February 4-7, 2027
Attendee Registration is open!
The Winter Warm-Up presented by American Airlines is the NGPA’s flagship West Coast event, which is held at the beginning of the year and is by far our largest yearly gathering. Warm weather, a uniquely Southwest landscape, and miles of blue skies make Palm Springs, CA the perfect spot for a mid-winter fly-in.
Please review the schedule outline for our 2027 Palm Springs Winter Warm-Up presented by American Airlines below. Please Note: The below schedule is subject to change as breakout sessions and additional sessions are booked.
8AM-4PM Express Check-in and Registration – Avoid the lines at events by picking up your badge during the express registration time slots. Check-in tables will be open in the Renaissance Hotel. Look for the Winter Warm-Up Check-in signage. Located in the California Ballroom Foyer.
5PM - 7PM - Wednesday Welcome Social - Informal gathering to kick off an amazing event with us! Join the NGPA at the Renaissance Rocks bar for a Welcome and Kickoff Social. Connect with fellow attendees, enjoy great conversations, and get ready for an unforgettable experience. Located in the Renaissance Rocks Bar.
7:30AM-4PM Express Check-in and Registration – Avoid the lines at events by picking up your badge during the express registration time slots. Check-in tables will be open in the Renaissance Hotel. Look for the Winter Warm-Up Check-in signage. Located in the California Ballroom Foyer.
8AM - 9AM - Welcome Kickoff - in the California Ballroom.
9AM-5PM Industry Expo presented by United Airlines - (Expo Hall CLOSED from 12:00pm until 1:30pm for Lunch and Keynote Speaker) NGPA is pleased to present the 2027 NGPA Industry Expo Presented by United Airlines, which will be held Thursday, Feb 4 - Friday, Feb 5, 2027, at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Exhibitor booths, hiring events, guest speakers and educational seminars for general aviation, business/corporate, and commercial pilots are in the lineup of events. Located in the Convention Center Oasis 2&3.
12:30PM-1:30PM Afternoon Keynote - Located in the California Ballroom.
4PM - 5PM - First Timer's Social - New to NGPA? First Time in Palm Springs? We’re excited to welcome you! Join us for the First Timer Social and connect with fellow members, make new friends, and learn more about the amazing NGPA community. It’s the perfect way to kick off your journey with us—we can’t wait to meet you! Located on the Date Restaurant Terrace.
6PM-9PM Palm Springs Afterglow Social – Keep the energy going after a full day at the Winter Warm Up and Industry Expo with the Thursday Night Palm Springs Afterglow Social, hosted in Oasis 4 at the Palm Springs Convention Center. This evening gathering is the perfect way to unwind, reconnect, and enjoy the signature Palm Springs vibe alongside fellow attendees. Set to upbeat music that keeps the evening rolling, the Afterglow Social features refreshing drinks and light bites—ideal for casual mingling and continued conversations from the day. Mix and mingle with aviation professionals, students, and friends of the NGPA in an inclusive, laid-back atmosphere designed for easy connection and community. Whether you’re meeting new faces, reconnecting with friends, or simply enjoying good music and great company, this is the perfect way to cap off your Thursday.
7:30AM – 3PM Express Check-in and Registration – Avoid the lines at events by picking up your badge during the express registration time slots. Check-in tables will be open in the Palm Springs Convention Center. Look for the Winter Warm-Up Check-in signage. Located in the California Grand Ballroom Foyer.
8AM-1PM Industry Expo presented by United Airlines - NGPA is pleased to present the 2026 NGPA Industry Expo Presented by United Airlines, which will be held Thursday, Feb 5 - Friday, Feb 6, 2026, at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Exhibitor booths, hiring events, guest speakers and educational seminars for general aviation, business/corporate, and commercial pilots are in the lineup of events. Located in the Convention Center Oasis 2&3.
8:30AM - 9:30AM - Student Member Breakfast - Students! enhance your Winter Warm Up experience with inspiration, connection, and a great meal at the NGPA Student Member Breakfast, proudly sponsored by United Airlines. This exclusive gathering brings together NGPA student members and industry professionals in a relaxed, welcoming setting designed to foster meaningful conversation and mentorship. Hear insights from aviation leaders, learn more about career pathways at United Airlines, and gain practical advice as you navigate your journey from student to professional. Whether you’re seeking guidance, networking opportunities, or simply a chance to connect with fellow students who share your passion for aviation, this breakfast sets the tone for a successful and energizing event.
