New NBAA-BACE Horizon Stage Puts Aviation Icons, Innovators in the Spotlight

Contact: Dan Hubbard, 202-431-5970, [email protected]

Washington, DC, Sept. 24, 2026 - The 2026 National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) will feature the first-ever Horizon Stage, hosting headline conversations, top industry voices and standout recognition right in the heart of the NBAA-BACE exhibit hall.

"NBAA is thrilled to bring this exciting new venue to NBAA-BACE," said NBAA Senior Vice President, Events and Professional Engagement Jo Damato, CAM. "The Horizon Stage will honor some of business aviation's storied icons, introduce some of its most promising innovators and showcase excellence across the industry. You won't want to miss these milestone moments."

The Horizon Stage, prominently located on the show's exhibit floor at the Las Vegas Convention Center, will include the following:

The Launch, With a Tribute to Steven Udvar-Hazy

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 9-10 a.m.

Hosted by "Pink Jet" aviator Stephanie Goetz, NBAA-BACE kicks off with a tribute to business aviation icons, including welcome remarks from NBAA board members and senior leadership, and the presentation of the association's most prestigious award - the Meritorious Service to Aviation Award - to Steven F. Udvar-Hazy. The presentation will culminate in a fireside chat between Udvar-Hazy and Ross Perot Jr., a fellow Meritorious Service to Aviation Award recipient, accomplished aviator and global business leader.

Recognizing Excellence in Flight Safety

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 10:30-11 a.m.

The NBAA Flying Safety Awards will recognize organizations that have achieved 50, 60 and 75 years of accident-free operations. The program, which will be hosted by Goetz, also will honor pilots, maintenance technicians and aviation professionals whose leadership, ethics and selflessness continue to strengthen safety culture across business aviation through the Dr. Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation Award.

Live From the Horizon Stage: 'AviationStart,' a FLYING Production, With Jamail Larkins

Tuesday, Oct. 21 3:30-5 p.m.

Jamail Larkins, host of the "AviationStart" Flying Production Video Podcast, will be recording episodes in front of a live audience for release after NBAA-BACE. The episodes, featuring industry leaders, will highlight business aviation careers in maintenance, scheduling, dispatch, safety and operations.

Military Connect Kickoff With USAF General (ret.) Lloyd 'Fig' Newton

Wednesday, Oct. 21 10-10:45 a.m.

NBAA-BACE attendees are welcome to this session designed for transitioning service members, veterans and military families. Distinguished aviation and legislative leaders, including Lloyd "Fig" Newton, retired four-star USAF general and chair emeritus of the NBAA Board of Directors, and Daniel J. Edward, retired USAF veteran and Department of Transportation assistant secretary for aviation and international affairs, will highlight the critical role military talent plays in advancing business aviation's future. Many skills learned in military service directly apply to business aviation - find your career path at this session designed specifically by veterans, for veterans.

Alpha Wingman 'PitchAv' - A Startup Showdown

Wednesday, Oct. 21 2-5 p.m.

PitchAv provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to present imaginative business concepts to a panel of industry judges who will decide which new venture is most likely to become business aviation's next big idea. Available prizes include professional mentorship, introductions to investor groups, and a variety of business services like marketing, bookkeeping, legal, strategy and graphic design. Learn more about PitchAv.

Alongside NBAA's featured programming, the Horizon Stage will host sponsor spotlights throughout Tuesday and Wednesday.

Learn more about the NBAA-BACE Horizon Stage.

Taking place Oct. 20-22, NBAA-BACE is the world's most powerful business aviation event of the year, showcasing the industry's latest innovations and services, and hosting the leaders who are shaping its future. Learn more about NBAA-BACE.

###

Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The association represents 10,000 company and professional members and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), the world's largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at nbaa.org.

Members of the media may receive NBAA Press Releases immediately via email. To subscribe to the NBAA Press Release email list, submit the online form.