Women in Aviation International will host its 22nd annual conference next week in Reno, Nev., from Feb. 24 to 26. The event brings together a wide range of aviation professionals, educators and enthusiasts, and welcomes men as well as women from around the world. A variety of professional development seminars, networking opportunities, exhibits and social events are offered. The history of women’s contributions to aviation will be explored in talks about the Womens Airforce Service Pilots, the 1929 women’s air derby and more. At the conclusion of the conference, on Saturday night, this year’s inductees to WAI’s Aviation Pioneer Hall of Fame will be announced, and 66 scholarships worth more than $600,000 will be awarded. About 3,200 attendees are expected.
Among the guests and speakers at this year’s event are Lt. Col. Maryse Carmichael, commander of Canada’s Snowbirds aerobatic team; Mark Van Tine, CEO of Jeppesen; Adm. Gary Roughead, U.S. Navy; and aviation educators John and Martha King and Rod Machado. Details and registration information can be found at the WAI website. The cost for non-members is $439. AVweb’s Mary Grady spoke with WAI President Peggy Chabrian about this year’s convention, what will be going on there and why it’s a great event for anyone working to launch or advance an aviation career. Click here for that podcast.
