NBAA’s 2026 White Plains Regional Forum, held at Westchester County airport in New York state, saw a sell-out exhibit floor, busy aircraft displays and a full programme of panel discussions under sunny May skies.

The forum brought together more than 3,400 registered attendees, with representatives from nearly 200 business aviation companies on the exhibit floor. More than two dozen aircraft were on display alongside ground vehicles and other equipment, with strong attendance across all areas of the event.

The forum’s success made clear that NBAA is on a roll, presenting an outstanding lineup of events held in the first six months of 2026, beginning in February with a record-setting Leadership Conference, followed by additional conferences, forums and workshops. Next up is the 2026 NBAA-BACE, the industry's biggest event of the year.

“Today’s forum concludes a remarkable series of eight NBAA events this spring, all of which were hugely successful, including several that surpassed previous records,” says NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “Equally important, these events are driving a recognisable momentum and unmistakable energy towards NBAA-BACE in October, setting the stage for the show’s success.”

The day began with a keynote highlighting the importance of business aviation, with local civic officials expressing support for the industry in their welcome remarks. Westchester County executive Ken Jenkins highlighted the sector’s impact in the county, including job creation, economic growth and its role in providing humanitarian lift when communities need it most.

Bolen also outlined NBAA’s ongoing advocacy work, including support for safety recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) following last year’s crash over the Potomac River, as well as backing for the ALERT Act, which addresses those recommendations.

He further referenced the association’s wider advocacy priorities in Washington, DC, highlighting business aviation’s societal benefits through the Climbing Fast campaign.

The association remains an active participant in the Modern Skies Coalition, formed last year to bring industry and government together to build a brand-new air traffic control system. Bolen noted that a year into the project, deadlines are being met or exceeded, new technologies are being rolled out, air traffic controllers are being hired, among other objectives.

Bolen also detailed NBAA's work to address a key industry concern, tariffs, which were introduced in 2025, by winning agreement from the administration for a zero-for-zero framework exempting aircraft and parts from tariffs in US trade agreements with the EU and individual countries.

Exhibitors and attendees noted the forum's unique draw as a highly impactful business experience. “It’s always amazing,” says Gina Kubacik, global accounts manager with Signature Aviation, adding that she meets dozens of customers, including key clients, at NBAA forums. “These events are instrumental in moving business forward.”

Cameron Smith, account manager with Signum Aviation, says the forum provides an opportunity to connect with both existing and new customers. “At NBAA’s regional forums, you get to see people you might not see at some of the larger events,” he says. “We’ve had great interactions, including high-level conversations, with future clients. We have an opportunity to really build personal relationships.”

The forum’s education programme covered a range of operational and industry topics, including brokerage and OEM market conditions, regional airport issues in the northeastern US, airspace complexity and workforce development initiatives. Sessions also included discussion with U.S. Customs and Border Protection on business aviation border procedures, along with sustainability efforts at airports, including work to support the production and use of sustainable aviation fuels.

A workforce-focused panel led by the Westchester Aviation Association highlighted local initiatives aimed at supporting future talent in the sector.

“The success of the White Plains forum and of all of our spring 2026 events is a testament to our industry’s commitment to community and the recognised value of in-person gatherings that drive both commerce and camaraderie,” says NBAA senior vice president, events and professional engagement Jo Damato, CAM. “Our 2026 spring events have created high expectations, and we look forward to meeting and exceeding them at NBAA-BACE.”

NBAA-BACE takes place from 20–22 October in Las Vegas.