2026 Annual Conference

Sunday, March 29, 2026

11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Registration

12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Board Meeting

1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Exhibitor Setup

3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Committee Meetings

5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Welcome Reception—Hilton Downtown, 23rd Floor

sponsored by

Monday, March 30, 2026

8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Registration—Event Center

8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Open

8:00 a.m.-8:30 a.m.

Breakfast

8:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m.

Keynote Address

Hear from airline executive leadership on workforce strategy, the evolving demands of modern airline maintenance operations, and the critical role collaboration between education and industry plays in building a resilient, highly skilled aviation maintenance workforce for the future.

Andy Schneider, CEO and President, Horizon Air

9:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m.

Welcome and Exhibitor Spotlight

A fast-paced introduction to exhibitors and the products, services, and opportunities they bring to aviation technician education.

James Hall, ATEC President & Vice President, Aviation and Workforce Development, WSU Tech

9:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

Networking Break

Sponsored by

10:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

What Have We Done for You Lately

An overview of recent ATEC initiatives and council efforts supporting members, schools, and industry.

Panelists:

Jared Britt, Legislative Committee Chair & President, Aviation Education Academy

Kelly Filgo, Director of Operations, Choose Aerospace

Sean Gallagan, Regulatory Committee Chair & Chief Executive Officer, Aviation Workforce Solutions

Archie Vega, ATEC Conference Committee Chair & Director of Maintenance and Development, Horizon Air

Michael Sasso, ATEC Academy Co-Facilitator & Airframe & Powerplant Chief, Aims Community College

Moderator: Crystal Maguire, Executive Director, ATEC

10:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m.

Session I: The Pipeline Report

An in-depth look at workforce supply, demand, and emerging trends shaping aviation maintenance education.

Speakers:

Livia Hayes, Director, Oliver Wyman Vector

Devon Holden, Technical Specialist, Oliver Wyman Vector

11:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Awards Luncheon

Sponsored by

Honoring the Educator of the Year, Student of the Year, and recipients of the Choose Aerospace SkillPointe Scholarship, celebrating outstanding achievement, dedication, and impact within the aviation technician community.

Emcees:

Melissa Mullinix, Director of Scholarships, SkillPointe Foundation

Ryan Goertzen, President, Choose Aerospace

1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Session II: Bridging the Gap: Straight Talk

Employers share candid insight into skill gaps, professionalism, and workforce readiness in entry-level technicians.

Panelists:

Archie Vega, Director of Maintenance and Development, Horizon Air

2:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Networking Break

3:00 p.m.

Bus Departs for Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum

4:15 p.m.-5:15 p.m.

Session III: Leadership Perspectives in Maintenance Operations

A senior-level discussion on airline maintenance strategy, workforce development, and future challenges and opportunities.

Panelists:

Nathan Engel, Vice President of Maintenance Operations, Alaska Airlines

Andy Schneider, CEO & President, Horizon Air

Carlos Zendejas, Senior Vice President of Operations, Horizon Air

Baron Converse, Vice President of Maintenance and Engineering, Horizon Air

Moderator: Archie Vega, Director of Maintenance and Development, Horizon Air

5:15 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Dinner & Reception—Under the Spruce Goose

7:30 p.m.

Bus Returns to Hilton Downtown

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Open

8:00 a.m.-8:30 a.m.

Breakfast

8:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m.

Welcome & Keynote Address

Begin the day with remarks from our host institution, highlighting their commitment to aviation and aerospace workforce education.

Dr. Adrien L. Bennings, President, Portland Community College

Dr. Jennifer Ernst, Vice President, Academic Affairs, Portland Community College

9:00 a.m.-9:15 a.m.

Networking Break

Concurrent Breakout Sessions

Administration

Instruction

Regulation

Pathways

9:15 a.m.-10:15 a.m.

Breakout 1

Breakout 6

Breakout 11

Breakout 16

10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Breakout 2

Breakout 7

Breakout 12

Breakout 17

11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Lunch

Sponsored by

1:00 p.m. -2:00 p.m.

Breakout 3

Breakout 8

Breakout 13

Breakout 18

2:15 p.m.-3:15 p.m.

Breakout 4

Breakout 9

Breakout 14

Breakout 19

3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Breakout 5

Breakout 10

Breakout 15

Breakout 20

4:45 p.m.-5:15 p.m.

Exhibitor Door Prizes

5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Evening Reception—Punch Bowl at Pioneer Square Mall, 3rd Floor

Join us for a relaxed evening of networking and fun featuring a buffet dinner, open bar, bowling, karaoke, shuffleboard, arcade games, and Snap-on’s annual Trivia Challenge.

Sponsored by

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

8:00 a.m.

Bus Departs Hilton Downtown

8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

Portland Community College Rock Creek Campus Tour & Breakfast

11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Horizon Air Operations Center Tour & Lunch

1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.

Bus drop at Airport, Hilton Downtown, and Deschutes Brewery

2:00 p.m.

Wrap Party—Deschutes Brewery

Thursday, April 2, 2026

8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

ATEC Academy—PCC CLIMB Center, 1626 Southeast Water Ave

Navigate the classroom with confidence! This two-day session kicks off an immersive three-month training course intended to equip new educators with essential teaching tools. Separate registration required (here).

8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

FAA Designated Mechanic Examiner Recurrent Training Seminar—CLIMB Center

Required recurrent training for designated mechanic examiners, presented by the FAA. Advanced and separate registration is required.

Friday, April 3, 2026

8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

ATEC Academy—CLIMB Center