ISTAT Americas Networking Opportunities
At ISTAT Americas, the opportunity to network is around every corner. ISTAT encourages attendees to participate in the events listed below.
ISTAT Foundation Golf Tournament
When: Sunday, 8 March
Time: 6:00 - 14:00
Where: Maderas Golf Club
Pricing: US$575 player, US$135 spectator
Sponsored by AVITAS
Support the ISTAT Foundation in the annual ISTAT Foundation Golf Tournament at ISTAT Americas. This tournament includes 18 holes of golf, breakfast, lunch, beverages and networking with fellow golfers. The Maderas Golf Club is connected to the unique golf culture found in San Diego. Enjoy beautiful nature views on the course, which boasts 40 acres of natural terrain.
Dress code policy: Collared shirts and non-metal spikes are required. Denim, t-shirts, tank tops, bathing suits, short shorts, sweatpants and workout tire are not acceptable.
Participants in this golf tournament acknowledge that ISTAT assumes no liability for injuries or losses of any kind arising out of or in connection with their participation except to the extent resulting from ISTAT’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. You must be registered to participate.
ISTAT Foundation Pickleball Tournament
When: Sunday, 8 March
Time: 9:30 - 13:30
Where: Barnes Tennis Center
Pricing: US$200 player, US$100 spectator
The ISTAT Foundation invites you to join the annual Pickleball Tournament. As one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide, pickleball is easy to learn, highly inclusive and incredibly fun for players of all skill levels. No experience is necessary — just bring your enthusiasm, and we’ll provide the paddle! This exciting sport combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, creating an energetic and social environment where anyone can participate, bond with colleagues and enjoy some friendly competition.
This event has only 100 spots available for ISTAT Americas registered attendees, so don’t wait to book your spot. Lunch is included in this event.
Participants in this pickleball event acknowledge that ISTAT assumes no liability for injuries or loss of any kind arising out of or in connection with their participation except to the extent resulting from ISTAT's gross negligence or willful misconduct. You must be registered to participate.

ISTAT Appraising – An Introduction
When: Sunday, 8 March
Time: 15:30 - 17:00
Where: Balboa C - Level 2
As an integral initiative within ISTAT, the Appraisers Program has been delivering value and resources to its members and the worldwide aviation community for more than two decades.
This informative session, which will be led by a Senior Appraiser, offers an in-depth exploration of the ISTAT Appraisers Program, covering aircraft appraisal basics and the process of becoming an Appraiser. It is an ideal opportunity for users of appraisal reports to better understand the technical information provided or those interested in a career as an ISTAT Certified Appraiser to learn about appraising as a profession. Open to all attendees at ISTAT Americas.
First-Time Attendee Reception
When: Sunday, 8 March
Time: 17:30 - 18:00
Where: Coronado Ballroom - Level 4
Calling all first-time ISTAT Americas attendees! Come make new connections, including other first-time attendees, ISTAT Leadership, returning attendees and more.
Welcome Reception
When: Sunday, 8 March
Time: 18:00 - 20:00
Where: Coronado Ballroom - Level 4
It’s the official kickoff of ISTAT Americas! Start the week on a high note by connecting with industry professionals over beverages and canapés. Add this event to your calendar and come together as we embark on another event together in San Diego.
ISTAT Past President's Run
When: Monday, 9 March and Tuesday, 10 March
Time: 7:00
Where: Kettner Entrance - Lobby Level
Rise and shine! A morning run, jog or walk is just what you’ll need to start your day. Runners will be divided into pace groups of various speeds (running, jogging, walking) for a largely traffic-free loop from the conference hotel. Distances will range from 1 mile up to "as far as you want to go." All paces and abilities are welcome!
NEW: Past President's Yoga
When: Monday, 9 March
Time: 7:00
Where: Bayview - Floor 32
New at this year's conference, ISTAT will be offering Past President's Yoga! A relaxing way to start a busy day, participants will have the opportunity to partake in class and connect with fellow attendees. All abilities are welcome!
ISTAT Foundation & Airlink Breakfast
When: Monday, 9 March
Time: 7:30 - 8:30
Where: Harbor Ballroom G - Level 2
Join us for breakfast, convening aviation leaders for an engaging fireside chat on the power of collaboration in humanitarian response. The moderated discussion will explore how the aviation industry’s global reach and expertise, Airlink’s humanitarian and disaster response capabilities and the ISTAT Foundation’s convening power, grants and educational investments together create a powerful multiplier for positive impact in communities worldwide.
Joining the conversation will be Kristen Chmielewski, chair of the ISTAT Foundation and partner at GC Aero Law; Paloma Adams-Allen, president and CEO of Airlink; and John Mowry, managing director of Alton Aviation Consultancy; who will highlight the business case for giving back — to communities, markets and the broader world in which the industry operates. This leadership dialogue will showcase the critical role of commercial aviation in disaster relief and community development, share real-world examples of collaborative impact and invite the aviation sector to play a direct role in supporting the nearly 300 million people projected to need urgent humanitarian assistance this year.

