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

Located on the show’s exhibit floor at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the stage opens on Tuesday 20 October from 9-10am with The Launch, hosted by “Pink Jet” aviator Stephanie Goetz. The session includes 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. It 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.

From 10:30-11am, the NBAA Flying Safety Awards will recognise organisations that have achieved 50, 60 and 75 years of accident-free operations. The programme, also hosted by Goetz, will honour 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.

From 3:30-5pm that afternoon (pending final confirmation), Jamail Larkins, host of the “AviationStart” Flying Production Video Podcast, will record 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.

On Wednesday 21 October, the Military Connect Kickoff (10-10:45am) is designed for transitioning service members, veterans and military families. Speakers include 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.

That afternoon, Alpha Wingman’s PitchAv startup showdown (2-5pm) gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to present imaginative business concepts to a panel of industry judges. Available prizes include professional mentorship, introductions to investor groups and business services such as marketing, bookkeeping, legal, strategy and graphic design. Sponsor spotlights will run throughout Tuesday and Wednesday.

Jo Damato, CAM, NBAA senior vice president, events and professional engagement, says: “The Horizon Stage will honour some of business aviation’s storied icons, introduce some of its most promising innovators and showcase excellence across the industry.”

NBAA-BACE takes place on 20-22 October in Las Vegas, Nevada.