Expand Your Experience
There's no better place to be inspired, share your enthusiasm, and connect with others who share your passion for the aviation industry.
Authors Connect
Each year, WAI supports authors through the Authors Connect booth at the annual conference. Complete the application at the link below to participate in Dallas, Texas. The primary criterium for participation is that your book(s) feature, and/or support the advancement of, women in aviation and aerospace. The deadline to apply is December 15, 2025.
Approved authors can expect a 60-90-minute signing time published in conference print and online media, and for your books to be on display and available for purchase in the Authors Connect bookshop throughout the conference at no charge to you. You are responsible for shipping or carrying books to and from the conference site. Once approved to participate, you will be required to be a WAI member in good standing through March 2026. The deadline to renew should your membership expire prior to that date is Friday, January 16, 2026. This will also ensure that your name/book title are able to be included in the Q1 2026 Aviation for Women magazine and on the WAI2026 website. You can expect complimentary access to the Authors Connect booth and exhibit hall, and a discounted rate to attend education sessions, but will need to pay for any add-on events (Tours, Pioneer Hall of Fame Celebration Dinner, etc.)
Mind. Body. Spirit
Experience our wellness activities designed to refresh and rejuvenate you throughout the conference.
You can add Mind. Body. Spirit classes when you register for the conference. Already registered, but want to attend a class? Go to the Attendee Service Center to add it to your registration!
Space is limited, so sign up today!
Schedule:
Sound Bath & Mindfulness | Thursday, March 19 | 7 - 7:45 a.m. | $15
Yoga | Thursday, March 19 | 7 - 7:45 a.m. | $15
Self Defense | Thursday, March 19 | 12:30 - 1:15 p.m. | $10
Self Defense | Friday, March 20 | 7 - 7:45 a.m. | $10
Sound Bath & Mindfulness | Friday, March 20 | noon - 12:45 p.m. | $15
Zumba | Saturday, March 21 | 7 - 7:45 a.m. | $10
Sound Bath & Mindfulness
Thursday, March 19 | 7—7:45 a.m.
Friday, March 20 | noon—12:45 p.m.
Additional fee of $15. Registration required. Yoga mats will be provided.
Led by WAI Member Irene Lopez, a 45-minute full-body meditation in shavasana, immersing you in deep, resonant sound vibrations.
Yoga
Thursday, March 19 | 7—7:45 a.m.
Additional fee of $15. Registration required. Yoga mats will be provided.
Aviation-Themed Yoga with Eileen Simoneau: All Levels Welcome
Stretch, strengthen, and de-stress with mindful movement and aeronautical flair! This accessible class welcomes beginners and seasoned yogis alike.
- Explore “aeronautical asanas” with Eileen’s uplifting guidance
- Boost energy, calm your mind, and connect with your body
- Door prizes from Chart It All—yoga gear and accessories!
Leave feeling better than when you arrived—grounded, energized, and ready for takeoff.
Self Defense
Thursday, March 19 | 12:30—1:15 p.m.
Friday, March 20 | 7—7:45 a.m.
Additional fee $10. Registration required.
Empowerment Through Awareness: A Self-Defense Workshop
Build real-world confidence and personal safety skills in this 45-minute hands-on session for women. Based on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu principles, you’ll learn how to use technique—not strength—to recognize, avoid, and escape common threats.
Led by certified Women Empowered instructor and Lockheed Martin Associate Fellow Jennifer Klenka, the workshop covers:
- The Four Phases of an Attack by a Stranger
- Key pre-attack indicators
- Simple, effective verbal and physical defense tactics
No experience needed. Wear comfortable clothes and athletic shoes. The session ends with a brief Q&A to address your questions and real-life concerns.
Come as you are—leave stronger, more aware, and empowered.
Zumba
Saturday, March 21 | 7—7:45 a.m.
Additional fee $10. Registration required.
Zumba with Liv: All Levels Welcome
Start your day with energy and empowerment! Join Olivia Lisbon Stancil, WAI staff member and certified Zumba instructor, for a high-energy workout that blends Latin and global rhythms with easy-to-follow dance moves.
• Full-body fun for all fitness levels
• Uplifting music, infectious enthusiasm, and feel-good vibes
• Just bring your water bottle and get ready to dance!
Smile, sweat, and kick off your day feeling strong and inspired.
Tours
Explore and experience the best of WAI2025 with our guided local tours! Discover behind-the-scenes looks at cutting-edge facilities, meet industry leaders, and gain firsthand insights into groundbreaking innovations. These tours offer a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge and connect with fellow attendees in an engaging setting.
You can add a Tour when you register for the conference. Already registered, but want to add a Tour? Go to the Attendee Service Center to add it to your registration!
Line Dancing Lessons at Billy Bobs & Ft. Worth Stockyards
Wednesday, March 18 | 1—5:30 p.m.
Additional fee of $89. Registration required. Government Photo ID required.
Get ready for a true Texas adventure at Billy Bob’s, the world’s largest honky tonk, located in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards!
