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!
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.
Elevate your career with our Professional Development Seminars at WAI2026. These sessions are tailored to provide you with actionable skills, strategic insights, and industry best practices. This year, we are offering 2 different opportunities:
Option #1: Destroy Your Imposter Syndrome Presented by Stacey Jackson,
Option #2: Overcoming Under-earning: Elevate Your Worth, Expand Your Career Presented by TiffanyJones, 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. With powerful insights, real-world experience, and an unmistakable passion for advancing the future of the aviation industry, these speakers are not to be missed. (Click on the "Speakers" tab above to find out more about these incredible women!)
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.
Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge, sharpen your skills, or explore new ideas, our education sessions are designed to provide you with those valuable takeaways you can apply right away. 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
These sessions are an important part of our conference each year including training around networking for students, for educators, and more.
Thursday, March 19 | 11:00 a.m.—12:30 p.m.
Networking 101 for Students
(supported by American Airlines)
Thursday, March 19 | 3—4 p.m.
Educating the Future Workforce in Aerospace
(formerly called Aerospace Educators)
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
Retired U.S. Air Force Col. with over 21 years of experience as an officer, leader, and fighter pilot.
Alex Marren
Friday, March 20 | 9—10 a.m.
Morning General Session
Air New Zealand Chief Operating Officer, United and Hertz C-Suite Leader
The Honorable Jennifer Homendy
Friday, March 20 | 9—10 a.m.
Morning General Session
15th chair of the National Transportation Safety Board charged by Congress with investigating every U.S. civil aviation accident and other modes of transportation.
Stephanie Chung
Saturday, March 21 | 10:30—11:45 a.m.
Closing General Session
Stephanie spent 30 years in the private aviation sector and is now a powerhouse speaker and best-selling author of ALLY Leadership, How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You.
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.
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