Program Schedule – SDC2025

PDP Registration

Location: Fountain Lobby, Riverside Building, Hilton New Orleans Riverside

PDP Continental Breakfast

Location: Fountain Lobby, Riverside Building, Hilton New Orleans Riverside

NBAA PDP Course: Essentials in Scheduling and Dispatch for Business Aviation (Day 1 of 2)

Location: Quarterdeck AB, Riverside Building, Hilton Riverside New Orleans

Presenters: Gary Martin and Juan Muniz, Universal Weather and Aviation

This two-day course is designed for all aviation professionals. It is a good refresher for certified dispatchers wishing to update their knowledge and skills with the latest information about the duties and responsibilities of an aircraft dispatcher. The course is also open to schedulers and other aviation professionals considering enrollment in a dispatch license program. This is also a great course for those who would like to increase their aviation knowledge overall. This course will cover topics related to Federal Aviation Regulations, advanced planning, pre-flight requirements, flight planning and in-flight support considerations for aircraft dispatchers supporting corporate aviation operations.

This course fulfills NBAA PDP Objective Operations Ops 2.

This course is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

PDP Registration

Location: Fountain Lobby, Riverside Building, Hilton New Orleans Riverside

PDP Continental Breakfast

Location: Fountain Lobby, Riverside Building, Hilton New Orleans Riverside

NBAA PDP Course: Essential Leadership and Teamwork Skills to Build Your Service Culture

Location: Kabacoff Room, Riverside Building, Hilton Riverside New Orleans

Presenter: ServiceElements International

This one-day, highly interactive workshop will equip all levels of leaders and team members with the critical skills needed to build and maintain an organizational culture and team dynamic focused on safety and service excellence. Participants will explore effective leadership from any seat, techniques for fostering team collaboration and trust, customer expectation management, understanding the value proposition, goal setting, and strategies for clear, effective communication. Through practical activities and real case studies, participants will gain the knowledge and tools to implement these concepts immediately within their organization.

This course fulfills NBAA PDP Objectives Leadership L1 and L2.

This course is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

NBAA PDP Course: Essentials in Scheduling and Dispatch for Business Aviation (Day 2 of 2)

Location: Quarterdeck AB, Riverside Building, Hilton Riverside New Orleans

Presenters: Gary Martin and Juan Muniz, Universal Weather and Aviation

This two-day course is designed for all aviation professionals. It is a good refresher for certified dispatchers wishing to update their knowledge and skills with the latest information about the duties and responsibilities of an aircraft dispatcher. The course is also open to schedulers and other aviation professionals considering enrollment in a dispatch license program. This is also a great course for those who would like to increase their aviation knowledge overall. This course will cover topics related to Federal Aviation Regulations, advanced planning, pre-flight requirements, flight planning and in-flight support considerations for aircraft dispatchers supporting corporate aviation operations.

This course fulfills NBAA PDP Objective Operations Ops 2.

This course is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Conference Registration Open

Location: Hall H Lobby

Exhibitor Setup

Location: Halls H-I

Exhibitor Setup

Location: Halls H-I

Registration Open

Location: Hall H Lobby

Continental Breakfast

Ambassador Meeting

If you are a volunteer ambassador, this event is for you! This is a great opportunity for ambassadors to meet each other, ask questions and learn more about your duties at SDC2025.

First-Time Attendee Meeting

If you are a first-time attendee, this event is for you! This is a great opportunity for first-time attendees to meet each other and ask questions from veteran ambassador volunteers. This event will be held in a fun, fast format with game show elements and the potential to win prizes. Speakers will review the attendee passport program to help you get the most out of your week in New Orleans. Complete your attendee passport to be eligible for the grand prize that will be drawn at the Grand Prize Happy Hour on Thursday, March 27.

