Nuclear power, quantum technology, and data centers are among the topics planned for discussion at the I-90 Aerospace+ Corridor Conference & Expo this month.

The Northwest I-90 Manufacturing Alliance and Coeur d’Alene Economic Development Corp. will hold their 11th conference at the Coeur d’Alene Resort on May 26 and 27. The event is designed for aerospace and other advanced manufacturers along the Interstate 90 corridor in Washington, North Idaho, and Montana to network and collaborate, says Mark Norton, executive director of Northwest I-90 Manufacturing Alliance.

Norton is expecting over 250 attendees from manufacturing, aerospace, biotech, and other advanced technology companies to attend the conference.

This year, delegations from outside the region are also expected to attend, including from Calgary, Alberta-based ConvergXCon15 Inc., which does business as ConvergeX, that will be attending to network and discuss manufacturing initiatives available to North America as a whole, Norton adds.

Delegations from the Bozeman, Montana-based Montana Photonics & Quantum Alliance, and Tri-Cities-based Clean Energy Supplier Alliance will be in attendance as well, Norton says. 

Companies including Seattle-based The Boeing Co.; Advanced Thermoplastic Composites Inc., of Post Falls; Proto Technologies Inc., of Liberty Lake; Thompson Precision Inc., of Kalispell, Montana; and more will set up booths and exhibits in the resort’s expo hall, adds Norton.

Students also have an opportunity to experience the conference. In a continuation from last year's event, around 100 students from Spokane and North Idaho high schools will visit North Idaho College’s robotics lab for manufacturing and engineering career exploration opportunities provided by the conference. Students will have a chance to view presentations about career options in robotics, mechanics, electronics, and other STEM industries. Transportation and lunch will be provided, says Norton.

The conference and expo event are expected to increase awareness of the region’s manufacturing cluster to attract new companies and more workers here.

“If you were to combine all of Eastern Washington, our economic impact is 5% of what the Puget Sound is," Norton says. "If you can bring together a whole region, then you have more of a voice to be able to effect some change.”