Palm Springs, CA, February 15, 2022 –
The NGPA hosted weekend-long engagements at the Palm Springs Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center in California. The NGPA Winter Warm-Up and Industry Expo displayed success, with over 600 attendees each. Attendees included current and aspiring professional pilots and airline industry personnel. The event's objective was to provide career advancement opportunities and reunite long-time friends among members and non-members.
At the event, the NGPA organized the 2023 Industry Expo, featuring the largest pool of aviation recruiters the organization has ever assembled, with 106 vendors represented by 428 exhibitors. Attendees participated in various breakout sessions, including allyship, the transgender/nonbinary committee, and interview preparation. The event offered extensive networking opportunities, with individual meet and greets organized by all major airlines in attendance, including American Airlines, a Titanium-Level sponsor of NGPA, who alone made 50+ conditional job offers during the expo.
Incoming Executive Director Justin Ellixson-Andrews reflected that “Winter Warm-Up is a special time where friends, family, and allies reconnect, where experiences are shared, where accomplishments are celebrated, and where we welcome new members to the NGPA family. From the moment you arrive, the energy is euphoric and reminds us of the pivotal role NGPA plays within the LGBTQ+ community.”
The Winter Warm-Up event included social and networking events for NGPA members, such as evening receptions, comedic and performance entertainment, and an annual gala where 31 scholarship recipients were recognized. The NGPA scholarship cycle for the year provided over $360,000 in opportunities for student members. Thanks to the immense support of our members, NGPA raised $70,852 to use in building, supporting, and uniting the LGBT community in 2023. Justin Ellixson-Andrews was announced as the new Executive Director by the NGPA Board of Directors. NGPA President Brian Gambino and Vice President Troy Merritt will conclude their leadership terms on February 28, 2023.
"This year's Industry Expo/Winter Warm-Up was a resounding success. I am especially grateful that we had the opportunity to say farewell and thank Brian Gambino for his outstanding service and to welcome Justin Ellixson-Andrews as the new Executive Director. This event continues to deliver on our mission to Build, Support, and Unite our community," said Board Chair Scott Konzem.
The NGPA Women’s Committee looks forward to attending the annual Women In Aviation International conference in Long Beach, CA, February 23-25. NGPA’s 2024 Annual PSP events will return February 14-18, 2024.
The NGPA is a non-profit organization based in Minneapolis. Founded in 1990, NGPA is an international organization of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) aviation professionals and enthusiasts. Our organization aims to encourage individuals to begin aviation careers, foster an environment of equality for LGBTQ+ aviators, promote safety, and establish personal and professional networks. The NGPA makes this a reality through education, outreach, and social events. Our organization is run by a board of directors, executive leadership, and volunteers! For more information, visit www.ngpa.org.
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