From Novice to Navigator: Professional Development Pathways

Whether you have years of experience or are just making your mark in the general aviation environment, explore a multitude of opportunities that are available for you – including the Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) program, aircraft dispatch license, private pilot license and more. Embark on a journey with our panel that will focus on developing your knowledge towards your next step in your career path.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Scheduling 101 – Building a Solid Foundation

This session introduces new schedulers and dispatchers to the world of aviation, offering useful tips for planning a flight operation. Join a panel of industry professionals as they take you through a typical domestic trip. Learn best practices for working through common operational challenges. You will learn trip-building basics, the benefits of creating and using a checklist, and how to strategically build and maintain relationships with FBOs. You’ll also learn some typical jargon, and see how weather, as well as aircraft performance, can limit scheduling efficiency.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Tomorrow’s Tech Today: A Dive Into Emerging Trends

Advanced air mobility (AAM) and electric aircraft are poised to change business aviation. Learn about the different types of new aircraft being manufactured and certified by the FAA, as well as the regulations that govern their operations and the infrastructure these aircraft require. How will we operate and dispatch these aircraft and where will they fit into our future bizav ecosystems? A panel of business aviation and emerging technology experts will review expected timelines to service for these new aircraft and what our industry can do to prepare. Learn about the future dynamic career paths that will be available in the expanding industry.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Weather – The Only Constant Is Change

Explore the crucial aspects of aviation meteorology and how it impacts scheduling and dispatching. Learn the fundamentals of aviation weather hazards and how to interpret and communicate those forecasts effectively. Discover the treasure trove of FAA resources at your disposal and learn how to harness them for your scheduling needs. Hear about challenges posed by seasonal weather patterns and learn strategies on how to navigate through those tough conditions. Dig into the art of managing passenger expectations during turbulent weather and delays to ensure a positive passenger experience. Finally, discuss effective communication strategies for scenarios where passengers find themselves stuck in FBO facilities, ensuring smooth operations even in challenging situations.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Lunch

Location: Hall G

Current Trends in the Charter Market

In today’s dynamic aviation landscape, the aircraft charter industry is witnessing distinct trends in both the wholesale and retail markets. Time-sensitive itineraries, last-minute bookings and customized routes are becoming increasingly prevalent. Gain a better understanding of these market nuances and learn to adapt operational strategies accordingly.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Takeoff to Touchdown: Handling 101

Your aircraft has just landed at an unfamiliar airfield for the first time. Will the line technicians provide the level of service your aircraft, crew and passengers are accustomed to? Ensuring a smooth experience from ramp to road to hangar is essential. This session will explore what to expect from ground handling services at both domestic or international locations, and offer guidance on how to best prepare your passengers and crew for customs inspections and overall ground operations at your next stop.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Safety Management: Why Do I Need It?

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the key principles, practices and strategies that underpin the safety of aviation operations. Whether you’re a professional in the aviation industry or someone with a keen interest in flight safety, this session will equip you with a foundational understanding of why safety management is paramount in aviation and how it impacts every facet of the industry. You’ll explore the crucial pillars of a safety management system (SMS) – including safety policies, risk assessment, safety assurance and safety promotion – and learn how these components work together to ensure a robust safety framework. Learn how reporting incidents plays a significant role in improving safety, and delve into the investigative process that contributes to preventing future mishaps. Explore the human element in aviation safety and understand how factors such as communication, decision-making and crew coordination influence safety outcomes. Learn how to foster a safety-focused culture and how leadership sets the tone for safe operations. Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technological advancements shaping aviation safety.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Flight Path to Success: ATC and Event Management

EDCTs, flow programs, ground stops, PPRs and slots are all hurdles that can trip up any flight department that’s not prepared. Whether traveling to the next F1 race or Super Bowl, or just traversing congested airspace, every flight department needs to have an understanding of these programs and how to successfully mitigate possible delays or diversions caused by them. Dive into each traffic management program and how best to navigate them while providing the level of service passengers have come to expect.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Pre-Conference Exhibitor Meeting

Flight operations, no matter the size, encounter numerous obstacles. Delve deep into these challenges and learn how to tackle and triumph over them. Gain insights from top leaders in the field who will discuss everything from welcoming new team members to staying on top of checklists and manuals. Learn about resolving internal conflicts, managing operations after business hours, boosting employee morale, fostering positive relationships with management, and more!

