NGPA Industry Expo Draws Thousands to California

Record-breaking event connects over 2,700 professionals with major airlines, mentorship, and $700K in scholarships.

Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 09:26 AM ET

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United Airlines was one of the nearly 100 organizations at the recent NGPA Industry Expo. [Credit: Matt Leighton]

Key Takeaways:

The NGPA Industry Expo has grown from a small gathering into one of the largest aviation networking and pilot recruiting events in the U.S., attracting a record 2,700 attendees this year.
The National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA), celebrating its 35th anniversary, provides a vital platform for community, networking, and mentorship, aiming to break down social barriers for all aviators, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community.
Major aviation companies, including airlines and private jet operators, highly value the expo for recruiting talent and connecting with both aspiring and current professionals.
NGPA actively works to overcome financial hurdles in aviation careers by offering extensive scholarship programs, having awarded over $3 million to date, with nearly $700,000 distributed this year alone.

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What began as a small gathering on the back patio of a bed-and-breakfast in Provincetown, Massachusetts, has grown into one the largest aviation networking and pilot recruiting events in the U.S.

For the past 12 years, the National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA) has hosted its Industry Expo, a place where aviators and aspiring professionals can connect with everything from major airlines to businesses that support the aviation community.

Matt is the Social Media Editor for aviation brands. Previously, Matt worked in television news and spent the last decade working and interning in newsrooms across New England. He is excited to bridge his two passions of aviation and storytelling in this role.