Contact: Dan Hubbard, 202-431-5970, dhubbard@nbaa.org
Conversations with business aviation’s top leaders. Groundbreaking aircraft and next-generation technologies. Connections that last long after the show floor closes. The National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA’s) Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) is where the industry’s most unforgettable moments happen.
Here are several of those moments, included in the final NBAA-BACE programming schedule for the show, which takes place Oct. 20-22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) and Henderson Executive Airport (HND).
‘The Launch’ on the New Horizon Stage
NBAA-BACE kicks off on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 9 a.m. with “The Launch,” featuring an exciting lineup of some of aviation’s most well-known legends, all on the show’s new Horizon Stage, located right on the exhibit floor. Trailblazing “Pink Jet” aviator Stephanie Goetz will serve as emcee for “The Launch.”
The event will include a fireside chat between NASA administrator, civilian astronaut and philanthropist Jared Isaacman and NBAA Board Member and former Space Shuttle Commander Charlie Precourt, who will discuss the future of aviation and aerospace.
Isaacman – nominated to be NASA administrator in November 2025 and confirmed by the Senate later that year – is a previous recipient of NBAA’s highest honor, the Meritorious Service to Aviation Award. In 2021, Isaacman commanded Inspiration4, the first all-civilian orbital spaceflight aboard the Dragon spacecraft. Three years later, he led another human spaceflight mission, Polaris Dawn. Reaching an altitude of almost 900 miles, this was the farthest humans have traveled from Earth since Apollo 17.
Precourt, a member of NBAA’s Board of Directors since 2019, is a four-time space shuttle astronaut, retired U.S. Air Force test pilot and steadfast industry safety champion. Precourt was an F-15 pilot, instructor and flight commander, and a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School.
“The Launch” will also include a presentation of NBAA’s 2026 Meritorious Service to Aviation Award to aerospace icon Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, followed by a fireside chat between Udvar-Hazy and Ross Perot Jr., a fellow Meritorious Service to Aviation Award recipient, accomplished aviator and global business leader.
Immediately following “The Launch,” also on the Horizon Stage, NBAA’s 2026 Flying Safety Awards will be presented, celebrating organizational and individual excellence. The event will honor organizations reaching 50, 60 and 75 years of accident-free operations, highlighting a commitment to operational excellence. Also at this event, eight business aviation professionals will be recognized with the Dr. Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation Award, for their leadership, ethics and selflessness in the industry’s continuing mission to strengthen safety culture.
Read more about what to expect on the new Horizon Stage.
Meet the Regulators, Featuring FAA Administrator Bedford
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford will share his perspectives in a one-on-one conversation to start an expanded Meet the Regulators session at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, also on the Horizon Stage.
Bedford will be joined by NBAA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Kristie Greco Johnson, to discuss key regulatory and policy issues impacting business aviation.
With major rulemakings and regulatory changes underway across the FAA and other federal agencies, NBAA-BACE attendees will have an opportunity to hear directly from regulatory officials on business aviation’s most pressing issues. Topics covered will be ATC modernization efforts, international operations, safety, certification and more.
Learn more about the expanded 2026 NBAA-BACE Meet the Regulators session.
Bizav Leaders on the Flight Deck
Located on NBAA-BACE exhibit floor, Flight Deck sessions will feature top experts, media figures and others for discussions focused on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, maintenance capacity, advanced air mobility, aircraft transactions, career development and more.
Learn more about the sessions taking place on the Flight Deck.
Education Sessions and More
NBAA-BACE will also provide dozens of education sessions, professional development program courses, safety and sustainability content, an expanded Military Connect program Collegiate Connect and Career Zone tracks and other offerings for those who have, or aspire to have, careers in business aviation. Learn more.