Afternoon Break

Mastering the Art of Scheduling

Flight operations, no matter the size, encounter numerous obstacles. Delve deep into these challenges and learn how to tackle and triumph over them. Gain insights from top leaders in the field who will discuss everything from welcoming new team members to staying on top of checklists and manuals. Learn about resolving internal conflicts, managing operations after business hours, boosting employee morale, fostering positive relationships with management, and more!

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Understanding Taxes

Learn how the role of a scheduler is a unique position to support your flight department’s budgeted tax expectations. Being the first to know the passenger manifest, as well as use of aircraft (business vs personal) places a scheduler or dispatcher in an ideal role to support proper documentation, as well as identifying potential red flags. A panel of regulatory experts will break down key concepts and terminology, including Standard Industry Fare Level (SIFL), IRS disallowance, political campaign contribution notifications, SEC filings, federal excise taxes (FET) and depreciation. This session will also cover recent industry changes for those looking for a refresher.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Navigating Modern Security Threats and Best Practices

Security clearance granted! Designed for learners at all proficiency levels, and for both Part 91 and Part 135 flight departments, this session will review the current security threats in our industry, and various international and domestic regulations. Explore the world of the TSA, the DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP), the Twelve Five Standard Security Program (TFSSP), cybersecurity and much more. This comprehensive session is your key to unlocking the power of effective security briefings for your flight department.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Regional Review: Australia, Pacific and Asia

This session will focus on aircraft operations in Australia, Pacific and Asia, specifically discussing the numerous changes within India, China and Taiwan. With rising tensions throughout that area, security is becoming a bigger issue. Permits are also becoming more difficult to obtain and rules governing travel between certain counties are becoming more complex, making some routings challenging.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

The Launch!

Location: Halls H-I
This opening reception experience will feature of networking, interactive activities, entertainment and – of course – food and drink! Help kick off SDC2025 at the Launch!

Registration Open

Location: Hall H Lobby

Continental Breakfast

Opening Keynote

Begin SDC2025 with a welcome message from NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Chairs Jessi Rowden and Brian Abrahamson, an industry update from NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen, and a keynote presentation by Olympic Gold Medalist Shannon Miller.

The keynote will also recognize the S&D Outstanding Achievement & Leadership Award winner, as well as the winners and donors of the Schedulers & Dispatchers Monetary & Training Award Scholarships.

Exhibits Open

Location: Halls H-I

Morning Beverage Break

Location: Halls H-I, Booths 317, 1017, 1517

Lunch

Location: Hall G

Becoming Indispensable through Service Excellence

In today’s business aviation market, punctual flights, safe fueling, and MRO services may no longer be enough to retain customers. Even passengers on Part 91 aircraft have options. Why should they choose you? In this session, you’ll learn key strategies to create a compelling value proposition that keeps customers coming back. Gain insights into understanding customer needs and tailoring your services to exceed expectations. ServiceElements will share strategies to make your team and operations indispensable to your customers.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Hot Topics

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, in conjunction with NBAA’s CBP/Industry Working Group, will participate in a roundtable discussion with schedulers, dispatchers and other aviation professionals. Building relationships through shared purpose, identifying opportunities for improvement and documenting areas for future collaboration are some of the goals of this session.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Understanding Legal Requirements: A Clear Path Forward

Expanding on the topics covered in the Understanding Taxes session, legal experts will walk through common legal agreements and explain why schedulers should be aware of the legal documents that govern the operations of their aircraft. Topics include timeshare agreements, joint ownership, interchange agreements, chargeback, SEC, VAT, dry leases vs. wet leases, and basic contract crewmember agreements. Panel members will discuss real-life scenarios in an easy-to-understand format, for those of all experience levels. Panelists will review who has operational control under each type of agreement and how there could be “illegal charter” without the proper documents in place. Bring your questions! The panel is excited to answer real-life questions, and offer tips on useful resources.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Take Control of Your Career and Let the Good Times Fly

