New Members Breakfast

Welcome to the WAI2025 conference! As new members, you're at the heart of our vibrant community. This year, we’re excited to offer you exclusive opportunities to engage with industry leaders, attend tailored workshops, and network with fellow innovators. Take full advantage of these special events designed to help you make valuable connections and deepen your involvement in our field. We're thrilled to have you with us and look forward to seeing you thrive!

New Members Breakfast will be held on Thursday, March 27 at 7:15—8:45 a.m. This is an invitation only event for members who have joined WAI for the first time April 2024 - March 2025.

Opening Night Reception

Join us at the Opening Night Welcome Reception, where you’ll have the chance to kick off WAI2025 with fellow new members and established professionals. It’s the perfect opportunity to make your first connections, and get a feel for the exciting events ahead. We can’t wait to meet you and start this journey together!

Opening Night Reception will be held on Thursday, March 27 at 4:30—6 p.m.

Scholarship Recognition Breakfast

Scholarship winners and funders are invited to join us for the Scholarship Recognition Breakfast, a special event celebrating the achievements of our scholarship recipients and offering a unique opportunity to connect with rising stars in the field. It’s a great chance to network, share insights, and be inspired by the innovative work of your peers. 

Scholarship Recognition Breakfast will be held on Friday, March 28 at 7:15—8:45 a.m. It is an invitation only event.

Aviation Networking Night

Don’t miss the Aviation Networking Night, where you can connect with industry leaders, peers, and enthusiasts in a relaxed, informal setting. It’s the ideal opportunity to build meaningful connections, exchange ideas, and expand your professional network. We’re excited to see you there and help you make the most of this vibrant community!

Aviation Networking Night will be held on Thursday, March 27 starting at 6 p.m. These events will be held all over the conference site.

Interested in hosting an Aviation Networking Night event for YOUR Aviation family?  Please reach out to Christy Bares, director of conferences and events with your request at cbares@wai.org.

Meeting Space Cost Information

Meeting Space Request Form

Pioneer Hall of Fame

Join us at the Pioneer Hall of Fame event to celebrate and honor the trailblazers who have shaped the aviation industry. It’s a unique chance to be inspired by their achievements, connect with fellow attendees, and gain insights from some of the most influential figures in the field. We look forward to sharing this memorable experience with you!

Pioneer Hall of Fame Ceremony & Celebration Dinner will be held on Friday, March 28 from 6:30—8:30 p.m. This event is a registration required event with an additional fee.

International Member Reception

If you are one of our members joining us from outside the United States, we invite you to join us at the International Member Reception, where you’ll have the chance to connect with professionals from around the globe in a lively and welcoming atmosphere. This event is perfect for expanding your international network and sharing insights with peers from diverse backgrounds. 

 International Reception will be held on Thursday, March 27 from 6—7 p.m. Please be sure to select it within registration if you will be attending.

Jazz with Wings Hangar Dance

Get ready to unwind and have fun at the Hangar Dance! This lively event offers a unique setting to socialize, dance, and enjoy great music with fellow attendees. It’s a fantastic way to relax, build connections, and create lasting memories. We can’t wait to see you there!

This year's Jazz with Wings Hangar Dance will be immediately proceeding the Pioneer Hall of Fame Ceremony and Celebration Dinner starting at 8:30—10 p.m.

Be A Mentor. Find A Mentor.

 In these challenging times, mentorship can play a key role in keeping you connected. This forum will offer guidance on how to make the most of WAI's Mentor Connect program. Industry mentors and mentees in various career stages will share their pro tips for creating and making the most of mentor/mentee relationships and offer advice on their experiences to help you navigate your mentor network.

This session will be held on Thursday, March 27 from 11 a.m.—noon.

Aerospace Educators Workshop

Presented by FAA AVED Team
With a predicted shortage of skilled employees for the growing number of aerospace jobs, it is important we develop programs that inspire students to pursue aviation careers. Join us in this interactive workshop where we will share with attendees simple, hands-on activities that can be brought into the classroom to teach aviation STEM skills.

This session will be held on Thursday, March 27 from 1—4 p.m.

Networking 101 For Students

This session provides pro tips for students preparing to enter full-time employment, as well as guidance for young professionals navigating the workplace.

This session will be held on Friday, March 28 from 3:45—5:15 p.m.