General Conference 2023

Welcome to the

117th FAI General Conference

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From aviation’s earliest days, FAI has taken a leading role in supporting and promoting the art, sport and science of aviation. As a founding member of FAI, the National Aeronautic Association is proud to welcome FAI, for the first time, to the Birthplace of Aviation: Dayton, Ohio. The Wright Brothers themselves played key roles in both organizations so it is natural that the aviation world should reconvene in Dayton. NAA looks forward to welcoming all of you.

Greg Principato, President and CEO, National Aeronautic Association

About

Join us in the Birthplace of Aviation

Welcome to Dayton, Ohio, the birthplace, home, and final resting place of Wilbur and Orville Wright. More than any other state, Ohio’s impact on aviation is unparalleled. In fact, Ohio is the birthplace of 23 NASA astronauts, more than any other state, including the first man to walk on the moon, and the first man to orbit the earth. Dayton, Ohio is also the home of the largest aviation museum in the world, the National Museum of the United States Air Force, and the home of the United States Air Force Research Lab at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

From its past to future, the impact on aviation in Dayton, Ohio is legendary and is honored to welcome the FAI for its 117th Annual Conference.

In October, 2023, FAI delegates, designated representatives of International Affiliate Members, FAI elected Officers, Presidents of Honour, Honorary Patrons of FAI, designated representatives of Corporate Patrons of FAI, Companions of Honour, and delegates appointed by Presidents of Commissions will be hosted by the National Aeronautical Association (NAA) in Dayton, Ohio, the Birthplace of Aviation.

The NAA was formed in 1905 and is the formal recognition of aviation achievement in the United States and serves as the official record-keeper for United States aviation and the administrator of the nation’s most prestigious aviation awards including the Collier Trophy and the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy.

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Registration

Individual FAI Member Registration Options

Join Us October 25th – 28th

The FAI General Conference promises to be an exciting and eventful gathering with a diverse range of activities. Attendees will be able to start each day with a delicious breakfast served on October 25, 26, 27, and 28. The major highlight of the conference will be the Awards Dinner on October 25, recognizing the achievements of distinguished members in Air Sports. On October 26 attendees can enjoy a relaxing dinner after a day of informative sessions.

A unique feature of the conference will be the Drone Event on October 27, providing a hands-on experience with emerging technology. Additionally, the Conference Program and Digital Display Recognition will acknowledge the valuable contributions of presenters and sponsors. With a full schedule of engaging events, this conference promises to be an enriching and memorable experience for all attendees.

Closing out the Annual Conference will be an optional event on October 28 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force (NMUSAF). Still being planned, we can share today that preferential treatment and special tours will be available to Conference attendees. The NAA will work with conference groups to ensure that aircraft and exhibits are shared in advance so their visit will be impactful and personal. Additionally, the NAA plans to invite American Air Sport Members to not only attend the tours, but also have the opportunity to “show-off” and perform especially for FAI General Conference attendees and the community at large.

$595

Attendee Ticket

  • Coffee Breaks
  • Awards Dinner Oct. 25
  • Dinner Oct. 26
  • Drone Event Oct. 27*
  • Lunch Oct. 26 & 27
  • Breakfast Oct. 25, 26, 27, & 28
  • Conference Program Recognition

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I want to express my sincere appreciation for the opportunity the NAA has extended to FAI. After three General Conferences conducted online, we all have a chance to re-engage. It is with great excitement I look forward to meeting our members in October at what promises to be an exceptional event. Ohio has deep roots in historic aviation and promises to be and outstanding location for the GC2023.

David Monks, President, Fédération Aéronautique Internationale

Additional Registration Options

$450

Member Spouse/Partner
  • Awards Dinner Oct. 25
  • Dinner Oct. 26
  • Drone Event Oct. 27*
  • Lunch Oct. 25, 26 & 27
  • Breakfast Oct. 26, 27, & 28

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$350

Single Day Member Ticket
  • Conference Fee
  • Coffee Breaks
  • Breakfast***
  • Lunch
  • Dinner**

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$225

Awards Dinner Only
  • Awards Dinner Oct. 25
  • Event Program Recognition
  • Located in the Rotunda at the Historic Dayton Arcade

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$95

National Museum of the United States Air Force
  • Transportation to/from the host hotel
  • Curated tours of the NMUSAF
  • Special exhibits availability
  • Air Sport Demonstrations ††
  • Boxed lunch

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* Drone Event on Oct. 27 is limited to first 100 registered members
** Non-FAI/NAA members will be waitlisted for Drone Event on Oct. 27 until open registration ends
*** Breakfast for Single Day Registrations can be day of arrival or following morning
Transportation to/from the host hotel
†† Weather dependent

Event Locations &

Accommodations

Area Info

Conference and Hotel – University of Dayton Marriott
Awards Ceremony – Dayton Arcade
Friday Evening Drone Event – Sinclair Community College

Getting Around Dayton

Dayton is located at the Crossroads of America. Taxis and Uber are plentiful and several major rental car companies service Dayton.

