Women in Aviation 2023 conference breaks records

Women in Aviation International held one of its largest annual gatherings during the 34th annual Women in Aviation International Conference at Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, California, Feb. 23-25, 2023, according to association officials.

“WAI’s strength is in our membership,” said WAI CEO Allison McKay. “A more passionate, diverse, and inclusive group doesn’t exist anywhere in the industry. We gather to celebrate, support, and advance each other while expanding our knowledge and skills, and raising our own expectations for what’s possible. This week’s conference brought our largest group of members together with more exhibitors and hiring companies in history.”

“We hosted dozens of networking and education sessions, assembled another extraordinary group of keynote speakers, honored unique trailblazers during our annual Pioneer Hall of Fame induction, and presented nearly $890,000 in scholarships to deserving WAI members,” she continued.

A highlight of the conference is the induction of women into WAI’s International Pioneer Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees include Nancy Bird, founder of the Australian Women Pilots Association; Martha and John King, co-owners of the King Schools; and Col. Merryl Tengesdal, USAF (ret.), the first and only Black woman to pilot the U-2 Dragon Lady reconnaissance aircraft.

Other conference highlights include:

• A total attendance of more than 4,500, including 136 international representatives from 32 countries, including Canada, Ghana, Norway, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Kenya, Germany, and others.
• The WAI Chapter network has reached 167 chapters in 23 countries.
• The exhibit hall hosted nearly 200 companies and organizations, representing all aspects of the aviation community.
• 123 scholarships were distributed to WAI members at every stage of life for both academic use, lifestyle enhancement, and flight training, including type ratings. A total of $889,140 in scholarships was awarded, bringing the total scholarships awarded since 1995 to more than $15.4 million.
• The conference was livestreamed on WAI’s new YouTube channel WAIOnAir

Girls in Aviation Day Long Beach

On Saturday, Feb. 25, 250 girls, along with their chaperones, were hosted by more than 100 WAI volunteers, at Girls in Aviation Day Long Beach. The girls, ages 8-18, visited more than 20 activity stations and heard about six different aviation careers during a career panel.

The older girls had the opportunity to meet with representatives from colleges, including California Aeronautical University, Central Washington University, Cypress College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Liberty University School of Aeronautics, Saint Louis University, SUU Aviation, United Aviate Academy, Utah Valley University-Aviation Science, and Western Michigan University College of Aviation.

The 35th Annual Women in Aviation International Conference will be held March 21-23, 2024, at the Orlando World Center in Orlando, Florida. For more information, go to WAI.org/2024-Conference.