Schedule & Information
There's no better place to be inspired, share your enthusiasm, and connect with others who share your passion for the aviation industry.
Maximize Your Professional Growth
WAI2026 will offer Professional Development Seminars, General Sessions, Education Sessions, Specialty Sessions and Chapter Sessions - learn more about each of these below!
Looking for Industry Briefings, hiring events or other events hosted by our Sponsors & Exhibitors? Check out these sections of our site for that information:
Industry Briefings, Exhibitor & Sponsor Events, Aviation Networking Night.
Professional Development Seminars
Wednesday, March 18 | 1—5:00 p.m.
These 4-hour in-depth seminars are an additional fee of $125, and include a refreshment break.
These sessions are tailored to provide you with actionable skills, strategic insights, and industry best practices. This year, we are offering 2 different opportunities:
PD1: Destroy Your Imposter Syndrome
Presented by Stacey Jackson
PD2: Overcoming Underearning: Elevate Your Worth, Expand Your Career
Presented by Tiffany Jones, ICF, CEC, ACC, Executive Coach
You can add the Seminar of your choice when you register for the conference. Already registered, but want to add a Seminar on to your experience now?
Go to the Attendee Service Center to add it to your registration!
General Sessions
Our 2026 keynote lineup will inspire and empower you through the voices of aviation’s most dynamic female leaders.
To find out more about these incredible women check out their full bios here: KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Opening General Session & Membership Meeting
Thursday, March 19 | 9—10 a.m.
Membership Address: Lynda Coffman, WAI CEO
Keynote Address: Breaking Barriers
Nicole Malachowski, Former U.S. Air Force Officer, Fighter Pilot, Thunderbird Pilot, and Presidential Appointee
Sponsored by-
Morning General Session
Friday, March 20 | 9—10 a.m.
Keynote Speakers:
Alex Marren, Air New Zealand Chief Operating Officer, United and Hertz C-Suite Leader
The Honorable Jennifer Homendy, 15th Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board
Sponsored by-
Scholarship Celebration
Friday, March 20 | 1—2 p.m.
Closing General Session
Saturday, March 21 | 10:30—11:45 a.m.
Keynote Address: You Are The Change
Stephanie Chung, Private Aviation Executive, Author, Speaker, and Leadership Trainer
Sponsored by-
Seating for these sessions will be on a first come first served basis.
Education Sessions
Thursday, March 19 | 11 a.m.—noon & 1:30—2:30 p.m. & 3—4 p.m.
Friday, March 20 | 10:30—11:30 a.m. & 1—2 p.m. & 4—5 p.m.
Saturday, March 21 | 9—10 a.m.
Choose from nearly 40 education sessions covering topics of Career Development, Emerging Technologies, Leadership Skills, Maintenance/Tech Ops, Military, and Health & Wellness.
Click here to find the full schedule of our Education Sessions with their speakers and full descriptions:
Seating for these sessions will be on a first come first served basis. WAI strongly recommends that you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the session in order to secure your seat. For security reasons, we will not be able to add additional seating in the session rooms.
Specialty Sessions
Thursday, March 19 | 11:00 a.m.—12:30 p.m.
Networking 101 for Students
(supported by American Airlines)
Learn How to Network Like a Pro Presented by Stacey Dickson
Stacey Dickson is a motivational speaker, leadership advocate, and strategic HR professional in the aerospace industry. She serves as an HR Generalist with American Airlines, partnering with leaders on employee relations, performance management, and organizational effectiveness within a highly regulated environment. As Vice President of the Black Professional Network Employee Resource Group, Stacey is passionate about empowering Black aerospace professionals to recognize their value, lead with confidence, and grow with purpose. Her work centers on servant leadership, resilience, and excellence in high-stakes industries.
Thursday, March 19 | 1:30 p.m.—3 p.m.
Speed Mentoring Session
WAI Speed Mentoring connects attendees with experienced aviation professionals from across the industry for a series of focused, high-impact conversations. Participants gain practical insight on career advancement and in-demand soft skills such as leadership, communication, and career navigation.
Thursday, March 19 | 3—4 p.m.
Educating the Future Workforce in Aerospace
(formerly called Aerospace Educators Workshop)
With a predicted shortage of skilled employees for the growing number of aerospace jobs, it is important we develop programs that inspire youth to pursue aviation careers. Join us in this interactive workshop where K-12 aerospace education organizations will share resources and activities for formal and informal educators. Attendees will design a collaborative lesson to take back to their learners to teach aviation STEM skills.
