Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals Announces 2026 Annual Conference: Celebrating 50 Years of Legacy, Leadership, and Opportunity

Thousands of Aviation and Aerospace Professionals to Gather in Chicago for OBAP's Golden Anniversary Conference

CHICAGO, IL — July 7, 2026 — The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) will welcome more than 3,000 aviation and aerospace professionals, students, industry leaders, recruiters, educators, and aspiring aviators to Chicago, Illinois, August 12–14, for the 2026 OBAP Annual Conference, a landmark event celebrating the organization's 50th Anniversary.

Held at McCormick Place and themed "Black. Bold. Boundless. The Legacy Lives On.", this year's conference marks a historic milestone for OBAP as it reflects on five decades of expanding access, creating opportunity, and advancing representation throughout aviation and aerospace.

"Reaching 50 years is a testament to the vision of our founders, the dedication of our members, and the commitment of our industry partners," said Vanessa Blacknall-Jamison, Executive Director of OBAP. "This conference is both a celebration of our legacy and a call to action for the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of aerospace."

Over three days, attendees will participate in career development sessions, leadership conversations, networking events, professional development workshops, recruiting opportunities, youth programming, and celebrations honoring the organization's extraordinary history and impact.

A Week of Inspiration, Opportunity, and Celebration

Highlights of the 2026 Conference include:

• The Briefing, OBAP's signature executive forum, features leaders from each of the legacy carriers discussing the state of the industry and the opportunities shaping the future workforce.
• At This Altitude: A Keynote Conversation with Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, offering powerful insights on leadership, legacy, and impact.
• Engineering the Future: Innovation, Intelligence & the Next Era of Aerospace, exploring emerging technologies, AI, and the future of technical careers.
• The OBAP Career Expo, which connects attendees with recruiters and hiring leaders from hundreds of companies across the aviation and aerospace industry.
• The 50th Anniversary Documentary Premiere and Reception, which commemorates the people, milestones, and moments that have defined OBAP's legacy.
• The annual OBAP Awards Gala, where OBAP will recognize exceptional achievement and leadership across aviation and aerospace.

The conference will also feature dozens of networking opportunities, mentoring sessions, meet-and-greets with hiring companies, wellness programming, and dedicated spaces for students and emerging professionals to connect with industry leaders.

Celebrating the Partners Powering the Future of Aerospace

OBAP's 50th Anniversary Conference is made possible through the generous support of industry partners committed to advancing access, representation, and workforce development across aviation and aerospace.

"These partnerships are more than sponsorships; they represent a shared commitment to creating pathways, developing talent, and ensuring the aerospace workforce reflects the diversity of the communities it serves," said Titus Sanders, Chair of the OBAP Board of Directors.

OBAP Celebrates:

Diamond Sponsor

American Airlines

Platinum Sponsor

United Airlines – Official Airline Sponsor

As the Official Airline Sponsor, United Airlines is offering attendees access to discounted airfare for travel to and from Chicago. Registered participants can take advantage of these special conference travel rates when booking through the official conference registration and travel portal. 

Silver Sponsor

Delta Air Lines

Bronze Sponsors

Southwest Airlines
United Parcel Service (UPS)

Emerald Sponsors

Republic Airways
FedEx

Ruby Sponsors

GoJet Airlines
Bridge Air
JetBlue
Wings Credit Union
PSA Airlines
Piedmont Airlines

Amethyst Sponsors

Envoy Air
Endeavor Air
Alaska Air Group

Onyx Sponsors

Sun Country Airlines
National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA)
FedEx Employee Credit Association
Creative Planning
AVEMCO
Atlas Air
American Airlines Federal Credit Union
Texas Southern University

Supporting Sponsors

Cirrus Aircraft
ATP Flight School

Friends of OBAP Sponsor

CommuteAir

Conference Exhibitors

In addition to its sponsoring partners, the 2026 OBAP Annual Conference will feature a dynamic exhibit hall showcasing leading airlines, aerospace companies, educational institutions, aviation organizations, and industry service providers connecting attendees with career opportunities, professional resources, and the latest innovations across aerospace. This year’s exhibitors include:

About OBAP

Founded in 1976, the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) is the nation's largest organization dedicated to increasing access, representation, and opportunity throughout aviation and aerospace. Through youth programs, scholarships, mentoring, professional development, and advocacy, OBAP works to remove barriers and create pathways for future generations of aerospace professionals.

For more information about the 2026 OBAP Annual Conference, visit OBAP.org.

Media Contact

Candace Williams-Brown
Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals
press@obap.org