New 2025 NBAA-BACE Career Zone to Redouble Show’s Focus on Connecting Bizav Job-Seekers With Opportunities
/In an age of digital-first recruiting, it’s more important than ever for professionals to have access to in-person connections to explore career opportunities. That’s why this year’s National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) will feature a new Career Zone with more ways for tomorrow’s industry leaders and top employers to connect.
The new 2025 NBAA-BACE Career Zone will host the always popular Career Fair, offered at previous editions of the show, while bringing in additional assets to help business aviation professionals ascend in today’s workplace.
“We are thrilled to introduce the new NBAA-BACE Career Zone,” said NBAA Senior Vice President, Events and Professional Engagement Jo Damato, CAM. “Whether you’re a student, young professional, mid-career expert or transitioning military member, the NBAA-BACE Career Zone provides valuable resources and opportunities to support your next career move.”
Participants at the NBAA-BACE Career Zone will have access to:
Career coaching with Jenny Showalter, an industry veteran and founder of Showalter Business Aviation Career Coaching.
A personalized scholarship guide, and a separate scholarship audit, facilitated by AviationStart, an organization focused on connecting students and professionals to scholarships, training programs and career pathways. Watch a video previewing AviationStart’s NBAA-BACE plans.
Opportunities to meet industry luminaries, including Michelle “Mace” Curren, a former U.S. Air Force Thunderbird pilot.
Access to the popular “headshot lounge,” where attendees can have a professional photo taken to accompany a resume or other online profile.
Networking opportunities, including a meet-and-greet with the NBAA Business Aviation Top 40 Under 40 class of 2025.
The NBAA-BACE Career Zone will be open Wednesday, Oct. 15, from noon to 5 p.m., and Thursday, Oct. 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in West Hall W1 of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Leading industry employers participating in the Career Fair are highlighting the importance of NBAA-BACE as an unmatched connection point for job seekers and employers alike.
“We are delighted to take part in the third annual NBAA-BACE Career Fair,” said Penny Stocksdale, senior talent acquisition partner, Jet Aviation. “This is always a great opportunity to build on existing industry relationships, as well as engage with emerging talent to gain insight into the evolving aviation workforce and share some of the exciting opportunities we have for crew members, maintenance, flight operations and other candidates. Our staffing team looks forward to interacting with professionals and helping them find their next career prospect in business aviation.”
Karen Rafferty, senior vice president, human resources at USAIG, agreed. “USAIG has been a member of NBAA since 1953, and we value the access it consistently provides to critical industry information, networking opportunities, safety and security best practices/standards as well as educational resources. We’re excited to attend the 2025 NBAA-BACE convention and Career Fair, and we encourage those attending to stop by our booths.”
For those making plans to be part of the NBAA-BACE Career Zone, industry veteran Showalter advised: “Arrive prepared, wear professional attire, bring crisp copies of your resume and be ready with a 30-second pitch, a confident smile and firm handshake.” After the event, she added, follow up within 24 hours with a personal email or LinkedIn message and reinforce the connection.
“Whether you need help refining your goals, clarifying your messaging or navigating a transition, I’ll help you identify next steps and build confidence in your direction,” she said. “My goal is to meet you where you are and help you move forward with purpose.”
Learn more about the NBAA-BACE Career Zone.
Taking place Oct. 14-16, NBAA-BACE is the world’s most powerful business aviation event of the year, showcasing the industry’s latest innovations and services, and hosting the leaders who are shaping its future. Learn more about NBAA-BACE.