National Association of State Aviation Officials - NASAO 2026
Event Date
September 13–16, 2026
Location
Grand Forks, ND
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe NASAO Annual Convention & Trade Show is the flagship yearly gathering of the National Association of State Aviation Officials. The 2026 edition is the association's 95th convention, held under the theme "50 States, One Sky." The national conference brings together aviation leaders from across the nation for collaboration, policy discussions, networking, and forward-looking conversations focused on the future of aviation, convening state aviation officials, airport leaders, federal partners, aerospace innovators, consultants, and industry stakeholders.
NASAO annually hosts the Annual Convention & Trade Show, which provides a space specifically for state aviation directors and their staff to connect and collaborate. The 2026 host city is Grand Forks, North Dakota, which the organizers describe as one of the nation's leading aerospace and autonomous aviation hubs.
The event is worth attending for professionals who shape aviation policy and airport development at the state and federal level. The convention advocates for state and public interests with federal policymakers, emphasizing that a secure and efficient aviation system drives economic growth and job creation. Attendees gain access to national-level networking, policy briefings, and a trade show floor featuring aviation and aerospace suppliers.
Show Highlights
- Theme: "50 States, One Sky" — a national conference focused on the future of aviation.
- Signature networking: The conference features unique opportunities to experience North Dakota's nationally recognized aerospace and autonomous aviation initiatives firsthand, including planned networking events involving UND Aerospace, Grand Sky, VANTIS, Gorman Field, and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site.
- Audience: State aviation officials, airport leaders, federal partners, aerospace innovators, consultants, and industry stakeholders.
- Trade show floor featuring aviation and aerospace exhibitors alongside the convention program.
- Policy focus: advocacy for state and public interests before federal policymakers.
Registration
Registration for the 2026 NASAO Annual Convention & Trade Show is handled online through the association's official Cvent event site. Under the theme "50 States, One Sky," the 95th National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) Convention & Trade Show takes place in Grand Forks, ND from September 13–16. Prospective attendees and exhibitors should visit the NASAO website (nasao.org) and its linked Cvent registration page for pass types, pricing, and deadlines.
History
Founded in 1931, NASAO is one of the most senior aviation organizations in the United States, predating even the Federal Aviation Administration's predecessor, the Civil Aeronautics Authority. The states first established NASAO to ensure uniformity of safety measures, to standardize airport regulations, and to develop a truly national air transportation system responsive to local, state, and regional needs. The association's members are the officials who run state government aviation agencies across all 50 states, plus Guam and Puerto Rico. The organization has held its Annual Convention & Trade Show for decades; NASAO was organized in 1931 and held its 92nd Annual Convention and trade show in Rogers, Arkansas in mid-September 2023. The 2026 Grand Forks event marks the 95th edition.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 NASAO Annual Convention & Trade Show?
It is the 95th NASAO Annual Convention & Trade Show, taking place September 13–16, 2026 in Grand Forks, North Dakota, under the theme "50 States, One Sky."
Who should attend the NASAO convention?
The event is designed for state aviation officials, airport leaders, federal partners, aerospace innovators, consultants, and industry stakeholders. It also serves state aviation directors and their staff who want to connect and collaborate on aviation policy.
What makes the 2026 Grand Forks convention unique?
The conference offers firsthand experiences with North Dakota's aerospace and autonomous aviation initiatives, including networking events involving UND Aerospace, Grand Sky, VANTIS, Gorman Field, and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site.
How do I register for the convention?
Registration is handled online through NASAO's official website (nasao.org) and its linked Cvent event page, where pass types, pricing, and deadlines are listed.
What is NASAO and how long has it held this event?
The National Association of State Aviation Officials was founded in 1931 and is one of the oldest aviation organizations in the United States. It has held its Annual Convention & Trade Show for decades, with the 2026 Grand Forks event marking the 95th edition.
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