Frequently Asked Questions

Conference Program

WAI updates the conference schedule based on attendee feedback from post-conference surveys. If you attend the 2026 conference, be sure to complete the survey—your input could help shape future events! 
The seminars have expanded from 90-minute sessions to 4-hour, in-depth experiences. The fee includes hands-on learning, light refreshments, and a certificate of completion. Seating is limited to maintain quality and engagement.
No. Due to the growing size of the conference, the luncheon limited our venue options. Instead, we've added more General Sessions and built in a lunch break during which the exhibit hall will remain open. This change is based on attendee feedback from our post-conference survey. 
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-denver 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!
Yes! If you're a member of your local chapter, you're invited to attend both the Chapter Leadership Workshop and the Chapter Connect Reception—but you must register for each event separately. To check or update your registration: Go to the Attendee Service Center. Log in using your badge number (found in your registration confirmation email). Click “Edit” next to your name to re-enter your registration. Navigate through the form and select the events under the “Expand Your Experience” section. Complete the registration process and submit payment if required. You’ll receive an updated confirmation email with your changes.
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. 

Hotel

No, staying at the Gaylord Texan is not required to attend the conference. You’re welcome to book accommodations elsewhere. We expect to offer additional hotel blocks in the coming months, but rates and availability for those have not yet been finalized. Once confirmed, details will be posted on our website. There are also many nearby hotels you can book independently. Some attendees choose to stay in local rental properties to reduce costs, though please note that we are unable to assist with those arrangements.
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.

Onsite Services

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 editor@wai.org
Many airlines offer the option to schedule interviews directly through their own websites. If an airline is not listed, it means they haven’t shared their interview schedule with us yet. We recommend checking their official careers pages for the most up-to-date information.

On-site registration will be located 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.

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’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.

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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
Yes. Each year there are student members who need financial support to attend the conference.
You can support a student member by purchasing a registration here.
If you are a student member needing financial assistance, more information 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 onlytravel 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 application is rejected, you may request a refund by submitting the official visa denial letter. 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.

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 January 30, 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 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.

Future Dates

WAI2027 - February 25 -27 - Savannah Convention Center, Savannah, Georgia

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

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