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Frequently Asked Questions


Conference Program

Due to the rising costs of food and the vast number of no-shows in the past, the Pioneer Hall of Fame Ceremony & Celebration Dinner will now come at an additional fee for those who wish to attend. While WAI will still be underwriting a significant portion of the cost for this event, the fee will ensure that we plan for the accurate number of people attending and reduce wasted food and expenses. This event will be a very special celebration to honor the new inductees into the Pioneer Hall of Fame. We hope you will join us as we celebrate the heroes of our industry!
Keep an eye on the website at WAI.org/giad for Girls in Aviation Day Savannah details and registration information.

The Call for Presentations for WAI2027 Savannah is now closed.

Please keep an eye on WAI.org for the Call for Presenters WAI2028 submission link in May 2027.

All members that are also members of their local chapter are invited to attend both the Chapter Leadership Workshop and the Chapter Connect Receptions, however you must register for both. If you are a member of a local chapter, you should see both of these options within your registration under the “Expand Your Experience” section. If you missed it the first time, you can go back and add these to your registration by following these steps:

  1. Go to the Attendee Service Center
  2. Log in using your e-mail address from your WAI membership record.
  3. Next to your name, click “edit.” This will take you back through your entire registration.
  4. Continue to click through, adding the event(s) you would like to attend.
  5. Re-complete your registration as the prompts indicate and then submit payment (if necessary). You will get another emailed confirmation with your edits.
The Scholarship Celebration will take place during the Friday afternoon General Session and will be open to everyone. To find out more, keep an eye on WAI.org for WAI2027 special events details.
Professional Development Seminars are 4-hour, in-depth experiences on a specific topic that take place just prior to the conference. The fee includes hands-on learning, light refreshments, and a certificate of completion. Seating is limited to maintain quality and engagement. To find out more about the Professional Development Seminars we are offering this year, please visit WAI.org for more information as details become available.
No. Unfortunately, due to the very expensive cost of food and beverage, we are unable to offer meals for our attendees as part of the registration fee. If we were to do this, it would drive our fees up much higher and prohibit many from attending.

Hotel

Yes. Additional hotel blocks are expected to be released in September 2026. Please note that transportation to and from the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa will not be provided from additional hotel properties.

Onsite Services

The Savannah Convention Center is located on Hutchinson Island, just across the Savannah River from downtown. The Savannah Belles Ferry provides free service between the Savannah Convention Center dock and River Street in downtown Savannah, and the city will be adding more runs just for WAI during peak hours. The ferry runs regularly and is a fun and easy way to explore downtown during your stay.

Additionally, there will be shuttle service at or near all of the official conference hotels.  We will be posting a map with full transportation information on the Travel tab.

A mothers room for nursing parents will be available onsite. Location details will be shared in the conference app and printed Conference Connect that is distributed at check-in.
Business or business casual attire is appropriate for most events. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended. Pioneer Hall of Fame Celebration Dinner: Cocktail/business formal or military dress. Tours: For most tours casual attire with comfortable walking shoes.
WAI will capture photos and video during the event for use in promotional materials, including print, digital, and the WAI website. By attending, you grant WAI permission to use your image, voice, or likeness without compensation. All media becomes the property of WAI and may be used for any purpose. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact comms@wai.org.

Many of the airlines have their own sign up on their websites to schedule a meeting with them. If they are not listed, they have not provided us with that information at this time. Once the sign up becomes available it will be located on our conference website on the Meet & Greets tab. They have not yet communicated with us how they plan to schedule meetings for 2027. Check with them regularly to see if they have more information.

To take part in the airline interviews you MUST be registered for the conference for the day you plan to attend.

Onsite registration hours are listed on the Schedule at a Glance - you can print your badge during the listing times.

Registration

Yes. A valid conference registration is required to be onsite and participate in any meet & greets, hiring briefings, or industry briefings. If you only plan to attend for one day, a One Day registration is available. Please note that a current WAI membership is required to purchase a One Day registration.

To receive the member rate, your WAI membership must be active through the dates of the conference. If your membership expires before the event, you will need to renew early to qualify for the member discount.

To renew your membership, click here.

In the past we have received an FAA Approval Letter. We will share updates on this for WAI2027 as information becomes available.

Yes. WAI has many wonderful members that choose to pay for a select number of student registrations each year. Each year there are student members who need financial support to attend the conference.  More information, as well as the link to the application, can be found HERE.  Additional things to keep in mind:

  • The Student Sponsorship would cover your registration for the conference. Unfortunately, WAI is unable to cover travel expenses.
  • There are no guarantees that we will be able to find enough sponsors to fill all the requests that we receive each year, but we will sure try!
  • Some universities as well as some of our local chapters are also able to offer financial support for our conference — we encourage you to check with them as well to see if they may have other options for you.
Unfortunately, WAI is unable to offer financial assistance to volunteers. If you need support, we recommend checking with your local WAI chapter, as some offer scholarships or funding — especially for students.

If you are a current Student Member, you may apply for student registration assistance - information is listed HERE. Please keep in mind:

  • Submitting a form does not guarantee assistance.
  • Assistance covers conference registration onlytravel expenses are not included.
  • Some universities and WAI chapters may also offer support — please check with them directly.
Yes, members in good standing of Women in Aviation International may request a Letter of Invitation during the conference registration process. The letter will be issued after your registration payment is received.
If your visa is rejected, or if you are unable to get an interview in time for travel to the conference, you may request a refund by providing the official rejection letter or other official proof of denial to WAI. Please note, WAI is unable to assist with requesting expedited interviews or reviews. Please email your request and documentation to: EventsTeam@wai.org
Please note: International refunds can take up to 4 weeks to credit back to your credit card.
Yes! If you are seeking support from your employer to attend the conference, WAI has created a customizable Justification Letter to help you make your case. Click here to download the letter.

