(FLOWOOD, Miss.) – The Aerospace and Defense Alliance of Mississippi (ADAM), in partnership with the Mississippi Enterprise for Technology (MSET), is pleased to announce the 2026 Mississippi Aerospace and Defense Symposium (MADS), scheduled for September 2–4, 2026, in the Jackson Metro area at the Sheraton Flowood The Refuge Hotel & Conference Center in Flowood, Mississippi. Jackson State University (JSU) will serve as the Featured Academic Co-Host for the 2026 symposium.
Building on the strong momentum from previous symposiums — including the highly successful 2024 gathering in Oxford and the impactful 2025 event in Biloxi — MADS 2026 will once again convene leaders from industry, government, academia, and the defense community to strengthen collaboration, innovation, and economic growth across Mississippi’s aerospace and defense ecosystem.
“The Mississippi Aerospace and Defense Symposium has become the premier platform to connect thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and public-sector partners in ways that are shaping the future of this industry in our state,” said Sara Doss, Executive Director of the Aerospace and Defense Alliance of Mississippi.
The 2026 Mississippi Aerospace and Defense Symposium will offer a dynamic program designed to advance dialogue around defense and space priorities, highlight emerging technologies and applied research, and intentionally convene leaders across industry, academia, and government. Through high-level discussions, collaborative exchanges, and structured networking opportunities, MADS 2026 will serve as a critical forum for connection, partnership development, and workforce alignment.
With Jackson State University as the Featured Academic Co-Host, the symposium will also spotlight JSU’s nationally recognized research strengths in areas such as aerospace and propulsion systems, autonomous platforms, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, advanced materials, and federal mission support—reinforcing the university’s role as a key contributor to mission-critical defense, space, and homeland security initiatives. Together, these efforts will continue to support business growth, talent development, and innovation across Mississippi’s aerospace and defense ecosystem.
“As we continue to strengthen the ties between academia, industry, and federal partners, MADS serves as a powerful conduit for innovation, talent cultivation, and economic impact,” said Davis Pace, President and CEO of MSET.
“Mississippi has a highly collaborative network of aerospace and defense industry leaders, and Jackson State University is proud to contribute to the network and demonstrate our academic and research capabilities, innovative thinking and successful Air Force Reserve officer training,” said Almesha Campbell, Ph.D., JSU’s vice president of research and economic development. “MADS provides an immersive chance for our students, faculty and staff to further learn and contribute to the advancements happening in our state and region.”
Additional details regarding the agenda, registration, and sponsorship opportunities for MADS 2026 will be released in the coming months at msaerodefense.org. For media inquiries or partnership information, contact Sara Doss at 662-574-2929 or sara@mset.org.
About the Aerospace and Defense Alliance of Mississippi
The Aerospace and Defense Alliance of Mississippi (ADAM) is a statewide industry-led organization dedicated to advancing Mississippi’s aerospace, defense, and national security sectors. ADAM serves as a unifying voice for industry, academia, government, and community partners by fostering collaboration, supporting workforce development, promoting innovation, and strengthening the state’s competitive position in global aerospace and defense markets.
About MSET
The Mississippi Enterprise for Technology (MSET) is a public-private partnership committed to empowering economic growth and innovation within Mississippi’s aerospace, defense, and technology sectors. Leveraging strong relationships with federal installations, research universities, and industry leaders, MSET catalyzes collaboration and opportunity that benefit the state and its partners.