately, the U.S. Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command has enlisted the support of the VFS and the Army Research Laboratory to encourage education and skills development to support eVTOL and AAM technology. The VFS is already closely involved in the U.S. Air Force’s Agility Prime initiative in the same sector.