YoPro Programs at NBAA-BACE Help Develop Next Generation of Industry Leaders

Sept. 14, 2017

At NBAA’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), education and networking sessions are the core events that help develop and retain the young professionals (YoPros) who are business aviation’s future leaders.

“This year’s initiatives introduce innovations that will integrate the YoPro events with social media to make the effort more efficient and productive,” said Sierra Grimes, NBAA manager of registration.

The Passport program will again be available for YoPros at the convention, but this year it will be directly connected with the NBAA YoPro Facebook Group, and other areas of social media she said. Actions to qualify for the Passport prize will include joining the YoPro Facebook Group, attending the education and networking sessions, posting a selfie at the indoor static display and using the #NBAAYoPro hashtag on social media posts.

The education session, “Generation Next: Developing Future Aviation Leaders,” is set for Tuesday, Oct. 10, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in the Innovation Center at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The session will focus on mentoring programs, a proven method of developing and sustaining their aviation aspirations.

“YoPros who have questions, but might feel hesitant to raise their hands, can use the NBAA-BACE mobile app to pose questions during the session,” said Grimes, and the panel of business aviation veterans will answer them. Afterwards, attendees may use the app to complete a survey on the session.

YoPros can also use the app to post and connect with those they meet during the networking reception, taking place immediately following the education session. Beyond open networking, participants can efficiently connect with professionals and industry experts in specific aviation areas “at tables designated for specific interests,” said Grimes. “They include flight operations, career development, business management, infrastructure and airports, legal and financial mentorship and one for press.”

Representatives from the related NBAA committees will help facilitate conversations, as will NBAA board members and executives, said Grimes.

“Either in open or subject-specific networking, the goal is the same,” she said. “an open dialogue between the generations, between established industry experts and the next generation of business aviation leaders.”

Learn more about NBAA’s YoPro Program.