Two-day gathering planned for September 29-30, 2017

Women in Aviation International has announced this year’s Connect event in Dayton, Ohio, on September 29-30, 2017. The two-day, Friday and Saturday gathering will be held at the Marriott Hotel at the University of Dayton and begins with a tour of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park sites, including Hawthorn Hill, the Wright family mansion; Carillon Historical Park; Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center and the Wright Cycle Company; and the Huffman-Prairie Flying Field, the location of Wright Brothers’ test flights. 

The tour of the Dayton aviation sites will be followed by a tour of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Dayton Connect activities begin with a reception and book signing to meet authors Timothy Gaffney (The Dayton Flight Factory); Nancy Roe Pimm (The Jerrie Mock Story); and Sarah Rickman who has written two books about the WASP.

Speakers for Saturday, September 30 include Dawn Dewey, head of special collections & archives at Wright State University; General Ellen Pawlikowski (invited), commander, Air Force Materiel Command, WPAFB, Ohio; Margaret Soda, vice president of human resources, PSA Airlines; Sharon Rossmark, founder of Women and Drones; and Patty Wagner, air show performer. Girls’ robotic teams from area schools will also put on a demonstration.

“Dayton offers attendees an opportunity to take a deep dive into Wright Brothers history and learn about future technologies in aviation,” said Women in Aviation International President Dr. Peggy Chabrian. “We have a full agenda planned to make this a fun and educational two days.”

Attendees can purchase an entire conference packet or select individual events and meals. WAI Dayton Connect is open to WAI members and non-members alike, this event does not feature an exhibit hall or Fast Pass meetings. To register and book your hotel room, please visit https://www.wai.org/wai-connect-dayton.