Professional development is crucial for career advancement and personal growth. Panelists will share tips and tricks on how to stay competitive, enhance your skills and achieve career progression opportunities. Learn how to have conversations about compensation, why it’s important to ensure your title matches what you do, how to use social media, and the value of networking with peers and industry leaders. Session speakers will help give you an outline of steps you should be taking to develop yourself.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Refreshment Break – Dedicated Exhibit Time

Location: Halls H-I, Booths 317, 1017, 1517

Working Together – CBP and Industry Roundtable

Building on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Hot Topics session, this session will be a collaborative roundtable where the primary objective is to hear your pain points, upcoming changes, and any ideas where CBP and schedulers and dispatchers can work together to improve the customs experience, for not only operators and passengers clients, but for everyone involved. This will be a highly interactive session where you can have a direct and positive impact on the future of the CBP.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Navigating Part 135: Essentials for Safe and Efficient Operations

Ready to enhance your operational controls with your internal and external clients? Dive into the realm of Part 135 operations! Join an insightful panel discussion featuring leaders in the industry to review the ever-changing environment and new implementation of rules from the FAA – including the SMS rule for Part 135 operators. Learn how strategic planning by schedulers and dispatchers is the key to success for managing aircraft to make a profit. Panelists will also review ways owners can offset operating costs.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Leveraging Technology Solutions

This session will provide an overview of the various dispatch technologies and products that are available to business aviation, featuring scheduling, charter and other categories of tools that are designed to make the job easier. Learn how the different technologies work together and how they can be applied to different departmental needs. The session will wrap up with how to get “buy in” with new technologies from everyone you work with.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Regional Review: Americas and Caribbean

This session will focus on the changes for aircraft operation in the Caribbean. Learn about major updates for Haiti and the Dominican Republic regarding permits, handling and closed airspace for both commercial and private operators. Review the region’s changing weather patterns and the increase in early hurricanes. Expert panelists will discuss the process obtaining Cuba overflights and the increase in navigational fees throughout the region. Learn how handlers can assist you in Mexico and Central America to ensure a smooth and safe flight.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Registration Open

Location: Hall H Lobby

Continental Breakfast

Exhibits Open

Location: Halls H-I

Mental Wellness: Tools and Insights For a Healthier Mind

Prioritizing mental health is essential for overall well-being and professional success. In this session, you’ll learn how to cultivate mental wellness and strategies for a healthier mind. You will explore effective techniques and practices to enhance your mental well-being and build resilience in both your personal and professional life. Evolve into an upgraded version of yourself after this engaging session – a happier and stronger iteration of you!

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Navigating Aircraft Use Policy

An aircraft use policy, when properly developed, enforced and maintained, is a crucial tool for safeguarding your department and flight operations. This session will bring together industry experts to share insights on the importance of creating a robust policy, the best practices for enforcement, and the key moments when updates are necessary. In addition to exploring legal and operational protections, attendees will learn how a well-crafted policy can enhance efficiency and reduce risk. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refine an existing policy, this session will provide the essential steps and strategies needed to ensure comprehensive coverage and compliance.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Elevate Your Standards

When climbing fast, a secret to seamless scheduling and dispatching is standardization! Having written standards that are clearly communicated to your team, kept up-to-date and easily locatable ensures your flight support team has a consistent process and most importantly, when someone is out of office, a playbook that can be easily followed to ensure all missions take off smoothly. In this session, you’ll learn where to start and how to implement standardized processes to ensure you have a high-performing team!

