The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) is gearing up for a completely new format for operators and safety-minded aviation professionals that delivers an immersive learning experience format at the 2026 ACSF Safety Symposium, scheduled for April 7-9, 2026 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida

The 2026 event represents a major shift in how the Symposium is designed and delivered. The new innovative format ditches the PowerPoint parade and is presented as a 'day in the life of an operator'. Kent Stauffer, chairman of the ACSF board of directors, describes it as being “built as an active immersive learning experience, not a passive PowerPoint audience watch party.” This format's approach is centred on practical learning, hands-on engagement and ‘take-away’ content that attendees can use immediately within their own organisations.

This year's Symposium focuses on real operational challenges faced by operators, MROs, FBOs, manufacturers and safety teams. Attendees will participate in scenario-based discussions, interactive modules and sessions that mirror the day-to-day realities of business aviation.

The programme includes a forward-focused session that introduces the business value of safety, along with a workshop on safety return on investment. This workshop is one component of a broader, more modern programme that emphasises actionable learning.

The 2026 Symposium promises the valued safety content and expertise ACSF is known for in a format that will empower attendees to immediately apply and amplify their ability to drive their own organisation's safety culture success. The operator-focused format is shaped around meaningful interaction and practical outcomes. For participants, this will create a roadmap for understanding 'big picture safety culture' and how their own roles can drive and shape the safety of the entire industry.

Participants will have opportunities to connect with professionals from every part of the industry, including operators, MROs, FBOs, charter organisations and manufacturers. Safety specialists will be able to meet, collaborate and share solutions that strengthen safety practices across the industry.

Every session is designed with the same goal: to equip attendees with SOPs, playbooks, tools, strategies and insights they can put into practice as soon as they return home. The emphasis is on useful, real-world guidance that supports stronger safety culture and operational performance.

“The 2026 Symposium represents a major step forward for our industry. We are delivering an event that reflects the realities of today's operators,” says Stauffer. “This programme is built to educate, engage and strengthen the safety mindset across all segments of business aviation. By the end of the two-day symposium, you'll have a full assessment of where your organisation stands in terms of safety and the takeaways to fill in the gaps.”

“We listened to operators and wanted to innovate the experience to deliver real actionable value. Every participant will walk away with their own roadmap they can implement immediately,” adds Debi Carpenter, president of ACSF. “The 2026 Symposium will deliver a practical, powerful and proven dynamic learning environment, and it reflects what our industry needs today.”