Contact: Dan Hubbard, 202-431-5970, dhubbard@nbaa.org
San Antonio, TX, Feb. 4, 2026 – A powerful gathering of business aviation leaders came together to be energized and inspired by exceptional speakers, innovative ideas and dynamic networking that moved the industry forward at the 2026 National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Leadership Conference.
More than 500 people attended the event, 43% of of whom were first-time participants. Seven countries and 46 states were represented in the record-setting crowd.
“When leaders learn together, the entire industry moves forward,” said NBAA Senior Vice President, Events and Professional Development Jo Damato, CAM. “At this week’s conference, professionals from across business aviation invested in their leadership development. They prioritized building the capabilities and connections needed to elevate their performance and advance our community well into the future.”
Organized by NBAA’s Business Aviation Management Committee (BAMC), the conference was co-chaired by Lisa Archambeau, CAM, ServiceElements, and Mark Scheele, CAM, Basin Electric Power Cooperative.
The conference’s theme of “From Potential to Performance: Unlocking the Best in Yourself and Your Team,” emphasized that no one in business aviation works in a vacuum and improving one team member’s leadership skills lifts an entire team. Through interactive, thought-provoking keynotes led by renowned leaders and award-winning authors, the conference equipped attendees with new tools and actionable insights into the skills that define top-tier professionals.
Keynote speakers included industry leader and best-selling author Stephanie Chung; TV host and American Ninja Warrior Alex Weber and David Rendall, former management professor and stand-up comedian. They touched on themes from leading with confidence to working with those different from you. Learn more about the conference speakers.
Attendees agreed the NBAA Leadership Conference is an essential component of their professional development.
“Business aviation is a small industry. The leadership side is even smaller, and we have so few opportunities to be amongst our peers,” said Mark Blackman, director of aviation, PGA Tour. “I find that the sense of camaraderie and the ability to have honest conversations with people who are facing the same issues I am facing is invaluable.”
“The NBAA Leadership Conference is a great place for people who are trying to grow within the industry, to connect, to find people that they not only admire, but mentors who will walk with them through their professional growth,” said Maria “Majo” Perdomo, director of operational controls at Million Air in Houston. Perdomo added that the South Texas Business Aviation Association, where she is an officer, thinks so highly of the event the group sent two of its members to the conference. “It’s beneficial for us to pay it forward. They have the opportunity to meet individuals from so many different sectors of the industry.”
BAMC Chair Julie Goodridge, CAM, business development manager at MedAire, added, “I think this is one of the best conferences of the year. The focus on networking, community and camaraderie—combined with inspiring speakers—leaves me energized and ready to motivate not only myself, but my entire team.”
The conference was also the occasion for the introduction of the third class of NBAA Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Fellows – exceptional leaders who have long demonstrated a tireless commitment to the business aviation industry and the aims of the CAM program in fostering professional excellence. Learn more about the CAM Fellows program and the latest inductees. Additionally, BAMC leaders announced the recipients of the committee’s 2026 Leadership Conference Scholarship.
The 2027 NBAA Leadership Conference will take place Feb. 8-10 in Tucson, AZ.
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Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The association represents more than 10,000 company and professional members and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), the world’s largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at nbaa.org.
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