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 27 | 7:15—8:45 a.m.
This is an invitation only event for members who have joined WAI for the first time April 2024 - March 2025.
As a new member, you're at the heart of the vibrant WAI community. This year, we’re excited to offer you the exclusive opportunity to engage with industry leaders and network with other new WAI members at the fun-filled WAI New Members Breakfast!
Please remember, you will need to be registered and have your badge for this event - attendees are encouraged to pick up their badges at registration on Wednesday afternoon.
A continental breakfast will be served beginning at 7:15 a.m.
Sponsored by-
Opening Night Reception
Thursday, March 27 | 4:30—6 p.m.
Join us at the Opening Night Welcome Reception, where you’ll have the chance to kick off WAI2025 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 food, entertainment, the Jazz with Wings band, photo ops and lots of opportunities to mingle with your peers. We can’t wait to meet you and start this journey together!
This event is free for all full-conference registrants! (It is not included for those with booth only registrations.)
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 Recognition Breakfast
Friday, March 28 | 7:15—8:45 a.m.
Scholarship winners and funders are invited to join us for the Scholarship Recognition Breakfast, a special event celebrating the achievements of our scholarship recipients and offering a unique opportunity to connect with rising stars in the field. It’s a great chance to network, share insights, and be inspired by the innovative work of your peers.
A continental breakfast will be served beginning at 7:15 a.m.
This is an invitation only event.
Aviation Networking Night
Thursday, March 27 | Check times below
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".
Interested in hosting an Aviation Networking Night event? WAI is offering space at the Gaylord free of charge for those hosting events this evening, while space remains available. Complete the below form, and our team will get back to you with more details!
Schedule:
Air Line Pilots Association, International | ALPA Social for Air Line Pilots | 6–8 p.m. | Red Rock 5 | By Invitation Only
Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air | Who's Who at Alaska Air Group | 6–8 p.m. | Summit 4 | Open to Everyone
Delta Air Lines | Delta Air Lines Networking Reception | 6–10 p.m. | Homestead 2 | Open to Everyone
GoJet | Gojet Karaoke Mixer | 7–11 p.m. | Red Rock 2 | Open to Everyone
ISA+21 | ISA+21 Iceland & Scholarship Social | 7–10:30 p.m. | Homestead 1 | Open to Everyone
Middle Tennessee State University | MTSU Aerospace Alumni Networking | 6–7:30 p.m. | Cottonwood 8 | By Invitation Only
National Gay Pilots Association | NGPA Social | 7–9 p.m. | Mountain Pass Restaurant | By Invitation Only
PSA Airlines | PSA Airlines Social | 6–8 p.m. | Cottonwood 1 | Open to Everyone
Southwest Airlines | A RETROspective of Southwest Airlines’ Women with Wings | 6–8 p.m. | Cottonwood 6 | Register to Attend Here
UND Aerospace | UND Aerospace Alumni & Industry Reception | 6–8 p.m. | Cottonwood 2 | By Invitation Only
United Airlines | Bloom in Elegance: United Airlines All-White Garden Soiree | 6–8 p.m. | Colorado B | Open to Everyone
Pioneer Hall of Fame Ceremony & Celebration Dinner
Friday, March 28 | 6:30—8:30 p.m.
Each year, WAI honors the new inductees into the Pioneer Hall of Fame (PHOF) during this very special event. Join us for our 2025 celebration as we honor our newest members of the PHOF: Janet Harmon Bragg, Willa Brown Chappell and Theresa Claiborne. The evening will include a presentation highlighting the magnificent careers and achievements of these women, a wonderful dinner and entertainment. The inductees and/or those accepting on their behalf will be welcomed and celebrated on the stage, and everyone is sure to leave the evening feeling inspired by these incredible women, and proud to be a part of this WAI community.
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.
Women in Aviation International (WAI) has selected the 2025 inductees for its International Pioneer Hall of Fame. These three female trailblazers will be honored at the 36th Annual Women in Aviation International Conference during a ceremony and celebration dinner.
The 2025 Pioneer Hall of Fame inductees are:
Janet Harmon Bragg
The late Janet Harmon Bragg became one of America's first Black female pilots after enrolling in Chicago’s Curtiss-Wright Aeronautical School in 1933. There she helped form the Challenger Air Pilots Association, which later became the National Airmen’s Association of America (NAAA). Janet co-ran the Johnson Flying Service, and integrated flight school for civilians during World War II. Janet’s career in aviation was made despite discrimination, of both her gender and her race. As a woman, she was initially denied a commercial license, after passing the flight test at the Tuskegee pilot training school. As a person of color, Janet was denied entry into the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) program.
Willa Brown Chappell
Willa Brown Chappell achieved numerous firsts. Most notably, she was the first African American woman to earn her pilot license in the United States. Willa also earned a mechanic license, making her the first woman to hold both. Additionally, she was the first African American woman Congressional candidate, and the first African American officer in the U.S. Civil Air Patrol. She dedicated her life to fighting for gender and racial equality in the military lobbying for integration of the U.S. Army Air Corps and the Civilian Pilot Training Program. She is also a co-founder of the Coffey School of Aeronautics, and is responsible for the training of hundreds of pilots, including many who became part of the elite Tuskegee Airmen.
Theresa Claiborne
Overcoming racial and gender barriers to start her career, Theresa Claiborne is the first Black woman qualified as an Air Force pilot, KC-135 pilot, and Air Force flight instructor. Theresa transitioned to the U.S. Air Force Reserve in 1988, and began her commercial airline career in 1990, during which she became the first Black female to earn the captain position of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. A woman of many firsts, she joined other Black female pilots in 2016 to establish Sisters of the Skies. Theresa recently retired from a commercial flying career with over 23,000 hours and is the 2024 Katharine Wright Trophy recipient from the National Aeronautic Association. She is dedicated to inspire anyone who previously did not have the door open for them.
"We are proud to announce our 2025 International Pioneer Hall of Fame inductees who represent women who have carried the weight of future female aviators on their shoulders as they broke down gender barriers,” says Lynda Coffman, WAI CEO.
"These trailblazing female aviators proved that women could succeed and contribute to aviation in unique ways.”
The Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame was established in 1992 to honor women who have made significant contributions as record setters, pioneers, or innovators. Special consideration is given to individuals or groups who have helped other women be successful in aviation or opened doors of opportunity for other women. Each year, the organization solicits nominations from throughout the aviation industry for the WAI Pioneer Hall of Fame.
For more information on the WAI Pioneer Hall of Fame, Click here PHOF Directory
To see all PHOF Inductees from 1992 - 2024 Click here
Want to make it possible for a student to attend this inspirational evening? Click below for more information!
International Member Reception
Thursday, March 27 | 6—7 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 WAI2025 and plan to attend this reception.
Sponsored by-
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.
Presented by-