When filling out the justification form or speaking with your employer, consider these strategies:
  • Highlight the ROI: Explain what specific knowledge, skills, or connections you will bring back that benefit your role and organization.
  • Offer to share what you learn: Propose giving a presentation or summary to your team after the conference.
  • Connect the conference to your goals: Show how attending supports your professional development and aligns with your department's or company's objectives.

To add items to your registration:

  1. Locate your registration confirmation email.
  2. Click the Attendee Service Center link and log in using your badge number from your WAI2027 conference registration confirmation email.
  3. Click Continue at the bottom of each page until you reach the section with the item you want to add.
  4. Select the item and continue to the payment page.
  5. Complete payment to finalize your update.
Yes, men are absolutely welcome! Women in Aviation International (WAI) is open to anyone with an interest in aviation and aerospace. This includes our male allies and advocates — who make up approximately 15% of our membership and actively support our mission every day. We envision a world where the sky is open to all, and aviation and aerospace dreams are possible without barriers — and we know we can only accomplish this dream TOGETHER!

Refunds: Refunds are available through February 11, 2027, minus a $75 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after this date. If you are unable to attend after the refund cut-off date, you have the option to donate your conference fees to WAI as a charitable donation or transfer your registration.

Transfers: If you cannot attend, you may transfer your registration by emailing EventsTeam@wai.org. Transfer fees are as follows:

  • Through February 11, 2027: Free
  • February 12–18, 2027: $50 fee
  • February 19–24, 2027: $75 fee
  • No transfers accepted after February 24, 2027

Tour Tickets: Must be purchased in advance and are non-refundable.

Travel Delays: This policy applies even in cases of flight delays, flight cancellations, or other travel disruptions beyond the control of the registrant and WAI.

Please note: International refunds can take up to 4 weeks to credit back to your credit card.

No, donated tickets will not be available this year. However, students can purchase their own ticket at a significantly reduced rate during registration.
If you have a group of 10 or more attendees that would like to register with a single payment, please email us at EventsTeam@wai.org and we would be happy to assist you.
Yes! You can support a student by purchasing a student registration fee — even if you are not attending HERE.

Yes, you may transfer your registration to another person, provided they qualify for a registration rate that is equal to or lower than the one you paid.

For example, if you registered at the member rate, your registration can be transferred to another member or student member. However, we cannot refund any difference in cost. If the person receiving the transfer qualifies only for a higher rate, they will be responsible for paying the difference.

To request a transfer, please email EventsTeam@wai.org. Transfer fees and deadlines are as follows:

  • Through February 11, 2027: Free
  • February 12–18, 2027: $50 fee
  • February 19–24, 2027: $75 fee
  • No transfers accepted after February 24, 2027

No, pre-registration is not required for sessions. All General Sessions, Education Sessions, Special Sessions, and Chapter Sessions are open to all attendees and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

If there is a session you are especially interested in, we recommend arriving at least 15 minutes early to secure a seat.

Yes! Non-members are welcome to register.

However, we strongly encourage becoming a WAI member. An individual annual membership is just $59, and members receive a $100 discount on conference registration — so you will actually save money by joining! Plus, you will gain access to all the valuable benefits of WAI membership throughout the year.

Please note: Student Discounts and One-Day passes are available exclusively to WAI members.

Anyone that registers for the conference is able to sign up to volunteer. When you are going through the registration process, you will see a question that asks if you are interested in volunteering — simply select YES and our Volunteer coordinators will reach out to you with the next steps!

If you have already completed your registration and would like to volunteer, follow the steps below:

  1. Go to the Attendee Service Center
  2. Enter your badge number (which can be found on your registration confirmation email) to log in.
  3. Click on Volunteer Service Center.
  4. Choose what sessions or events you would like to volunteer at during this year's conference.
The conference program is designed for adults and those students who are serious about pursuing a career in aviation. Minors (those under 18) are permitted to attend, however they will be required to submit a waiver signed by a legal guardian to complete their registration. If you are under 18, you will see an option to print and complete the waiver and then upload it at the time you register or later. Note: your registration will not be confirmed until the waiver is received and approved by WAI.
If you are 15 or under, a guardian or chaperone will be required. A chaperone registration is available at a reduced rate. Please contact us at eventsteam@wai.org.

Please note that for safety and liability reasons, absolutely no one under the age of 16 will be permitted into the Exhibit Hall during set-up and tear-down hours.
We can help you with that. Please contact us and provide the name of the minor that you will be accompanying. Note that they must already be registered and paid before we can approve a chaperone registration.

Future Dates


WAI Store

WAI2028 - February 24–26 - Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville, Tennessee

WAI2029 - March 22–24 - Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, Denver, Colorado (Aurora)

WAI2030 - March 14–16 - Marriott Orlando World Center, Orlando, Florida

WAI2031 - March 13–15 - Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, Denver, Colorado (Aurora)

WAI2032 - March 18–20 - Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, Washington D.C.

WAI2033 - March 10–12 - Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, Denver, Colorado (Aurora)

WAI2034 - March 23–25 - Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, Washington D.C.