Chapter Sessions & Information
There's no better place to be inspired, share your enthusiasm, and connect with others who share your passion for the aviation industry.
Chapter Leadership Workshop
(Must select during registration)
Join us for an engaging workshop that delves into the unique challenges encountered by WAI chapter leaders, explores essential chapter management tools, and shares innovative operational ideas. We're bringing in an exceptional guest presenter for this hands-on session, offering chapter leaders the opportunity to learn and apply new techniques to their chapters and professional careers. We'll also provide updates on chapter programs, resources, and opportunities. As a chapter leader, you'll find this event to be a treasure trove of practical information and tools.
The Chapter Leadership Workshop will be held on Wednesday, March 26 from 1—5 p.m.
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.
Finding Sponsors to Support your WAI Chapter
In this Chapter Leadership session, you'll hear success stories and challenges from a diverse group of experienced chapter leaders. They've weathered the trials of fundraising and sponsorships for their chapters and emerged victorious. New chapters, student chapters, and standard chapters alike will impart their unique experiences and wisdom. Their aim? To empower YOU to connect with your community and secure financial backing for your chapter's operations and outreach initiatives.
Finding Sponsors to support your WAI Chapter event will be held on Thursday, March 27 at 2:45— 4:15 p.m.
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.
Plan & Host An Outstanding GIAD Event
Girls in Aviation Day is a heartfelt tradition organized by WAI Chapters and Corporate members, aimed at sparking a passion for aviation in young hearts. Our mission is to reach out to youngsters aged 8-18 across the globe, enlightening them about the wonders of aviation and aerospace through engaging learning experiences. You're invited to listen to our experienced event hosts as they share their insights on planning and hosting an unforgettable Girls in Aviation Day event, scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2025.
Plan & Host An Outstanding GIAD Event will be held on Friday, March 28 at 3:45— 5:15 p.m.
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.
How To Start A WAI Chapter
Are you intrigued by the thought of launching a WAI chapter in your area? We've got you covered! Discover the genuine, uncomplicated process of getting your WAI chapter up and running, with zero stress. Learn the real-world strategies for running your local chapter and fostering a vibrant and engaged WAI community.
How To Start A WAI Chapter will be held on Friday, March 28 at 10:30 a.m.—noon.
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.
Student & Collegiate Chapter Leadership Workshop
The unique nature of Student and Collegiate chapters makes them a one-of-a-kind experience. In this engaging discussion, a selection of student and collegiate chapter leaders will share insights into the successes and challenges they encounter. Drawing from their personal journey and knowledge, they will equip you with practical tools to navigate and facilitate your Student and Collegiate chapter with confidence.
This workshop will be held on Saturday, March 29 from 8:30—10 a.m.
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.
Chapter Logo Contest
Show off your chapter's personality and be a part of the fun by submitting new and updated custom logo designs for your chapter. We've received great submissions but we want to see yours too! Submissions must be completed by March 1, 2025.
Chapter Logo Contest Form
If you do not have a custom chapter logo, but would like to develop one to be judged, contact the WAI Chapter Team by February 15, 2025 and we can send you your chapter's standard logo and outer ring.
What Do You Win?
You win a custom WAI pop-up banner for your chapter (up to a $180 value!)
Dorothy Hilbert Chapter Volunteer Of The Year Award
We are in awe of the phenomenal volunteers in the WAI network, but there's always that person that just stands out. You know the one - that person who always goes above and beyond for the group. We believe they deserve recognition for their hard work and dedication.
The Dorothy Hilbert Chapter Volunteer Of The Year Award is the perfect way to honor them. We invite you to submit a short essay describing how they have made a difference in your chapter. It's a chance to showcase the amazing contributions and inspiring efforts of your chapter's most fabulous volunteer. We know your nominee is a shining example of what it means to be a true team player, and we can't wait to hear about their impacts. Let's celebrate them and all the amazing work they've done!
Don't wait - Submissions must be completed by February 15, 2025.
Chapter Connect Reception
WAI Chapter Connect Reception
Wednesday, March 26 at 6—7p.m.
(Must select during registration)
All chapter members registered for conference are invited to this free kickoff event. If you are registered for conference and a member of a chapter but haven’t received your invitation or would like to attend, please register here. The WAI Chapter Connect reception is one of the highlights of a chapter member's conference experience!
Annual Conference Chapter Showcase
Spotlight your chapter, members, and all of your amazing accomplishments at the Chapter Showcase.
Your chapter is invited and encouraged to participate in the Chapter Showcase. While in the booth, you have a great opportunity to greet current and prospective chapter members and interact with other chapters and conference attendees.
What to Do When You Showcase
The most important feature of your chapter showcase will be the enthusiastic presence of your chapter members in the booth. In addition to your presence, you may showcase your chapter as simply or as elaborately as you choose!
Display Examples:
• Photos
• Flyers
• Brochures
• Newsletters
• Chapter merchandise for sale*
You may also want to include decorations or clothing that represents your state, region, province or country. If you have chapter shirts, make sure to wear them! Giveaways always attract people to the booth.
If you are able, give away items such as:
• Candy
• Pencils or pens
• Notepads
• Pins
• Something from your area
Do not feel obligated to give anything away. People want to talk with you! If you do not have items to display or do not have giveaways, please do not let that prevent you from being a part of the Chapter Showcase. The best part of your Chapter Showcase will be the enthusiasm of your chapter representatives!
Please note, your chapter is responsible for setup and cleanup of your showcase area. You will be working with WAI staff and volunteers and are expected to act in a professional and respectful manner. In the event that members of your chapter do not behave in a manner becoming a WAI representative, we will reserve the right to remove your member(s) or your chapter from the Membership Booth and/or from Conference, and to refuse your chapter future showcase scheduling or even admission to Conference entirely.
*Please make sure you follow the guidelines in the Chapter Handbook at https://www.wai.org/chapter-resources anytime you use your chapter logo. Any items you sell (especially if it has a logo on it) must be approved by WAI.
Your Assigned Showcase Time(s)
Your chapter may have one to four representatives in the booth during its showcase time. One hour of showcase time is guaranteed, and a second hour will be provided if space is available. Booth assignments are assigned in the order they are received. You are encouraged to sign up for two hours. Two or three chapters may be in the Chapter Showcase at the same time. To reserve your showcase time, return the Chapter Showcase reservation request by March 1, 2025 according to the instructions shown on the reservation request.
The name on the reservation request should be the person responsible for the chapter’s display in the Chapter Showcase. A final schedule will be sent out to participating chapters no later than March 15, 2025. Please note, space is limited, so we recommend no more than 3-4 chapter members represent your chapter.
Volunteer Opportunities
Did you know that the annual WAI conference isn't possible without a small army of volunteers? In addition to the core team of the WAI staff, more than 500 volunteers pull together to make each annual conference a success. Join our volunteer crew at WAI2025 and have fun experiencing the conference in a different way and meet other interesting WAI members.
Please note, you must be registered for the day at conference that you are volunteering. Please submit your registration first, and when asked if you are interested in volunteering, simply check "yes" and our Volunteer coordinators will reach out to you with next steps!
Volunteer coordinators Ryan Martin and Chilosha Mwansapa can answer your questions via Email at volunteer@wai.org.