The Hub and Jet Fuel Café
When: Monday, 9 March and Tuesday, 10 March
Time: 8:30 - 17:00
Where: Seaport Ballroom A-E - Level 2
Jet Fuel Café Sponsored by Aviation Capital Group
Consistently one of the busiest areas at ISTAT conferences, The Hub and Jet Fuel Café provide a space for you to network, hold informal meetings or work while enjoying complimentary coffee drinks (such as cappuccinos, espressos and lattes) all day. Exhibitors will be on hand to discuss unique business needs so be sure to stop by Monday and Tuesday.
Take advantage of the ISTAT Bistro and Hydration Hangar, offering grab and go snacks and the opportunity to refuel responsibly.
Women@ISTAT
When: Monday, 9 March
Time: 17:00 - 18:00
Where: Bayview - Floor 32
Sponsored by Citi
Join us for a reception to celebrate the advancement of women in aviation. Support the continued elevation of our female colleagues by raising a glass to the impact women make within ISTAT and across the industry. All attendees are encouraged to join the celebration!
ISTAT Rising Executives Event
When: Monday, 9 March
Time: 17:00 - 18:00
Where: Coronado Terrace - Level 4
Sponsored by Avolon
The ISTAT Rising Executives Program provides networking and educational opportunities for ISTAT members and industry professionals with less than 10 years of experience in commercial aviation. Take the opportunity to connect with colleagues who are newcomers and emerging talents in the industry and hear from seasoned industry leader, Mark Streeter, managing director at JP Morgan. This event will be outside, please prepare to dress appropriately.
Networking Reception
When: Monday, 9 March
Time: 17:30 - 19:00
Where: Pool Deck - Level 4
Sponsored by Crestone Air Partners
Keep the momentum going! This Networking Reception offers another ideal opportunity for you to connect with key industry contacts and further your conversations. Drinks and canapés will be served, allowing for a relaxed evening. This event will be outside, please prepare to dress appropriately.
Club ISTAT
When: Monday, 9 March
Time: 21:00 - 23:00
Where: Moonshine Flats
Level up your ISTAT Americas experience with a laid-back evening of live music, drinks and great company. Join fellow night owls at Club ISTAT to make new memories and enjoy the music as our talented members jam out onstage. For attendees who may need support in getting to and from the venue, ISTAT will provide a small shuttle from 20:30 - 00:30.
ISTAT D&I Lunch With AWAR: Creating a Culture of Belonging
When: Tuesday, 10 March
Time: 12:00 - 13:45
Where: Harbor Ballroom G - Level 2
Join us for an engaging and interactive session hosted by the 2025 ISTAT D&I Award recipient, AWAR. This dynamic discussion will focus on bringing people together, enhancing belonging and cultivating an inclusive work environment.
ISTAT President's Gala Reception
When: Tuesday, 10 March
Time: 18:00 - 19:00
Where: Harbor Foyer - Level 2
Sponsored by Air Lease
Slip into your evening attire and head to the ISTAT President’s Gala Reception. It’s your opportunity to grab a cocktail and mingle with your new business connections before heading into the conference’s highlight event: the ISTAT President’s Gala Dinner and Award Presentation.
ISTAT President's Gala Dinner and Award Presentation
When: Tuesday, 10 March
Time: 19:00 - 21:00
Where: Harbor Ballroom - Level 2
Sponsored by Air Lease
Join us as we celebrate the individuals who have made lasting contributions to our industry at the ISTAT President’s Gala Dinner and Award Presentation. We’ll raise a toast to John Vitale, former president and CEO of AVITAS, Inc. and our 2026 ISTAT Award recipient, while enjoying a memorable evening and delicious dinner to close out ISTAT Americas.
Offsite Opportunities
Known as “America’s Finest City,” San Diego is home to beautiful family-friendly beaches and bays, a year-round outdoor lifestyle, and a vibrant culture that includes exciting nightlife and a burgeoning food scene. Filled with friendly people, epic landscapes, incredible sunsets and memories to last a lifetime, San Diego invites visitors to sit back, relax, and enjoy life.
ISTAT has partnered with Old Town Trolley Tours of San Diego, the attraction that takes you to the attractions! … And we’ve made purchasing tickets even easier!
To take advantage of this exclusive discount, browse their online store and during checkout use the coupon code ISTAT2026.
A 20% discount will apply to the following products (subject to availability):
- One (1) Day Hop-On / Hop-Off City Tour
- Hop-On / Hop-Off City Tour – Two (2) Consecutive Day Ticket
- SEAL Tour at Seaport Village
- SEAL Tous at Embarcadero
- San Diego City Lights Night Tour
- Ghosts and Gravestones Tour of San Diego
- Whaley House Daytime Tour
- Whaley House Evening Tour
- San Diego USS Midway Museum
- Maritime Museum of San Diego
- Hornblower Cruises
- One-Hour Harbor Cruise
- Two-Hour Harbor Cruise
- Whale and Dolphin Watching Midweek Adventures
- Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventures
- San Diego Sights & Sips Sunset Cruise
Please note that this coupon code is valid only for the products listed above and not toward any packages offered (for example, Hop On/Hop Off City Tour + San Diego Zoo).
You will enter your billing information and the ticket user information (the name you’d like printed on your tickets). If you’re purchasing multiple tickets for the same attraction (for example, two adult tickets for the Trolley Tour), only one ticket username is needed. After you confirm your order at Checkout, you will be prompted to receive your ticket(s) by email, to print or even through text message. It’s as easy as that!