Your Future Starts Here: The Career Zone at 2026 NBAA-BACE
The 2026 National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA’s) Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) brings back the Career Zone, offering those new to the industry and those looking for a career change an opportunity to meet with hiring companies, work with a career coach, learn about scholarships, and more.
“No matter where you are in your career, the NBAA-BACE Career Zone offers valuable resources to help you find your next opportunity in business aviation,” says NBAA senior vice president of Events and Professional Development, Jo Damato, CAM fellow. “Last year’s inaugural Career Zone was met with tremendous enthusiasm, and we are excited to build on that momentum.”
Highlights of this year’s NBAA-BACE Career Zone include:
- the opportunity to connect with leading employers at the Career Fair
- career coaching from Showalter Business Aviation Career Coaching on common topics, including resume writing, LinkedIn optimization, interview preparation, networking, elevator pitches, professional presence and business-aviation careers
- moments for student attendees to engage in one-on-one career coaching during Collegiate Connect on Thurs., Oct. 22
- personalized audits from AviationStart to help students and professionals discover their eligibility for scholarships
- connection with NBAA Certified Aviation Managers (CAMs), as well as engagement in meaningful networking, to help students gain insider perspectives on the certification journey
- networking with aviation university professors and leaders from the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) for exploration of various aviation graduate programs
- and a Career Zone headshot lounge, where attendees can enhance their professional image.
Curated networking opportunities include:
- Meet the 2026 Class of NBAA Business Aviation Top 40 Under 40s — Wed., Oct. 21, 2:30-3 pm
- Military Connect Meetup — Wed., Oct. 21, 3:30-4 pm
- Collegiate Connect — Thurs., Oct. 22, 12-2 pm.
“We are delighted to join the 2026 NBAA-BACE Career Fair and look forward to meeting the many attendees who stop by our booths to discover how they can ‘underwrite’ a rewarding career with USAIG, 'America’s First Name in Aviation Insurance,'” says Karen Rafferty, senior vice president, USAIG, which has partnered with NBAA since 1953.
“Aviation insurance is an incredible sector within our industry, which offers many exciting career opportunities to explore,” Rafferty adds. “It merges a passion for flight with the strategic nuances of global business.”
Jenny Showalter, the founder and chief motivational officer at Showalter Business Aviation Career Coaching, offers the following tips for those looking to connect with potential new employers:
- bring business cards and be ready with a brief elevator pitch
- come prepared with an updated resume
- be curious and ask questions
- make connections and nurture those relationships after NBAA-BACE.
“The NBAA-BACE Career Zone brings valuable resources together in one dedicated space, giving professionals the tools, connections and confidence to navigate a successful job search and move their careers forward,” Showalter says. “And remember, one key conversation can change the course of your career.”
The NBAA-BACE Career Zone, located in West Hall W1 of the Las Vegas Convention Center, will be open Wed., Oct. 21, from 12-5 pm and Thurs., Oct. 22, from 9 am-2 pm.
To learn more about the NBAA-BACE Career Zone, visit https://nbaabace.org/program/career-zone.
Taking place Oct. 20-22 in Las Vegas, NBAA-BACE is the world’s most powerful business-aviation event of the year, showcasing the industry’s latest innovations and services, and hosting the leaders who are shaping its future. To learn more, visit https://nbaabace.org.