The KF Centre for Excellence welcomed the return of the Vertical MRO Conference, bringing together helicopter maintenance professionals, operators, manufacturers and industry leaders from across the rotorcraft sector in North America.
The Vertical MRO Conference returned to the KF Centre for Excellence in Kelowna, B.C., October 5–7, 2026, welcoming more than 600 attendees and over 60 exhibitors for three days of technical education, innovation and industry connections.
Organized by MHM Publishing, the team behind Vertical Magazine, the conference focuses on the people, technology and expertise that keep helicopters flying safely.
Advancing the Rotorcraft Industry
This year’s conference featured expert-led presentations, technical training, panel discussions and networking opportunities for helicopter maintenance professionals, operators, manufacturers, suppliers and industry leaders.
Topics ranged from emerging maintenance technologies and aviation safety to leadership, workforce development and the future of the rotorcraft industry.
A welcome addition this year was the introduction of more presentations directly in the hangar, with historic warplanes as the backdrop. Attendees used colour-coded headphones tuned to individual presenters, allowing multiple educational sessions to take place simultaneously without competing noise. The innovative format made excellent use of the KF Centre’s space, expanding the conference’s educational presentations.
A Shared Passion for Aviation
It was a pleasure to welcome the Reyno family and MHM Publishing team back to the KF Centre. As a family-run organization, their passion and the relationships they’ve built throughout the rotorcraft industry are a big part of what makes Vertical MRO such a special event.
We were pleased to have had the opportunity to join The Hangar Z Podcast during the conference, with the KF Centre Executive Director, Chris Lapointe and Chief Aircraft Mechanic Engineer, D’Arcy Barker, sharing more about the Centre and its connection to the aviation community. We look forward to sharing the episode when it’s released.
Welcoming Vertical MRO back to the KF Centre for a second year was a wonderful opportunity to bring the rotorcraft community together in a space dedicated to aviation, education and industry collaboration.
From the technical presentations and bustling exhibition floor to the helicopters arriving outside our hangar doors, it was an exciting three days at the Centre.
Congratulations to the Reyno family and the entire MHM Publishing team on another successful conference. Thank you for choosing the KF Centre as your venue, and to all the exhibitors, speakers, sponsors and attendees who made this year’s event such a success.
We look forward to welcoming you back!
