The 69th Wisconsin Aviation Conference (WAC) was held October 20-22 at the La Crosse Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin, along the beautiful Mississippi River. The conference is sponsored by the Wisconsin Airport Management Association (WAMA) and was hosted this year by Jeffrey Tripp of La Crosse Regional Airport.
WAC is the only statewide aviation conference in Wisconsin and serves as a vital platform for airport managers, fixed base operators, pilots, consultants, government officials, and aviation enthusiasts to connect, collaborate, explore aviation topics, and discuss industry issues. The conference is held in different parts of the state each fall.
Special sessions and receptions were held, as well as a golf outing, trap shoot and trolley tour of La Crosse. Awards were presented at the awards luncheon on October 21. Courtesy shuttle service was provided to all guests flying in.
Attendees were welcomed by La Crosse Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey, and the President of the Wisconsin Airport Management Association, Matt Grenoble of Sheboygan County Memorial International Airport.
The keynote speaker was John McHugh of Kwik Trip convenience stores.
Other special guests included Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Kristina Boardman, and the Deputy Administrator of the Division of Investment Management, Angela Adams. Ms. Adams mesmerized attendees with her presentation showing how her office was successful in capturing federal dollars for airport development projects.
The incoming President of the Wisconsin Airport Management Association is Harold Mester, who is the Director of Marketing and Public Affairs at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport and Milwaukee Timmerman Airport. Mester is an active general aviation pilot and host of the annual flour drop and spot landing contests at Milwaukee Timmerman Airport. The 2026 Flour Drop Contest will be held June 6, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The 2026 Spot Landing Contest will be held September 12, also beginning at 10:00 a.m. All general aviation pilots are welcomed to participate. Prize money is awarded, and a complimentary lunch is served to all pilots and their guests.
Anyone who manages an airport, serves on an airport board, or manages an aviation business should mark their calendars for the 70th Annual Wisconsin Aviation Conference, October 26-28 to be held at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. For additional information contact Debby Jackson and Luke Pearson of the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin at director@wiama.org (www.wiama.org).
