Paragon Aviation Group has brought together members of the Paragon Network, its global network of independent audited FBOs and handling agents, in Denver, Colorado for its 2026 Leadership Conference. Named as the ‘Mile High Leadership Experience’, it focused on strengthening independent FBO operations through collaboration, shared knowledge and practical solutions to challenges facing business aviation.

Hosted by jetCenters of Colorado, the three-day conference brought together FBO leaders, aviation partners and industry experts for educational sessions, collaborative discussions, peer-to-peer learning and presentations focused on leadership, safety, operational excellence, customer experience and the evolving business aviation marketplace.

“Independent FBOs are navigating an increasingly competitive environment, and no single operation has all the answers,” says Crystal Kubeczka, president and CEO of Paragon Aviation Group. “One of the greatest strengths of the Paragon Network is the ability to bring experienced FBOs together, share perspectives, challenge each other and return home with ideas that can strengthen their businesses. When our members get better, the entire network becomes stronger.”

A hallmark of the Leadership Conference is the opportunity for Paragon Network members to learn directly from one another. Through collaborative exercises and peer engagement, attendees exchanged perspectives and best practices while identifying opportunities to further elevate operations and customer experience.

Industry sessions brought together experts from across business aviation to explore emerging challenges, operational priorities, leadership strategies, safety, customer expectations and opportunities for independent FBOs to remain competitive and differentiated in a changing marketplace.

The conference featured an industry leadership session led by Cat Wren and Jamie Muñoz, who shared perspectives on leadership, communication, accountability and building stronger teams within business aviation organisations.

Customer experience expert and author David Avrin also presented ‘Ridiculously Easy to Do Business With’, exploring how organisations can reduce customer friction and build stronger, more enduring relationships.

Additional industry expertise was represented throughout the conference by organisations including Polaris Aero, AERO Specialties, Business Aviation Group, SpillUSA, Holding Pattern Co., Global Ground Support and AirPlx.

Innovation was highlighted through Paragon's annual Big Idea Competition, which encourages participants to bring forward ideas with the potential to strengthen FBO operations and customer experience. Following finalist presentations and live attendee voting, Julie O'Brien, director of business development for Chantilly Air, was named the 2026 winner for her concept, ‘Make Economic Development Work for YOU!’

Paragon also presented its Special Partnership Recognition Award to Steve Bruneau and Polaris Aviation Solutions in recognition of five years of collaboration supporting safety education and training across the Paragon Network.

“We were honoured to host the Paragon Network here in Colorado,” states Tony Buckley, president of jetCenters of Colorado. “Bringing FBO professionals together in an environment where they can openly exchange ideas and learn from one another strengthens not only the individual businesses represented, but the independent FBO community as a whole.”

The conference opened with the ‘Elevate 5280ft’ Welcome Reception at jetCenters of Colorado and concluded after three days centred on education, relationship building and collaboration across the Paragon Network.

Paragon Aviation Group extends its appreciation to jetCenters of Colorado for hosting the conference and to the sponsors and industry partners whose support helped make the 2026 Leadership Conference possible.