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Have questions?

Check out our FAQs

Do I need a VISA for US Entry and How Can I Get One?

If you need a visa, the type of visa you must obtain is defined by U.S. immigration law, and relates to the purpose of your travel. Please visit Visa Wizard to find out what visa type is appropriate for you. You can also visit the US Department Of State’s Frequently Asked Questions or to find out about the Visa Waiver Program.

How Can I Get A "Letter of Invitation" For a VISA Application?

If you are required to submit a letter of invitation from the NAA, please check the appropriate box on the registration page in the “Attendee Details” section.

How do I register for the Annual Conference?

Register for the meeting by emailing [email protected]. You can get all the information and register on the site. The NAA accepts all major credit cards, as well as checks in USD for payment.

What is the deadline for registration for the Annual Conference?

The deadline for registration is October 10.

What is included in the cost of my registration?

There are several registration options and details are listed on each. Most registration options provide you access to all of the plenary presentations, concurrent breakout sessions, and multiple social and networking receptions that make up the Annual Conference.

What Is Happening Each Day of the Conference?

As details are confirmed, this page will be updated.

  • October 25 – Annual Conference begins with committee meetings only on this day. All attendees are encouraged and welcome to attend the Awards Banquet at the beautiful Dayton Arcade.
  • October 26 – First full day of the Annual Conference. All attendees are encouraged and welcome to attend the dinner at the host hotel.
  • October 27 – Last full day of the Annual Conference. All attendees are encouraged and welcome to attend a special drone event at Sinclair Community College.
  • October 28 – Optional event at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.  Attendees will receive preferential treatment and special tours will be available. The NAA will work with conference groups to ensure that aircraft and exhibits are shared in advance so their visit will be impactful and personal. Additionally, the NAA plans to invite American Air Sport Members to not only attend the tours, but also have the opportunity to “show-off” and perform especially for FAI General Conference attendees and the community at large. 
Is there WIFI available?

Free WIFI is available throughout the host hotel.

Does the NAA have hotel rooms available for meeting attendees?

The NAA has reserved rooms at the host hotel at a special rate for attendees. You can book your room here.

Are meals included with my registration?

There are several registration options and details are listed on each. At the Annual Conference, the organizer provides daily meals, and coffee breaks throughout the meeting.

Can I cancel my registration?

Cancellation is considered on an individual basis. Please contact the NAA should you need to cancel.

Can I purchase my conference registration when I get to the meeting?

We encourage all attendees to register for the Annual Conference in advance. This allows us to plan accordingly for the appropriate number of attendees and manage any accommodations needed.

Can I see the final agenda before I arrive on site?

Please click here to see the final agenda.

What is special about Dayton, Ohio?

Dayton is a bustling urban center surrounded by close-knit neighborhoods. It is a manufacturing giant becoming an innovative hub for technology. It is a hotbed for fine arts, ranked among the very best in the nation. It is the epicenter of international aviation and aerospace. It is home to bountiful and well-maintained parks and rivers. It is the virtual center of commerce in America.

Innovators, inventors and dreamers mix seamlessly with hard-working tradespeople in pursuit of the American dream. It is filled with vitality and resilience. A unique blend of palpable energy and unmistakable optimism. And yet, it remains balanced with Midwestern pragmatism. Dayton is a city steeped in history, yet positioned for the future.

Why is the Annual Conference being held in Dayton, Ohio?

Dayton, Ohio is known as the Birthplace of Aviation, and was formally recognized as such by the United States Congress in 2003. It is the birthplace, home, and final resting palace of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the dreamers and inventors of modern flight who designed and tested the first powered aircraft.

Where can I find more information about Dayton, Ohio?

Ohio is known as the “Birthplace of Aviation” because it was home to Wilbur and Orville Wright who invented and flew the first aircraft. Follow in the footsteps of the Wright Brothers, explore history, and learn about the power of flight when you visit the National Aviation Heritage Area which includes historical sites, parks, and attractions.

Must See: Take off at the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, which features sites like Huffman Prairie Flying Field — a key site for the Wright Flyer III. Continue the journey with a stopover at the Wright Brothers National Museum. Soar to new heights at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Take in the sights at Carillon Historical Park. Get poetic at the Paul Laurence Dunbar House. Be awed by science and innovation at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. Learn what life was like over 800 years ago by visiting SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park.

Donation

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