🕺 Enjoy a 1-hour professional line dancing lesson
🍹 Explore dozens of bars, live music, bull riding, and a legendary dance floor
🐂 Don’t miss the 4 p.m. longhorn cattle drive through the heart of the Stockyards
Schedule:
- 1:00 p.m. – Bus departs hotel
- 2:00 p.m. – Line dancing class begins
- 4:30 p.m. – Bus returns to hotel
Dress casually and wear comfortable shoes. Lunch is on your own—grab a bite before departure or enjoy local eats after the class.
American Airlines
Wednesday, March 18 | 8:30 a.m.—3 p.m.
Registration Required. Government Photo ID required.
Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Robert L. Crandall Campus & DWH Hangar 5
Join us for a guided tour of two key American Airlines facilities:
✈️ Robert L. Crandall Campus – Opened in 2019, this collaborative hub features 8.3 miles of walking/biking paths, 3,000 newly planted trees, and 90 acres of preserved woodlands—all designed to bring team members together under the “One Campus for One Team” vision.
🛠️ DWH Hangar 5 – A 780,000 sq. ft. aircraft maintenance facility at DFW, housing seven aircraft bays and specialized shops for avionics, seating, slides, and paint.
Tour Details:
• Lunch will be served at the Crandall Campus
• Bus 1: Campus → Hangar
• Bus 2: Hangar → Campus
• Departure: 8:30 AM from the Gaylord Hotel
• Return: Approximately 3:00 PM
We look forward to sharing this unique experience with you!
Southwest Airlines
Wednesday, March 18 | 3—8 p.m.
Registration required. Government Photo ID required.
Exclusive Southwest Airlines Facility Tours
Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at Southwest Airlines’ state-of-the-art operations in Dallas, Texas. Attendees will enjoy a guided visit to one of the following locations:
• Corporate Headquarters
• Flight Operations LEAD Center
• Technical Operations Hangar
Each tour offers a unique glimpse into how we fly The Southwest Way. The evening concludes with dinner and networking with Southwest team members.
Important Notes:
• Tour group sizes are limited
• You may register for one tour only—no switching between groups
• Transportation provided to/from the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
• Must be over the age of 18 to attend
• The Southwest Airlines Recruiting Team will be attending and looking forward to meeting you!
Sign up early to reserve your spot. We look forward to welcoming you!
CAE
Wednesday, March 18 | 11 a.m.—2 p.m.
Additional fee of $10. Registration required. Government Photo ID required.
CAE is proud to sponsor the 37th Annual Women in Aviation International Conference!
For nearly 80 years, CAE has been shaping the future of aviation through innovation in simulation, training, and mission readiness. As the global leader in civil and defense training, we operate in more than 40 countries and train over 150,000 pilots every year.
We’re excited to welcome attendees for an exclusive tour of the world’s largest business aviation training center in Dallas during the WAI event. This state-of-the-art facility is home to more than 35 full-flight simulators, offering a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge technology, meet our expert team, and enjoy lunch while learning how we’re building a safer, more sustainable world.
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind experience!
Industry Briefings
Industry Briefings allow companies to showcase opportunities within their organizations, discuss current positions available, and their requirements. These briefings will last 60 minutes including any Q&A.
Industry Briefings require a conference badge and are open seating. They will be added as they are confirmed.
Industry Partner Events
The schedule for industry partner events will be added here prior to the WAI2026 conference.
Industry Partner events require a conference badge.
Jazz with Wings Band
Imagine a group of musicians who are all passionate about aviation. Gather them together and you have the Jazz With Wings Band.
Founded in 2004, the band represents a group of WAI members who enjoy the pleasure of playing in a band. The band members represent a broad spectrum of backgrounds including pilots, flight instructors, flight attendants, medical doctors, military personnel, musicians, schoolteachers, engineers, graphic artists, attorneys, students, and retirees.
Interested in volunteering to join the Jazz With Wings Band? Email Barbara Lauer.
WAI Store
Elevate your WAI2026 experience with exclusive conference merchandise. Designed for aviation and aerospace enthusiasts, our selection offers high-quality items that celebrate innovation and excellence in the industry.
Check back soon for conference specific merchandise!
This innovative networking platform transforms casual conversations into meaningful connections by matching you with fellow attendees who share your interests, challenges, and goals. Whether you want to exchange ideas, seek advice, or share expertise, Braindate makes it easy to spark one-on-one or group discussions that matter most to you. Don’t miss this chance to go beyond business cards and build real, lasting relationships that will inspire and energize your career journey.
Check out what some of the WAI2025 attendees said about their Braindate experiences:
"I found the experience incredibly valuable and gained a lot of insights from professionals. It was especially helpful to learn about industry opportunities that aren’t typically discussed in school. I believe there should be more Braindate sessions at conventions. Overall, it really helped me clarify my future direction."
"I really liked the concept. It was nice to provide my own insight and also learn from other folks. I work in airport operations and it was great to hear from others working in the same field and learning about the similarities and differences. It was a great way to connect with folks. You should bring this back next year!"
"My Braindate was very insightful! There’s a lot of pilot-themed conversations here so something as niche as airport operations is more of what I was looking for. My connection was great, and we’re going to stay connected through LinkedIn!"
More Information Coming Soon
