Record-Breaking NBAA White Plains Forum Wows Thousands, Adds to Energy Ahead of NBAA-BACE

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The National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA’s) 2026 White Plains Regional Forum, held yesterday at Westchester County Airport (KHPN), was one for the record books: a sold-out exhibit floor, a crowded aircraft showcase and a series of standing-room-only panel discussions, all under sunny May skies.

The NBAA forum brought together more than 3,400 registered attendees with representatives from nearly 200 of business aviation’s leading companies on the exhibit floor. Over two dozen aircraft of all types were on display, along with ground vehicles and other equipment.

The forum made clear that NBAA has been on a roll, presenting an outstanding lineup of events held in the first six months of 2026, beginning in February with a record-setting Leadership Conference, followed by additional, crowd-pleasing conferences, forums and workshops. Next up is the 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) – the industry’s most powerful event of the year.

“Today’s forum concludes a remarkable series of eight NBAA events this spring, all of which were hugely successful, including several that surpassed previous records,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “Equally important, these events are driving a recognizable momentum and unmistakable energy toward NBAA-BACE in October, setting the stage for the show’s success.”

Business Aviation Is CLIMBING. FAST.

The day kicked off with an opening keynote that underscored business aviation’s importance, with local civic officials touting their support for the industry in their welcome remarks. 

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins highlighted the sector’s outsized impact in the county – creating jobs, driving economic growth and stepping up with humanitarian lift when communities need it most. 

NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen echoed that theme, holding up Westchester County as the embodiment of the message underpinning the industry’s CLIMBING. FAST. advocacy campaign, which highlights business aviation’s many societal benefits.

Bolen also provided an update on the association’s work as the industry’s effective advocacy voice in Washington, DC. 

For example, he pointed to NBAA’s strong support for the safety recommendations developed by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the wake of last year’s deadly crash of a regional airline jet and a military helicopter over the Potomac River. Specifically, NBAA supports the ALERT Act, which addresses the NTSB’s recommendations. 

The association also remains an active participant in the Modern Skies Coalition, formed last year to bring industry and government together to build a brand-new air traffic control (ATC) system. Bolen noted that a year into the project, deadlines are being met or exceeded, new technologies are being rolled out, air traffic controllers are being hired and other objectives are being achieved.

Bolen also detailed NBAA’s work to address a key industry concern – tariffs, which were introduced in 2025 – by winning agreement from the administration for a zero-for-zero framework exempting aircraft and parts from tariffs in U.S. trade agreements with the European Union and individual countries.

A Must-Attend Event

Exhibitors and attendees noted the forum’s unique draw as a highly impactful business experience. 

“It’s always amazing,” said Gina Kubacik, global accounts manager with Signature Aviation, adding that she routinely meets with dozens of customers – some of whom are the company’s most important clients – at NBAA forums. “These events are instrumental in moving business forward,” Kubacik added.

Cameron Smith, account manager with Signum Aviation, agreed the forum provided an ideal opportunity to connect with current customers and meet new ones.

“At NBAA’s regional forums, you get to see people you might not see at some of the larger events,” Smith said. “We’ve had great interactions, including high-level conversations, with future clients. We have an opportunity to really build personal relationships.”

Timely Content, Top Experts

The forum’s education sessions tackled the sector’s most pressing challenges and relevant issues, with expert panels including.

  • A state-of-the-marketplace discussion included a deep dive into the brokerage and OEM landscape. 

  • A session that highlighted regional concerns at airports in the Northeastern U.S. The discussion, which included representatives from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, focused on the agency’s work to develop border protocols tailored to business aviation. Panelists also highlighted airport sustainability efforts, including partnerships for fostering the production, availability and use of sustainable aviation fuels. 

  • A panel on airspace complexity and ATC constraints provided actionable strategies for mitigating operational unpredictability. 

  • A workforce-focused session led by the Westchester Aviation Association highlighted innovative local initiatives for building the industry’s workforce.

“The success of the White Plains forum, and of all of our spring 2026 events, is a testament to our industry’s commitment to community, and the recognized value of in-person gatherings that drive both commerce and camaraderie,” said NBAA Senior Vice President, Events and Professional Engagement Jo Damato, CAM. “Our 2026 spring events have created high expectations, and we look forward to meeting and exceeding them at NBAA-BACE.” 

For more on the NBAA White Plains Regional Forum, follow the association on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok and Twitter/X.

The association’s next event, NBAA-BACE, is set for Oct. 20-22 in Las Vegas. Learn more about business aviation’s most powerful event.