In 2025, WAI implemented some significant program changes as a direct result of the feedback we received in post-conference surveys, as well as to address the needs our of ever-growing attendance.  The schedule this year should look very similar to WAI2025 as we did receive overwhelmingly positive feedback on the conference last year.  However, we will continue to make changes as needed as we always strive to improve and better serve each of our members and attendees. If you attend the 2026 conference, please be sure to complete the survey—your input could help shape future events! 

Sign up for Girls in Aviation Day Dallas and registration details will open January 2026. Keep an eye on the website here: https://www.wai.org/2026-girls-in-aviation-day-dallas and save the date for Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center.

The Call for Presenters is now closed.  Submissions were due by August 1.  Please keep your eye out next May for when we begin to accept submissions for our 2027 program!

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. Enter your badge number (which can be found on your registration confirmation email) to log in. 
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.

We are excited to announce that in 2026, the Scholarship Celebration will take place during the Friday afternoon General Session and will be open to everyone!  To find out more, go to this page on our website.

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, click here.

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. 

You are not required to reserve a hotel room in the block in order to register for the conference.  We will likely have some other hotel blocks open in the coming months, however those rates have not yet been negotiated or confirmed.  That information will be on our website once confirmed and available. 

There are many hotels close to the Gaylord Texan that you could book on your own.   Additionally, some groups that attend the WAI conference find nearby rental properties to save on costs, though we cannot  assist with these options.

Possibly. If the Headquarter Hotel fills up, WAI may secure small blocks at nearby hotels. However, this is not guaranteed. Please note: If additional hotel blocks are added, transportation to and from the Gaylord Texan will not be provided.

A mothers room for nursing parents is available on site on Level 1 of the Conference Center.

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 HERE. They have not yet communicated with us how they plan to schedule meetings for 2026. Check with them regularly to see if they have provided more information.  

 To take part in the airline interviews you MUST be registered for the conference for the day you plan to attend. You can register on this page.

On-site registration will be located at the Gaylord Texan on Level 1 in the Longhorn Hall foyer. Registration hours are as follows:

• Wednesday, March 20: 12:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• Thursday, March 21: 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Friday, March 22: 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Saturday, March 23: 7:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

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’ll need to renew early to qualify for the member discount.

To renew your membership, click here.
Once renewed, you can begin your conference registration here.

In the past we have received an FAA Approval Letter. If we are able to get one it will be posted to our website and linked here

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're a current Student Member, you may apply for student registration assistance by completing the designated form. Please keep in mind:

• Submitting a form does not guarantee assistance.
• Applications must be received by January 12, 2026.
• Assistance covers conference registration only—travel expenses are not included.
• Applicants will be notified after February 1.
• Some universities and WAI chapters may also offer support—please check with them directly.

Yes. You 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: waiconfreg@wai.org

Yes! If you're 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’ll 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.

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 that is open to all, and aviation and aerospace dreams are possible without barriers – and we know we can only accomplish this dream TOGETHER!

Refunds for cancellations will be given, less a $75 administrative fee, through midnight January 30, 2026 (the refund cut-off date). After that date, no refunds will be given. In the event that you are registered but not able 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 to another person in the same registration category. Any requests to transfer your registration must be sent in writing to WAI by February 13, 2026 by emailing waiconfreg@wai.org.. Transfers will not be accepted after this date.

Tour tickets must be purchased in advance and are non-refundable.

The above policy applies in the case of flight delays, flight cancellations and travel disruptions due to weather or other causes beyond the control of the registrant and WAI.

No, donated tickets will not be available this year. However, students can purchase their own ticket at a significantly reduced rate of $29 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 waiconfreg@wai.org, we would be happy to assist you with that. 

Yes! You can support a student by purchasing a student registration fee—even if you're not attending. Just click here, select the number of student registrations you'd like to cover, and proceed through checkout. Complete payment with a credit card to finalize your financial assistance.

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 waiconfreg@wai.org by February 13, 2026. Transfers will not be accepted after this date.

 Any requests to transfer your registration must be sent in writing to WAI by January 30, 2026 by emailing waiconfreg@wai.org. Transfers will not be accepted after this date. 

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's a session you're 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’ll actually save money by joining! Plus, you’ll 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.