Coinciding with Women’s History Month, the 29th Annual International Women in Aviation Conference takes place in Reno, Nevada, on March 22nd – 24th, 2018. This event is hosted by the non-profit organization Women in Aviation International, a group of women and men in the aviation and aerospace industry dedicated to the advancement of women in aviation career fields and hobbyists. The conference serves to inspire and connect women who have an interest in aviation with the women who have paved the way for those interests.
In the brochure for the conference, Dr. Peggy Chabrian, President and Founder of Women in Aviation International, describes the conference as “life-changing.” She continues, “We gather the best speakers, plan the best educational sessions, and provide opportunities for networking and just plain fun.” This year features six keynote speakers, all women, and a slew of education sessions and professional development seminars, each one featuring female presenters. Additionally, with 4,500+ attendees and over 170 aviation business and employer exhibits, there is something here for everyone, whether you’re an accomplished expert pilot or a high-school teenager curious about earning her wings.
There are over 45 education sessions at the International Women in Aviation Conference this year. Are you a commercial pilot juggling the responsibilities of being a mother? Then “Airline Pilot Families – Making it All Work” is a panel you don’t want to miss. Curious about how you can use your private pilot certificate to go on adventures? Check out the presentation “Just a Private Pilot” by Diane Ballweg. There are too many of these wonderful presentations to list, but the true beauty of the conference is that, no matter what field you’re in or what your dream aviation job is, there is a very high likelihood that there is a woman speaking about her work in that area and her journey to success.
With so many aviation industry professionals in one place, the International Women in Aviation Conference is a hotspot for mentorship and professional development. Be sure to take advantage of the Hiring Briefings that some major companies will hold. It’ll be your chance to meet people from various airlines and hear them discuss their hiring process, available positions, requirements, and tips in order to help you put your best foot forward. If you’re not necessarily on the hunt for a new job and just want some professional direction, consider participating in Minute Mentoring. Participants will be matched with a professional leader who can offer guidance based on their own experiences.
If you’re traveling to attend the conference or are a Reno local, considering bringing a young (ages 8-17) friend, family member, or student to the Girls in Aviation Day on Saturday, March 24th. The participants will spend the bulk of the day immersed in the aviation world with activities and games surrounded by successful, working women. The girls get hands-on experience with different charts and the phonetic alphabet, and they’ll even be able to fly a simulator! This is an excellent way to spark an interest in STEM fields and promote aviation as a desirable career choice.
There are so many things to do at this year’s International Women in Aviation Conference, but more importantly, there are so many people to meet! Women in Aviation International puts a lot of effort into making the conference fun and engaging, but ultimately every attendee is there to celebrate the accomplishments of the women who came before us and ensure that there are more women to fly on after us. The best way to get inspired and inspire others is to get out there and network with the other women who want to do, are doing, or have already done the things you want to accomplish.
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