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 20 | 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.
2026 Pioneer Hall of Fame Inductees are:
Olga Custodio
As the first Latina pilot in the U.S. Air Force and a pioneering Hispanic female captain in commercial aviation, Olga Custodio defines her success through three principles: overcome self-doubt, stay open to possibilities, and see yourself as an equal. After flying the T-38 as an instructor pilot, she served 24 years in the Air Force and retired as a lieutenant colonel. Olga then flew with American Airlines on the Boeing 727, Fokker 100, Boeing 757 and 767, accumulating over 11,000 hours of flight time and retiring as a captain. As a STEM advocate, Olga is a speaker serving as a role model for aspiring aviators. She is a tireless volunteer to inspire and educate students, especially from underserved communities. Her memoir Flightpath of Fortitude includes Olga’s essential life insights on how to overcome barriers and achieve your dreams.
Joan Sullivan Garrett
Joan Sullivan Garrett began her medical career as a flight nurse who envisioned a worldwide solution for travel safety on air, land, and sea, anywhere in the world, after losing a young patient in the remote Arizona mountains. She founded MedAire in 1985 and pioneered global telemedicine through radio, teletype, and satellite communications. She personally trained flight crews and corporate pilots in emergency response, bringing a hands-on approach to a challenge the industry had largely overlooked. But her most transformative innovation came with the creation of MedLink, a 24/7 air-to-ground response center staffed by emergency physicians. Serving as CEO until 2008, Joan details her journey in her autobiography One Life Lost, Millions Gained. She has received numerous awards and accolades as a visionary healthcare leader and aviation safety pioneer and served on various aviation boards.
Nadine Berniece Ramsey
The late Nadine Berniece Ramsey was a pioneering female pilot of military aircraft and a member of the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II. As the first woman in the United States to fly military aircraft, she helped pave the way for today's women military aircraft pilots. Nadine's flying achievements came early and often, including being the first Kansas woman to earn a commercial pilot license, among the earliest women to fly the U.S. Air Mail, as well as a successful aircraft businesswoman, stunt flier, and racer. She was also a first squadron commander for the Civil Air Patrol Program and one of only about 50 women to provide wartime service training instruction during the war. Her legacy to the nation is detailed in the book Taking Flight.
International Members 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.
Coffee & Conversation in the Exhibit Hall
Saturday, March 21 | 8—9:30 a.m.
Join us for Coffee & Conversation in the Exhibit Hall, the final networking event of WAI2026! Enjoy complimentary coffee, light breakfast-style refreshments, and warm connections as we wrap up an inspiring week together. This event is open to all attendees.
Participants from Girls in Aviation Day Dallas will explore the Exhibit Hall during this time as well to kick off their day. Be a part of inspiring the next generation and join us in the Exhibit Hall Saturday morning!
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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