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Fueling Your Operations

Explore the intricacies of the fuel supply chain, efficient fuel management, and sourcing and pricing fuel. Gain valuable insights on promoting a self-managing approach that saves your company money. Learn essential considerations, like when to purchase tanker fuel and how to plan your fuel uplifts. You’ll also hear about fueling issues, testing, shortages and current supply chain challenges. Dive a little deeper on the federal excise tax (FET) implications and regulations that apply to Part 135 operators. Additionally, presenters will demystify sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and SAF emissions. Examine the pivotal role of schedulers and dispatchers in the fuel supply chain process, emphasizing the importance of accurate quoting, rate negotiation, obtaining accurate fuel releases and proper calculations. Lastly, you’ll learn how to provide precise information while collaborating with the crew to determine fuel needs.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Scheduling 201: Expert Techniques for Efficient Flight Coordination

The session dives deeper into the role of a scheduler – the center spoke of the operational hub for every aviation department. This session will cover advanced scheduling topics including overall workflow, decision making processes, and the importance of internal customer service among schedulers, maintenance and pilots. Panel members will share guidance for avoiding complacency after being in the industry for an extended time, how to continue to bring value to your organization, tips on multitasking without losing focus, managing after hours coverage, and best practices for working with your strategic partners, guest handlers, FBOs, ground transportation and caterers.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Climbing. Fast. – The Sustainability Game Show

Receive a detailed overview of the global and regional emissions regulations shaping business aviation operations today. Participants will gain a clear understanding of key concepts and terminology related to emissions monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV), which is essential for ensuring regulatory compliance. Explore best practices and tools that can help operators meet emissions requirements and enhance sustainability efforts within their operations. In addition, the session will address common challenges operators face when dealing with emissions regulations and offer practical guidance and resources to support the development and implementation of a robust emissions strategy. Whether you’re new to this area or seeking to optimize your current approach, this session will equip you with actionable insights to stay compliant and sustainable.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

From Ground to Sky: Strategies for Managing Fatigue

Fatigue is a significant concern in the aviation industry, not just for pilots, but for anyone involved in flight operations. It impairs decision-making, reaction times and overall performance, leading to safety risks. Learn strategies for effectively managing flight crew and scheduler fatigue to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved. Experts will delve into the latest research on fatigue management, highlighting practical solutions for reducing fatigue-related risks.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Regional Review: Africa and Middle East

Take an in-depth look at the ever changing aviation landscape of Africa and the Middle East and the challenges faced by corporate flight departments. Panelists will look at the difficulty obtaining permits and the major changes in Saudi Arabia that have made obtaining a permit easier for your dispatchers or agents. There will also be a focus on security and safety of the crew, aircraft and passengers.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Lunch – SDC2026 Preview

Location: Hall G

Is Your Emergency Response Plan Ready?

In business aviation safety is always the number one priority. Hear from other flight departments and industry experts on how emergency response plans (ERPs) are implemented and understand the importance of utilizing your resources to minimize oversights and maintain the integrity of your organization. Walk away knowing what an ERP is, why should you have one, and what your role is in developing and maintaining it.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Embracing Diversity: Building A Stronger Workplace

Diversity cleared for takeoff! Achieving your flight department’s goal of providing safe and effective travel throughout the country and beyond depends on diversity. Hear from panelists who are passionate about industry ideals that define aviation scheduler and dispatcher culture with unique ideas, perspectives, abilities and insights from a wide range of backgrounds.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Empowering Every Role

Elevate your personal development and enhance your role within your flight operations team. Hear from seasoned schedulers and dispatchers in this dynamic session on how to demonstrate leadership, whether your aircraft is on the ground or in the air. Panelists will share insights on how you can take command of your career trajectory and identify training opportunities to help you achieve new heights. Join us and become an even more indispensable part of your team.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Regional Review: Europe

The major challenge in operating into Europe, once again, is flight planning and Eurocontrol. This session will cover updates in European Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). Explore how popular events happening in Europe in 2025 will put stress on flight departments. Also learn how your flight department can lower the overall cost of operating in the European zone. Panelists will also discuss the recent increase in protests and vandalism against private jets, and what you can do to protect your passengers, crew and aircraft.

This session is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit.

Exhibitor Landing: Grand Prize Happy Hour

Close out the week with prizes and camaraderie! During conference exhibit hours, participating exhibitors will collect business cards from attendees to enter into prize drawings.

Winners must be present to win. Limit one prize per attendee.

Exhibitor Teardown

Location: Halls H-I