Dozens of Aerospace Companies to Exhibit During OBAP Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona August 10-12, 2022

The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) will host its 46th Annual Convention with representatives from over 30 companies and airline carriers set to participate.

Chicago, IL (May 20, 2022) – More than one thousand aviation and aerospace professionals will gather on August 10-12 for the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP)  46th Annual Conference at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, Arizona. The convention, themed ReYOUnion, and presented annually by OBAP, will feature notable speakers and hiring representatives from across the aerospace industry throughout the three-day program. 

“OBAP has crafted an exciting Annual Conference to stimulate rich connections and empower communities through unprecedented career opportunities within aerospace,” said Joel Webley, board chair. "We are proud to have the participation of thought leaders, industry experts, aerospace professionals, our affinity groups, and innovative companies to fortify the success of this year’s convention,” Webley added. 

 The conference will commence on Wednesday, August 10 with the Career Exhibit Hall Opening Address, presented by the event’s title sponsor, American Airlines. The exhibit hall features participation from over 30 companies. OBAP members will learn the latest organizational news and connect with leaders during the OBAP General Member Meeting presented by UPS.

The conference features seven professional development sessions including:

• The Aerospace Industry Update, facilitated by Raven Careers and presented by FlexJet
• Pilot Hiring Prep 101: What You Need to Know to Get the CJO, facilitated by Spitfire Elite and presented by Envoy Air
• Roots and Wings: Developing a Health and Wellness Plan for Life presented by SkyWest
• Speed Mentoring: Making Connections that Matter presented by SkyWest 
• Portrait of a Leader: Developing Your Leadership Superpowers presented by Grandview Aviation
• The Raising Horizons Allyship panel presented by PSA Airlines
• Navigating the C-Suite panel presented by FedEx

A free Aerospace Youth Day, presented by United Airlines and United Aviate Academy will feature hands-on activities for students ages 12-18 at the Aviate Academy in neighboring Goodyear, AZ

The Collegiate Series, presented by FedEx, will include several professional development workshops over the three-day event to provide college students with the tools, mentoring, and training needed to successfully transition from college to career.

Attendees will have the opportunity to forge meaningful connections in a casual setting during the ReYOUnion Welcome Reception presented by Delta Air Lines, and the ReYOUnion White Party presented by Endeavor Air. 

After check-in on Wednesday, attendees can enjoy a grab ‘n go lunch courtesy of JetBlue. During Thursday's Leadership Luncheon presented by FedEx and Friday’s Membership Celebration Luncheon presented by Southwest, conference-goers will celebrate the achievement of OBAP’s founding leaders and present-day outstanding volunteers.

The conference will conclude with the annual OBAP Awards Gala, presented by American Airlines. The ceremony will include awards presented to esteemed organization members and industry professionals, as well as the traditional Captain’s Ceremony, celebrating airline captains commissioned since 2019. Recipients of OBAP scholarships will also be recognized during the black-tie affair. 

 Additional sponsors and presenters of the 46th Annual Conference include Republic Airways, Sun Country Airlines, the United States Air Force, Wings Financial Credit Union, and XO Jet.  

The full agenda can be found here: https://obap.org/annual-conference/ 

 For promotional photos, press passes, and interviews, contact Candace Williams-Brown by email at press@obap.org.