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 National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA) Industry Expo has grown into one of the largest aviation networking and pilot recruiting events in the U.S., attracting record attendance and fostering connections for all aviators.
The expo serves as a vital platform for career development, mentorship, and community building within the aviation industry, drawing participation from major airlines and businesses.
Beyond networking, NGPA actively supports aspiring aviators by breaking down social and financial barriers to flight training through significant scholarship programs.

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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.