Contact: Dan Hubbard, 202-431-5970, dhubbard@nbaa.org
Think your concept could be the new venture that becomes business aviation’s next big idea?
If so, bring your most-polished pitch to Alpha Wingman’s “PitchAv” at the 2026 National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), and present it to a panel of five industry-recognized judges for a chance to bring it to life.
PitchAv – a fast-moving showdown contest for entrepreneurs with a startup concept held in partnership with NBAA – will surface the most imaginative ideas before a group of industry veterans, who will put the business impresarios’ plans through the paces, test their viability and determine which potential new venture is most likely to become the industry’s next breakthrough.
PitchAv will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 2-5 p.m. on the new NBAA-BACE Horizon Stage, which will be prominently located on the exhibit floor, allowing attendees to share in the excitement of the contest while taking in the overall show-floor energy.
Available prizes include professional mentorship, introductions to investor groups and a variety of business services like marketing, bookkeeping, legal, strategy and graphic design.
“We are holding this incomparable event at NBAA-BACE this year for many reasons, but two guiding principles really stand out,” said Alpha Wingman President Andy Nixon. “First, we want to connect innovators and entrepreneurs interested in business aviation with the expertise, insight and experience to help their ideas succeed. Second, we want to showcase a new way for people to engage with the exhibit floor at NBAA-BACE, and we are certain that bringing start-up companies into the same space as tenured and proven exhibitors will bring fresh energy and perspectives.”
Apply by Sept. 25 to be a part of PitchAv.
On-site PitchAv judges include:
- Stuart Illian: co-founder and chief aviation officer at Bluetail
- Joe Hertzler: founder and former CEO of Avtrak and strategic business advisor with Thoroughbred Aviation
- Brent Wiggins: AOG director of operations at Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems
- Ryan Waguespack: owner of General Aviation Consultants
- Ben Walton: founder of Summit Aviation
“NBAA-BACE is the place where innovative ideas and the people with that entrepreneurial spirit converge to help shape the future of business aviation,” said NBAA Senior Vice President, Events and Professional Engagement Jo Damato, CAM Fellow. “PitchAv is a great fit for our show floor, and we’re thrilled to give these fresh ideas a stage in front of the industry’s leaders and top decision-makers.”
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.