NBAA’s Young Professionals Program to Celebrate 10th Anniversary at NBAA-BACE

To commemorate it’s milestone anniversary, the  National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Young Professionals (YoPro) Council will feature a number of engaging networking opportunities and education sessions at the 2024 NBAA Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE).

“These events are produced by YoPros, but are not age-based and not just for YoPros. We welcome industry professionals of all ages, from seasoned pros to those new to the industry,” said Gary Webb, YoPro Council member and strategic partnerships coordinator at Nimbl. “We encourage individuals of all experience levels to attend these events, giving those new to the industry an opportunity to network with and share ideas with more seasoned veterans in the industry.”

Long a highlight of NBAA-BACE, the YoPro Networking Reception and Helpy Hour will be held Tuesday, Oct. 22 from 5-7 p.m. on the Paradise Bridge between North and West Halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center. This year’s Helpy Hour partners with Project 150, which provides free support and services to homeless, displaced and disadvantaged high school students so they can remain in school, graduate and build bright futures.

“This event, during which attendees will put together backpacks and school supply kits, allows all attendees to network while giving back to the community, making it a ‘can’t-miss’ event for business aviation professionals of all ages,” said Ashley Granada, NBAA’s senior marketing manager and co-staff liaison to the YoPro Council.

During the convention, YoPro-produced and focused education sessions will tackle work/life balance, finding a career with purpose, unlocking your potential and attracting and retaining the next generation of young professionals in business aviation. View the full list of NBAA-BACE education sessions.

Young professionals looking for new career opportunities may attend the NBAA Career Fair, taking place Oct. 23 and 24 at the convention center. The event is open at no cost to all registered attendees. Learn more about the Career Fair.

Helping the Next Generation

NBAA YoPros also will play a role at the NBAA-BACE Collegiate Connect program, taking place the final day of the show.

The program opens with a welcome from NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen and other industry leaders. Next is a panel discussion where young professionals and seasoned management-level speakers share their strategies for attracting and retaining top talent in business aviation. After the panel discussion, students will participate in an exciting networking event where they’ll be encouraged to select from one of nine career categories and speak with young professionals currently working in those roles.

Learn more about Collegiate Connect.

All YoPros should plan to attend Collegiate Connect to take part in a “Class of 2024 New Hire” group photo.

Top 40 Under 40

Also at NBAA-BACE, the 2024 class of Business Aviation Top 40 Under 40 Award recipients will be announced and celebrated throughout the show.

 This year, a record 702 nominations were submitted for the prestigious annual honor, up from 550 nominations received in 2023, which also was a record.

The award recognizes the next generation of business aviation leaders making a difference in the industry today. Awarded annually by the YoPro Council, the group reads through each recommendation it receives and looks at several key areas, including not just nominees’ individual career achievements, but also the ways nominees are giving back to the industry, helping others in their local communities and are a pioneer in their segment of the industry, serving as an example to others.

Learn more about the Business Aviation Top 40 Under 40 Award.

Learn more about the NBAA Young Professionals program.

NBAA-BACE, taking place Oct. 22-24 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Henderson Executive Airport (HND), is the world’s most powerful business aviation event of the year. Learn more about NBAA-BACE.