March 9, 2026
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — Each year, the National Gay Pilots Association Winter Warm-Up and Industry Expo hosted in Palm Springs brings together aviators, students, recruiters, and allies from across the aviation industry for several days of connection, mentorship, and career development. This year’s event marked a historic milestone for the organization, setting multiple records and highlighting the continued growth of NGPA’s mission within the aviation community.
The 2026 Winter Warm-Up achieved a record-breaking attendance of 2,682 participants, including a record 208 student attendees, demonstrating the increasing interest from the next generation of aviation professionals. In addition, NGPA awarded $690,000 in scholarships, providing meaningful financial support to aspiring aviators and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to accessibility and advancement within the industry.
Winter Warm-Up serves as both a networking event and a career-focused industry expo, giving attendees direct access to airlines, corporate aviation companies, flight schools, and aviation organizations. For students and early-career professionals, the event creates opportunities to engage face-to-face with recruiters and experienced pilots, turning introductions into mentorship moments and career conversations.
The atmosphere throughout the weekend reflected a strong sense of community. Pilots openly shared their experiences; recruiters offered guidance beyond resumes, and students found an environment where questions were encouraged. The record-setting attendance underscored the growing demand for spaces that blend professional development with authentic connection.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach campus is proud to have its own NGPA chapter, allowing students to engage with the organization at a local level while building connections that extend far beyond campus. The chapter continues to promote mentorship, professional growth, and community involvement, helping prepare students for opportunities like Winter Warm-Up and the broader aviation industry.
Beyond networking, the expo highlighted key conversations shaping aviation today, including workforce development, mentorship pipelines, and creating environments where all aviators can thrive. Companies showcased not only career opportunities, but also the cultures they are building, reflecting a broader industry shift toward inclusivity and long-term talent development.
For many attendees, Winter Warm-Up represented more than an industry event. It served as a reminder that aviation careers are built not only through training and flight hours, but also through relationships, shared experiences, and a strong support network.
Whether attendees left with new mentors, internship leads, or renewed motivation, the impact of the weekend extended far beyond the expo floor.
As NGPA continues to grow, this year’s record-breaking numbers make one thing clear: the future of aviation is collaborative, connected, and driven by community. To learn more about upcoming events and initiatives, follow NGPA on Instagram at @wearengpa.
In an industry built on forward motion, Winter Warm-Up proves that the strongest journeys are the ones taken together.
