2025 NBAA‑BACE Recap: Forward Momentum Across Business Aviation

If you are in business aviation, you can bet that you spent October 14-16 in Las Vegas for our industry’s version of Old Home Week. The National Business Aviation Association’s annual convention, 2025 BACE, lived up to its reputation as business aviation’s most powerful gathering. From a bustling hall with exhibits and thought-leadership programming to a dazzling debut of aircraft and technologies, this year’s event reinforced that our industry is charged, energized and poised for meaningful momentum.

Opening Keynote: Inspiration & Recognition

Dierks Bentley—multi platinum-selling artist, accomplished pilot and aviation advocate—took center stage. Complete with dad jokes and an early morning acoustic session, he reminded us to change our “I’ve got to” mentality to “I get to.” The audience also celebrated Steuart Walton, who received NB­AA’s highest honor, the Meritorious Service to Aviation Award, for his work in advanced air mobility, infrastructure development and aviation advocacy. 

Innovation & Aircraft Spotlights

As with each BACE, there was no shortage of announcements. The unveiling of the new Cessna Citation Ascend midsize jet marked a milestone. The Otto Aerospace Phantom 3500 made its high-profile debut, showcasing a laminar-flow design. You couldn’t help but to stop and stare. Archer Aviation showcased its Midnight eVTOL air-taxi. Meanwhile, Boom Supersonic took the floor for the first time.

Workforce & Future Focused

The Career Zone and Military Connect initiatives underscored the continued urgency of connecting talent pipelines in business aviation—veterans, students and early-career professionals found new opportunities to connect with operators, MROs and OEMs.This isn’t just lip service: panels, speed-coaching and dedicated networking gave attendees a clear pathway into business aviation roles.

Emerging Leaders & Honors

Kudos to three of our agency friends. Kara Wolf with Honeywell and Rachel Douglass with Textron Aviation for being recognized in the NBAA 2025 “Top 40 Under 40” list—a well-deserved spotlight on rising talent in our industry. Aviation Personnel International’s Sheryl A. Barden received the prestigious John P. “Jack” Doswell Award this year, recognizing her outstanding contributions to business aviation workforce development and advocacy. 

Networking in Full Throttle

I was asked about the highlight of my week. Speaking on behalf of everyone on our team who attends BACE, it’s the networking. My week kicked off with the National Aviation Hall of Fame cocktail party. What a room of legends. From the fabulous rooftop party put on by Yingling Aviation to catching an Uber with our longtime client Gary Dunn with Aviation Partners, it’s a time to connect. It’s face-to-face time. We are grateful for our industry relationships and how in working together, we’ve lifted each other up. 

Looking Toward the Horizon

The messages from Las Vegas were clear: business aviation has forward momentum. We look forward to what 2026 holds for all of us.