Palm Springs, Calif. – The 2022 NGPA Winter Warm-Up & Industry Expo Presented by United Airlines showcased the aviation community’s broad support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The event returned to Palm Springs after a nearly two-year hiatus resulting from limitations associated with COVID-19.

A record 72 companies exhibited at the Expo, with many conducting one-on-one job interviews. In addition to hiring opportunities, the Expo held educational briefings and breakout sessions including general aviation operations, aviation medical fitness, individual financial planning, and aircraft ownership.

“This edition of our NGPA Industry Expo presented by United Airlines has been a resounding success,” said NGPA President Brian Gambino. “The feedback from our exhibitors and attendees has been overwhelmingly positive and we’re excited to be one of the first industry events in 2022 that brings our community back together.”

Over 1,400 attendees representing a broad cross section of the aviation industry and global LGBTQ aviation community attended the Expo.

Joining this year were first time exhibitors Avelo Airlines, Breeze Airways, Flex Air, Jet Aviation, Kalitta Charters, Netjets, Ravn Alaska, Southwest, Textron Aviation, Wheels Up, and WinTrust Mortgage. In addition to the growing number of exhibitors, 84 students representing eight NGPA university chapters attended the education sessions and met with company representatives exploring careers in aviation. 

“NGPA’s mission to build, support, and unite the LGBTQ aviation community in the U.S. and around the world was felt throughout this Expo,” said NGPA Chairman Steve Tustin. “We’re excited to launch a full year of connecting our community through our in-person and virtual gatherings,” he concluded. 

NGPA’s next face-to-face event will be the 2022 Cape Cod Classic, scheduled for September 15-18 in Provincetown, Mass.