While the draw of walking through millions of dollars’ worth of business aircraft may be enough to justify a visit to the Business Aviation Conference and Expo in Las Vegas this October 20-22, for aspiring pro pilots and business aviation careerists, the Career Zone at BACE could be the real main event. Hosted by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the Career Zone runs the length of the show, with lots of great educational and networking opportunities.
AvBrief checked in with the team at NBAA, and they noted several highlights in the Career Zone to focus on:
* Collegiate Connect (networking tailored specifically for students and recent graduates)
* Speed Career Coaching
* Personalized Scholarship Audit
Plus, the Military Connect portion of the Career Zone deserves special mention, as that’s “where veterans and transitioning military can get expert guidance on concrete steps to find and land jobs in the business aviation industry,” according to the briefing.
For attendees participating in the Career Zone and Collegiate Connect (which takes place within the Career Zone), they can look forward to a panel discussion that will feature young business aviation professionals and discuss “topics ranging from networking to how students can set themselves up for success before graduation. Students will have an opportunity to ask the panelists questions.”
“Following the panel discussion, the students will gather into smaller discussion groups based on industry sectors, such as scheduler/dispatcher, maintenance, and innovation and technology. Then they will have an opportunity to tour the convention exhibit floor to experience the NBAA-BACE Career Fair. At the Career Fair, students can get headshot photos taken, meet recruiters and company representatives, network and learn about potential job roles and opportunities.”
When asked about what inspires her about this segment of the NBAA audience that drives the organization to focus in on serving them a great experience, NBAA’s Senior Vice President of Events and Professional Development Jo Damato, CAM, said, “What inspires me most about today’s rising young professionals is their genuine curiosity and clear sense of purpose. They are not just looking for a job. They want to build meaningful careers where they can innovate, contribute, and truly make a difference. That energy is incredibly inspiring right now as our industry works through workforce challenges and looks to broaden access for the next generation.
“In the Career Zone at NBAA-BACE, that inspiration turns directly into action,” Damato continued. “It is where people meet face-to-face with the leaders, companies, and career pathways that make business aviation so dynamic. Through targeted programming like Collegiate Connect and Military Connect, we do more than introduce job seekers to opportunities. We help them build relationships, see what is possible, and visualize their future here. The Career Zone is not just about filling current openings. It is about investing in the very people who will lead, strengthen, and innovate this industry for decades to come.”
Those interested in attending the Career Zone can sign up here.