By: Meghann Witthoft
The 28th Annual Women in Aviation International (WAI) Conference, which took place from March 2, 2017 to March 4, 2017, proved to be an experience that JETPUBS staff will remember forever. From first-timers to seasoned veterans, each individual went away feeling “inspired, engaged, and connected.”
The conference itself attracted approximately 4,500 individuals from all over the globe and hosted 165 different exhibitors over the three-day conference period. As one of those 165 exhibitors and an integral event sponsor, JETPUBS engaged conference attendees with a fun, aviation-themed photo booth and coloring table complete with color-changing markers! Individuals who stopped by posed in the frame with props like aviator goggles, mustaches, and thought bubbles galore. Then, exhausted from the day of walking and connecting with individuals from all aviation backgrounds, attendees sat and contributed to the work of art that adorned the JETPUBS coloring table. These fun booth attractions and the way they inspired attendees and presenters alike to interact with the individuals around them were some of our employees’ favorite parts of the conference.
Our new Training Materials Client Care Coordinator Sherrie Knapp, a first-time attendee of the conference, enjoyed the energy and excitement that the conference presented and saw it as a wonderful opportunity to network and learn from her peers. “My favorite part was the interaction with all of the people attending and stopping by to connect. And, being new to this company [JETPUBS], I really enjoyed the time spent shadowing my colleagues and getting to know them,” said Sherrie.
In addition to Sherrie’s first-timer views of the WAI Conference, other members of our staff contributed their unique and experienced views of the event. JETPUBS Sales Coordinator Kim Baseman is no stranger to the conference experience, having attended five WAI conferences in total. However, this was Kim’s first experience as a part of the JETPUBS team. Kim noted a difference in her experience of this year’s festivities compared to her earlier impressions of the conference. “The biggest difference that I noticed is that, as an exhibitor, people are more willing to approach you. When you are attached to a great company, like JETPUBS, people enjoy approaching us and saying hello and thank you,” shared Kim.
Mikaela Hammer, our Training Materials and Graphics Specialist, also brought a seasoned view of the WAI Conference having attended previously in 2015 and also having attended six conferences in general during her time at JETPUBS. According to Mikaela, WAI presents a different atmosphere compared to many other conferences. “WAI is full of women who are pushing the boundaries, creating new heights for their sisters. The atmosphere is buzzing with encouragement, support, and joy. It’s unlike any other show. Everyone is eager and happy to be there, so it never feels forced or rushed and everyone’s there to connect,” said Mikaela.
Reflecting on the 28th Annual WAI Conference in Orlando, Florida earlier this month has allowed JETPUBS staff to enjoy the experience of connecting with those passionate about aviation and propelling the industry forward. As we continue to transition back into our daily work and attend additional trade shows and conferences, JETPUBS will continue to view the WAI Conference as an example of our own dedication and the industry’s dedication to excellence, engagement, and growth.
