Special Events Information
There's no better place to be inspired, share your enthusiasm, and connect with others who share your passion for the aviation industry.
New Members Breakfast
Thursday, March 19 | 7:30—8:30 a.m.
This event is exclusively for members who have joined WAI for the first time April 2025 - March 2026.
As a new member, you’re an essential part of our vibrant community, and this special event is your chance to dive right in. Enjoy a fun, welcoming atmosphere where you’ll connect with fellow new members, build relationships with industry leaders, and discover all that WAI has to offer.
Don’t forget — you’ll need to be registered and have your badge for entry, so plan to pick it up on Wednesday afternoon and start your conference experience off right!
Opening Night Reception
Thursday, March 19 | 4:30—5:30 p.m.
Join us in the Exhibit Hall at the Opening Night Welcome Reception, where you’ll have the chance to kick off WAI2026 with fellow new members and established professionals. It’s the perfect opportunity to make your first connections, and get a feel for the exciting events ahead. There will be light food, entertainment, photo ops and lots of opportunities to mingle with your peers.
This event is free for all conference registrants!
Cash bar and light hors d'oeuvres will be available at this event. This is not intended to be a dinner, so please plan your meals accordingly.
Scholarship Celebration
Friday, March 28 | 1—2:00 p.m.
This year, the celebration takes center stage! Join us at the Friday afternoon General Session as we honor our 2026 Scholarship recipients and recognize the generous funders who make these opportunities possible. Together, we’ll hear powerful stories, celebrate remarkable achievements, and cheer on the next generation of aviation and aerospace leaders. This is a program you won’t want to miss!
2026 Scholarship Recipient List Coming Soon
Aviation Networking Night
Thursday, March 19 | Starting at 5:30 p.m.
On Aviation Networking Night there will be a wide variety of events hosted by WAI's sponsors, exhibitors, chapters, universities and other aviation communities. It's an opportunity to gather, network and unite with your "aviation family".
We will continue to update this page as more events get scheduled, so check back frequently!
Are you interested in hosting an event? Complete the form below to start the process!
Pioneer Hall of Fame Ceremony & Celebration Dinner
Friday, March 20 | 6:30 p.m.
Each year, WAI honor the new inductees into the Pioneer Hall of Fame (PHOF) during this very special event. Join us for our 2026 celebration as we honor our newest members of the PHOF. The evening will include a presentation highlighting the magnificent careers and achievements of these women, a wonderful dinner and entertainment.
Attendees can purchase an admission to the dinner when they register for the conference. Guest admission can also be purchased. Space is limited for this special event, and may not be available for purchase onsite. Attire for the event is cocktail, business formal or military formal.
The WAI Pioneer Hall of Fame (PHOF) was established in 1992 to honor women who have made significant contributions as record setters, pioneers, or innovators.
See below for more information on the WAI Pioneer Hall of Fame:
International Member Reception
Thursday, March 19 | 5:30—6:30 p.m.
If you are one of our members joining us from outside the United States, we invite you to join us at the International Member Reception, where you’ll have the chance to connect with professionals from around the globe in a lively and welcoming atmosphere. This event is perfect for expanding your international network and sharing insights with peers from diverse backgrounds.
Beer, wine and light hors d'oeuvres will be available at this event for invited guests.
Please be sure to select the reception within registration if you are one of our WAI Members traveling from another country to attend WAI2026 and plan to attend this reception.
Jazz with Wings Hangar Dance
Friday, March 28 | 8:30—10:30 p.m.
Get ready to unwind and have fun at the Hangar Dance! This lively event offers a unique setting to socialize, dance, and enjoy great music with fellow attendees. It’s a fantastic way to relax, build connections, and create lasting memories. We can’t wait to see you there!
Cash bar will be available at this event. Please note, that there will not be any food served, so we recommend you plan to have dinner before you arrive.
This year's Jazz with Wings Hangar Dance will be immediately following the Pioneer Hall of Fame Ceremony and Celebration Dinner.
Be A Mentor. Find A Mentor.
Friday, March 28 | 3:45—5:15 p.m.
In these challenging times, mentorship can play a key role in keeping you connected. This forum will offer guidance on how to make the most of WAI's Mentor Connect program. Industry mentors and mentees in various career stages will share their pro tips for creating and making the most of mentor/mentee relationships and offer advice on their experiences to help you navigate your mentor network.
Seating for this session 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.
Aerospace Educators Workshop
Thursday, March 27 | 1—4 p.m.
With a predicted shortage of skilled employees for the growing number of aerospace jobs, it is important we develop programs that inspire students to pursue aviation careers. Join us in this interactive workshop where numerous aerospace education organizations will share about their programs. Attendees will participate in simple, hands-on activities that can be brought into the classroom to teach aviation STEM skills.
Seating for this session 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.
Networking 101 For Students
Get ready to unwind and have fun at the Hangar Dance! This lively event offers a unique setting to socialize, dance, and enjoy great music with fellow attendees. It’s a fantastic way to relax, build connections, and create lasting memories. We can’t wait to see you there!
Networking 101 For Students
Thursday, March 27 | 11—12:30 p.m.
Are you a student interested in hearing about the fine art of networking? Join Stacey Dickson, American Airlines human resources generalist, to learn how to "Make you network" during this session.
Seating for this session 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.
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