The open-air terminal of Palm Springs International Airport sets the tone before the conference even begins — and this year’s National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA) Winter Warm-Up lived up to every bit of that promise. For some members of our team, it was their first time attending an industry expo of this kind, and it turned out to be a memorable introduction.

NGPA describes their Winter Warm-Up as exactly what it sounds like: warm weather, a stunning Southwest landscape, and miles of blue skies. Having experienced it firsthand, we can confirm they’re not wrong.

From the moment the doors opened, the expo floor was packed — a sea of suits as pilots and aviation professionals from across the country filled the space, eager to connect with leading airlines and organizations. What stood out most wasn’t the size of the crowd, but the feeling in the room. There was a genuine sense of welcome and belonging that’s not always easy to find at a large industry event.

The NGPA, celebrating its 36th anniversary this year, has spent three and a half decades building exactly that kind of community. And it shows.

Envoy Air was right in the middle of all the action. Our tables were staffed by our recruiting team and current Envoy pilots, who spent the day having real conversations with candidates at every stage of their careers. Just minutes after the doors opened each morning, the lines were already 100 people deep — and our team never skipped a beat, making sure every person with questions got the time and attention they deserved. Several of our partner schools were also on the floor, connecting with prospective students and helping map out pathways into aviation.

The evenings brought more casual gatherings, giving everyone a chance to relax, enjoy the beauty of Palm Springs, and connect beyond the expo floor. The final evening capped it all off with the NGPA Gala and silent auction, raising funds for scholarships supporting the next generation of aviators. Envoy was proud to present two scholarships — to Nick Wildey for Envoy Flight Training and Abigail Byrne for Envoy Maintenance. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.

For all of us at Envoy, the spirit of the NGPA is exactly what we strive for every day — a place where everyone feels welcomed and part of the team from day one.

Get a firsthand look at the energy of the Winter Warm-Up in the video recap and pictures below.