Aviation for Women is the flagship member publication of Women in Aviation International. Articles feature women who have made aviation history, professional development ideas, and current-topic articles.
Issue link: https://afwdigital.epubxp.com/i/813603
32 Aviation forWomen M A Y / J U N E 2 0 1 7 Taking advantage of the Orlando area, conference attendees were able to explore three special aviation venues nearby through organized tours. On Wednesday, buses transported a group for space ex- ploration and lunch at the Kennedy Space Center. On Thursday, tours were offered to both Piper Aircraft and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. First-Timers I have been a mem- ber of WA I si nce 2012 and never at- tended the annual conferences. This yea r I dec ided to venture out to Or- lando with the hope of meeting new friends, networking, and learning some- thing innovative within our world of aviation. It was a fantastic decision! The event was methodically planned and orchestrated and exceeded all expecta- tions! The education seminars, ques- tions/answer sessions with airline per- sonnel, and exhibit hall participants all conducted themselves in a friendly but professional manner. I did notice many men in attendance, and finally asked a group of them why they were attending a WAI convention. They were gracious and explained the whole Fast Pass process to me. Being a first-time attendee, I had no idea airlines conducted face-to-face meetings during the convention. What a great platform for pilots to meet and interview with airline representatives. The Disney Coronado Springs venue was lovely and afforded WAI attendees plenty of meeting space, directional sig- nage, and plenty of parking and securi- ty. I especially enjoyed the luncheon in- side the Coronado Ballroom. Since I was flying solo during the conference, I was not planning to attend the luncheon. I decided at the last minute to go ahead and take a seat; quickly I found myself surrounded by fellow aviators sharing stories during lunch. One young lady at the table flew in from Kenya and anoth- er from India. The opportunity to listen to David Bronczek's message during the luncheon was another highlight not just for me, but also everyone in the room. Where can you dine on a southwest sal- ad and listen to the President and COO of FedEx speak? Awesome! The WAI conference was indeed an excellent gathering of people and infor- mation swap! I hope to attend next year. —Sherri Landers, WAI 53181 Tours Exhibit Hall JOHN RIEDEL PAULA GRUBB HEATHER VAN GORP JENNIFER BORBOR CHRISTOPHER MILLER