As a woman, if you are curious to know everything about the Women in Aviation Conference, then this article is for you. Sit back and relax as you read through!
Women are well known in recent times to be well involved in the aviation industry, unlike the past years, when it was just men that were capable of being aviators. This is all thanks to the first female American aviator Amelia Mary Earhart, who was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Others followed suit.
Before I kick start this article, let’s know what women in aviation are all about. Women in Aviation International (WAI) is an American nongovernmental organization, that provides education, scholarship opportunities, and mentoring to women. The organization is dedicated to encouraging and advancing women in all aviation career fields and interests. It aims to promote public understanding of notable American women in the aviation industry.
This organization was founded in 1990 by Dr. Peggy Chabrian. It is a Professional Association, and it is located in West Alexandria, Ohio. WAI has resources for members who include astronauts, pilots, flight attendants, maintenance technicians, air traffic controllers, educators, students, air show performers, airport managers, business owners, and many others. The group emphasizes helping members find employment and builds their careers. There are good aviation schools all over the world that you can enroll in and become a good aviator in any field of choice
They are dedicated to the following:
- Investing in their current and future workforce
- Developing an inclusive and sustainable aviation and aerospace industry
- Inspiring girls to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace.
They provide year-round resources to assist women in aviation and aerospace and to encourage women to pursue aviation careers. WAI also offers educational outreach programs to young people nationally and internationally. One way they do this is through their Girls in Aviation Day program for girls ages 8 to 17.
In addition, WAI promotes public understanding of the accomplishments and contributions of women in aviation. This includes historic notables such as Amelia Earhart, Bessie Coleman, Eileen Collins, Jeana Yeager, Nicole Malachowski, and many others. They recognize these women through their WAI Pioneer Hall of Fame program.
Now that we’ve known what the Women in Aviation are all about, let’s talk about the women in Aviation Conference.
Women in Aviation Conference
In March 1990, 150 people gathered for the first Women in Aviation Conference in Prescott, Arizona, on the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University campus.
No one knew what to expect at that first conference, but after a weekend of networking, it was clear there was a need for more women in the aviation industry. Soon, the meeting became an annual event, and in December 1994, Women in Aviation International was established as a professional, non-profit organization.
In 2022, WAI marked 33 years of coming together and held one of its largest and most successful annual gatherings on March 17-19, 2022, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. WAI2022 delivered numerous opportunities to network, mentor, and share the trademark positive energy found at our annual conference. Their members make WAI the passionate, dynamic organization it is, and the future is bright as they make plans to gather for the 34th Annual WAI Conference on February 23-25, 2023, in Long Beach, California. Every year, the Women in Aviation Organization hosts a conference, which has grown from 150 participants in 1990 to approximately 4,500 in 2015.
In 2022, a total attendance of more than 4,500 from around the world was recorded. The exhibit hall hosted 176 separate companies and organizations representing all aspects of the aviation community. A total of 103 scholarships were distributed to WAI members at every stage of life for academic use, lifestyle enhancement, and flight training including type ratings. A total of $473,000 in scholarships was awarded during the conference, which put the total scholarships awarded since 1995 to more than $14.5 million. The WAI chapter network reached 153 global chapters in 22 countries worldwide.
For Reference Purposes, the Future Dates for the International Women in Aviation Conference are listed below;
- February 23-25, 2023 – Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, Long Beach, California
- March 21-23, 2024 – Orlando World Center Resort & Convention Center, Orlando, Florida
- March 17-19, 2025 – Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, Denver, Colorado
- March 19-21, 2026 – Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine, Texas
Conclusion
Now that we have known all about the Women in Aviation Conference and what they have achieved so far, prepare to attend the next one as a woman aviator so that you can stand a chance to reap the benefits attached to becoming a member of this great organization.
Now, let’s wrap up this article by answering some frequently asked questions about the Women in Aviation Conference
Women in Aviation Conference – FAQs
What do women in aviation do?
They strive to encourage, empower, and educate all those whose interests, lives, and work involve aviation and aerospace without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental abilities, or point of view.
What day is Women in Aviation Day?
It is hosted annually, usually in the month of March
How do you start a Women in aviation chapter?
You can start the women in aviation chapter by following the instructions listed below;
Contact WAI Outreach Director Molly Martin and share your intent to organize a chapter. She’ll be there to provide you with direction, materials, and potential contacts.
Advertise/promote your new chapter with flyers, emails, postcards, and invitations at local airports, flight schools, aviation and aerospace company lounges, college/university aviation department bulletin boards and anywhere else you think potential members may be.
​Conduct an organizational meeting for prospective chapter members.
Identify 10 WAI members who will be charter chapter members (6 WAI members for collegiate and international chapters).
Elect provisional officers, determine meeting day and time, and chapter dues.
Select your chapter name with your college, company, geographic area, or even something more creative.
Form committees for areas that would be helpful in managing the chapter, such as outreach, membership, program, budget, bylaws, social media, marketing, etc.
Collect a list of WAI member’s and new members’ applications and dues
Prepare and submit a provisional chapter application with a $150 fee
Can men join women in aviation?
Yes, WAI membership is open to both women and men from all segments of the aviation industry and in all stages of their careers.