I had a fantastic first day at the Forum 81 in Virginia Beach yesterday. VFS has long been one of my favorite conferences, and this year's event has been packed with brilliant prototypes, groundbreaking technologies, and forward-thinking ideas from across the vertical lift community. Every year, I walk away amazed by the rapid progress we're all making—not just for the DoD, but for commercial applications as well.

This year, 2025, was a bit quieter than usual due to government travel restrictions, but it gave me the unique opportunity to bring my family along and provide them with a glimpse into what “dad does.” Watching my kids (ages 10, 12, and 16) explore the booths was a highlight. Their questions evolved from “Can I have this candy?” to “What does this drone do?”—a shift that made the experience even more rewarding. In fact, I think I might have learned more than they did.

Here are a few takeaways I wanted to share:

1. Engineers: Know Your Audience and Own Your Brilliance

The technology on display is nothing short of extraordinary. But even the most revolutionary innovations can be lost on an audience without context. Explaining “sub-layer delamination detection in carbon composites using ultrasound” is technically accurate, but the real magic is in helping others understand that you're preventing unseen aircraft flaws that could cost lives. That’s powerful. Own that impact (If you're not sure how to do that, I suggest trying to explain it like you’re talking to a 10-year-old occasionally!!!)

2. Peer Inspiration Is Real and Underrated

One of the best moments was watching my 16-year-old speak with a group of young engineers from Case Western University who were the winners of a recent design competition. Their “multi-rotor unmanned system for large liquid payload delivery” quickly turned from an almost incomprehensible technical discussion into a real-world conversation about using drones to fight wildfires. The engineers weren’t much older than my son, but they inspired him to think differently about how he could use STEM to solve real-world problems.

3. Purpose and Passion Are Contagious

I want to send many thanks to Dr. Natasha Schatzman from NASA Ames for taking 20 minutes to speak with my daughters. They may not have known what acoustic testing was before, but they left knowing that anyone can become a “Dr.” in fields beyond medicine—and that NASA is working on ultra-quiet rotor technology. Most importantly, they saw what it looks like to love your work and pursue science with purpose. Because of her passion, they left inspired, curious, and wanting to learn more.

4. VFS: A Platform for the Future

The Vertical Flight Society understands that our future depends on the next generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators. This forum shouldn’t necessarily be just for professionals—it’s potentially a powerful stage for inspiring young minds. I’d love to see more families and future STEM leaders welcomed into this community.  The exhibits are a glimpse into our future, and the innovation is inspirational.

To everyone at VFS and the incredible participants, thank you for another unforgettable experience. And to my fellow attendees: maybe consider bringing your family next year. You might be surprised at what they teach you!