1:30PM-3PM Annual Meeting of Members – Join NGPA leadership to learn about the current state of the NGPA, where the organization is going, and how far it has come. Located in the California Grand Ballroom.
3PM - 4PM Friends of Bill W. and Supporters - Friends of Bill W is a casual, welcoming social gathering for identifying Friends of Bill W attendees who wish to connect with others in a comfortable, supportive environment during NGPA’s Winter Warm Up. This informal meetup offers a relaxed space to step away from the conference schedule, enjoy conversation, and spend time with fellow members who share a common understanding. Located in the Andreas Room of the Renaissance Hotel. Whether you’re attending for connection, community, or a quiet moment of camaraderie, this gathering provides an opportunity to recharge and engage in meaningful conversation in a respectful, low-key setting.
3:00PM - 4:00PM - Retiree Social - Retirees, come connect and celebrate with us! Join the NGPA for a Retiree Social, where you can catch up with old friends, make new ones, and share stories from your journey. We look forward to honoring your legacy and enjoying this special time together! Located in the Presidential Suite.
5:30 PM Transportation to the Signature Flight Support Hangar Begins - Transportation will run round trip until the evening reception ends. Located Outside the Front Lobby of the Renaissance Hotel.
6PM-9PM Queens & Wings Hangar Reception - Presented by GoJet Airlines. Keep the weekend vibes going in true NGPA style at our legendary Friday Night Hangar Party — one of the most anticipated events of the year! Join fellow members, friends, and aviation enthusiasts for an evening of great music, local bites, refreshing drinks, and nonstop fun surrounded by stunning aircraft under the desert night sky. Unfortunately, we no longer have the Palm Springs Air Museum Reserved (I KNOW, We are upset too!), but Signature Flight Support has graciously allowed us to move the fun over to their hangar! The highlight of the evening? Our Queen of the Fleet presentation — where we crown the most fabulous aircraft on the ramp! From vintage classics to modern marvels, you’ll see aviation beauty at its finest, paired with plenty of laughter and celebration. This is your chance to mingle, make new connections, and toast to the incredible NGPA community as we soar into another unforgettable Palm Springs weekend.
2PM-4PM Solar Soak - It’s Palm Springs in February, so why not take some time for yourself at the Renaissance Pool where you can lounge in luxury, listen to music from DJ Tommy, and splash your cares away under spectacularly majestic mountain views! Located on the Renaissance Pool Deck. Sponsored by FedEx.
5:30PM-9PM Silent Auction & Social – The NGPA Silent Auction benefits our scholarship program. Grab a cocktail and have a look at our auction items prior to the gala.
5:30PM-6:30PM Flight Deck Reception – Invite only for Flight Deck members in the San Jacinto Room of the Renaissance Hotel.
6:30PM NGPA Gala General Seating Opens - General seating for the gala opens in the Renaissance!
7PM-9:30PM NGPA Gala presented by American Airlines – The annual NGPA Gala is our signature weekend event. This formal gala features a plated dinner, stage presentations, scholarship recipient awards. Located in the REN Grand Ballroom.
11AM-1:30PM (S)lay the (T)akeoff, (O)wn the (L)anding Drag Brunch – This is it, crew, hosted by Ongina — the final boarding call for Winter Warm Up 2026, and we’re ending the weekend exactly how we should: loud, proud, and fully cleared to slay. (S)lay the (T)akeoff, (O)wn the (L)anding is the ultimate closing celebration, bringing high-flying drag, unapologetic glamour, and a no-delay departure straight into fierce fun. Fuel up one last time on brunch favorites and bottomless vibes as Ongina takes command of the cabin, serving charisma, nerve, and talent at cruising altitude. Expect runway-worthy looks, comedic turbulence, and performances so strong they’ll have you applauding harder than a greased landing in a gusty crosswind. Whether you’re wrapping up an unforgettable Winter Warm Up weekend or squeezing in one final moment of fabulousness before wheels down, this Drag Brunch is your chance to celebrate community, connection, and confidence with your chosen family from the NGPA. Final approach complete. Weekend slayed. Wheels down in fabulous style.