Seating for these sessions will be on a first come first serve basis. WAI strongly recommends that you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the session in order to secure your seat. For security reasons, we will not be able to add additional seating in the session rooms.
Chapter Sessions
Wednesday, March 18 | 1—5 p.m.
Chapter Leadership Workshop
Thursday, March 19 | 1—2:30 p.m.
Plan & Host an Outstanding GIAD Event
Friday, March 20 | 10:30 a.m.—noon
How to Start a WAI Chapter
Friday, March 20 | 3:45 —5:15 p.m.
Student & Collegiate Chapter Leadership Workshop
More information
Seating for these sessions will be on a first come first serve basis. WAI strongly recommends that you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the session in order to secure your seat. For security reasons, we will not be able to add additional seating in the session rooms.
#WAI2026 Speakers
WAI2026 offers an incredible line-up of speakers in all of the sessions offered! Scroll down to learn more about this year's Keynote Speakers, or click the button to review the full list of all speakers leading our Professional Development Seminars, Education Sessions, Specialty Sessions and Chapter Sessions.
Session Speakers List
Keynote Speakers:
Nicole Malachowski
Thursday, March 19 | 9—10 a.m.
Opening General Session and Membership Meeting
A 2019 National Women's Hall of Fame inductee and former Presidential appointee, Col. Nicole Malachowski (USAF, Ret.) has over 21 years of experience as an officer, leader, and fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force. Upon her commission into the military, she was competitively selected to fly combat aircraft and embarked on an adventure among the first group of women to fly modern fighter jets.
Nicole served as a mission ready fighter pilot in three operational F-15E squadrons and accumulated over 2,300 flight hours, including 188 hours in combat. She has had the honor of commanding a fighter squadron, flying as a USAF Thunderbird pilot, serving as a White House Fellow and as an advisor to the First Lady of the United States.
Alex Marren
Friday, March 20 | 9—10 a.m.
Morning General Session
Alex Marren is chief operating officer at Air New Zealand leading and empowering a team of 9,000 aviation professionals across aspects of operation to deliver safety and service, leveraging transformation through technology and process for an exceptional flying experience.
She is an accomplished senior executive and board member with more than 35 years of success across the aviation, automotive, travel, and transportation industries. Leveraging extensive experience integrating technology solutions in companies to increase profitability, she is an asset for a business seeking a subject-matter expert in utilizing technology to enhance organizational efficiency, profitability, growth, and customer service.
The Honorable Jennifer Homendy
Friday, March 20 | 9—10 a.m.
Morning General Session
Jennifer L. Homendy is the 15th chair of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant events in other modes of transportation, including rail, transit, roadway, marine, pipeline, and commercial space.
Jennifer has served as the agency’s 44th board member since 2018 and chair since 2021. She was re-nominated and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate in May 2024 to continue serving in both roles. Her current term as chair expires in August 2027, while her term as board member expires at the end of 2029.
Stephanie Chung
Saturday, March 21 | 10:30—11:45 a.m.
Closing General Session
Stephanie Chung is not just the #1 international best-selling author of ALLY Leadership, How To Lead People Who Are Not Like You –she's also a force of strategic innovation, a beacon of change, and a titan in the world of business growth and human capital management. With over 30 years of experience, Stephanie has cultivated a reputation for turning challenges into opportunities and transforming growing businesses into thriving hubs of success.
As a former Chief Growth Officer for Wheels Up, Stephanie spearheaded a growth strategy that resulted in a significant increase in diverse membership. Prior to her tenure at Wheels Up, Stephanie blazed trails as the first African American to helm a private jet company, JetSuite.
Sarah Kalmata
WAI2026 Emcee
Sarah Kalmeta, known as “Sarah The Pivoter,” is an international leadership strategist, trainer, and emcee whose career arcs through aviation, aerospace, and transformational leadership.
With nearly two decades in the industry, Sarah Kalmata, “Sarah The Pivoter,” has worked for Jet Edge and Universal Weather & Aviation. She has partnered with companies like Goldman Sachs and Singapore Airlines, and currently works with leaders across aviation, tech, and aerospace, including international flight departments, MRO organizations, and emerging space start-ups. After 13 years living and leading across Asia, she brings a rare global perspective to the high-pressure environments where precision, courage, and adaptability are essential.
Outside of the cockpit and boardroom, Sarah is a lifelong learner, devoted traveler, and storyteller who believes in creating a life as expansive as the sky itself. She now calls Austin home with her partner and their dog, where she continues exploring the art of leading and living with curiosity, courage, and heart.
