2023 CAF CONFERENCE INFORMATION

DEVELOPMENT
Fundraising Fundamentals
Do you want to learn how to build better relationships with funders and top donors that lead to increased financial support? Want to learn how to improve your messaging of the CAF’s mission to always consider the donor’s point of view? Are you looking for practical tips and tools to take your fundraising efforts to the next level? This session is for you.

12 Planes of Christmas – Unwrapping Success
The 12 Planes of Christmas Campaign has raised over $1 million dollars since its inception – directly benefiting aircraft from across the CAF fleet. Want to learn more about this campaign? Have you wondered how your unit can participate and how to maximize the fundraising potential for your assigned aircraft? Join Marketing, Development, and unit representatives to learn more about this annual campaign and begin preparing now for a successful 2023 campaign.

EDUCATION
Mini Aviation Discovery Zone - Come Play!
Experience firsthand activities the National Aviation Education Center offers kids of all ages. The highlighted activities are a proven hit during Camp SOAR, A is for Aerospace, and the Aviation Discovery Zone (held during the CAF Wings Over Dallas Airshow). We host thousands of kids through a variety of programs where the central theme is hands-on, aviation and career related experiences.
During this session we have selected the best of the best for you to see and do! We want to provide you with a make-and take experience and send you back to your local unit with new activity ideas that will engage kids in learning about aviation. Showcasing the principles of flight, engineering, and mechanics is something YOU can do while Educating, Inspiring, and Honoring!

Getting Started in STEM and Beyond!
What is STEM? Where and how do I get started? Michelle Siemens from the Central California Valley Squadron and others will share how to find, choose, and present STEM activities for different settings.

FINANCE
Finance – Part I
This class or refresher class will help you better understand the role and responsibilities of a Unit Finance Officer. Topics covered: Corporate Structure; Finance Officer’s role and obligations; deadlines/timelines; Aircraft Accounts; MFB; MCRP; Military contract and invoicing; Proffer of Gifts; Cash Donation Forms; IRS Form 8283; Credit Cards.

Finance – Part II
This class or refresher class will help you better understand the role and responsibilities of a Unit Finance Officer. Topics covered: Insurance; Sales Tax; W-9 and 1099 reporting; Fuel Tax Rebate; Drug & Alcohol Invoices; Budgets.

Quickbooks Online/Bookkeeping – Part I
Class to provide Finance Officers the basics of Quickbooks Online/Bookkeeping. Discuss the Chart of Accounts, how to perform bank reconciliations, how to create a vendor, how to create a customer, how to create an invoice, how to write a check, how to create a deposit, how to present financial information to your Unit. Please bring your laptop for hands-on experience to get the most from the session.

Finance Officers Roundtable
This class will be an opportunity for Finance Officers to ask questions to other Finance Officers about how they deal with issues and how they provide the support for their unit. Concepts such as how to build a budget; how to create a business plan; how to report costs by aircraft or airshow, etc.

New Topics
This class will provide additional information for the Finance Officer regarding new programs and accounting pronouncements – ASAP Program; Vintage Warbird Riders Club; ASC 842 Lease Accounting, Pilot Fees; Rally Point.

Quickbooks Online/Bookkeeping – Part II
Class will discuss more advanced concepts, tricks and tips of Quickbooks Online. Discuss concepts such as subcategories and classes. Other areas of common issues will be discussed such as how to attach .pdf to your records. Please bring your laptop!

MARKETING
Professional Media Training – Do’s and Don’ts of talking to the public and press
In a world of social media and 24/7 breaking news, knowing how to handle media is vital. This session is led by PR Professionals and is geared to help members speak effectively to the news media. By giving you the tools needed such as how to prepare your comments, how to speak with confidence, and what things you should/should never say when talking to the press. This session is geared toward any members who may find themselves talking to the press, but also the public about the CAF.

Communicating in an Emergency
Join PR professionals for a session on crisis communication. Learn more about how to plan for different scenarios, how to practice the plan, and what all Units should know about the CAF’s Emergency procedures. In addition to having a plan, we will talk about how to handle the media in an emergency at that moment and after the incident.

CAF Brand Standards – Telling the CAF Story the Right Way
Logos, websites, signs, and merchandise are clear examples of branding, but there are many more aspects used to tell the world – who is the CAF. Learn what makes up the CAF brand from values and mission statements to how we interact with the public. Then, we will explore why these standards are so important in how they convey who we are, what we do, why we do it, and how others can get involved.

PIO Resources – No Need to Reinvent the Wheel
For years Units and Headquarters staff have developed templates, best practices, samples, and guides to help support the Unit PIO’s responsibilities. Yes, the PIO has one of the lengthiest to-do lists, so come see what resources are available to help support that effort. This is also a great opportunity for you to share your Unit's best ideas and examples with other Units so we can all benefit from each other's experience.

Like Me, Follow me, Subscribe to Me—Now what?
Social media can be one of the best tools Units can use to communicate with the public. Learn how to leverage your presence into member/donor engagement, more website visits, more event attendees, and more ride sales. Find out what your audience wants, how to use calls to action, and how to use advertising to expand your reach and influence. If you are looking to improve the way your Unit uses social media networks, this is a great session to attend.

MEMBERSHIP
Membership 101
Active, Lapsed, & Dropped. New, Renewed, Rejoined. What do these really mean? Spend some time with the CAF’s membership team to learn more about the process involved with recruiting, fulfilling and retaining members. Learn successful strategies and tactics for strengthening retention efforts and developing a “Member First” culture.

Demystifying WaiverFile and Improving Data Flow on Aircraft Riders
This session swill explore the CAF’s new electronic Hold Harmless form, and the way Units can streamline the hold harmless process AND eliminate paper forms and long lag times in sending important rider data to HQ.

Building a Successful Cadet Program
This session will offer ideas to enhance the Cadet Program to all CAF units. Hear from different Units on their approach to offering Cadets leadership opportunities, aerospace education and practical experience which helps retain Cadets in the CAF and plants the seed for their future membership as CAF Colonels and success in life.

LEADERSHIP
Unit Leader Roundtable
CAF President/CEO Hank Coates will be joined by other Unit Leaders, both seasoned and new, to lead this discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing the CAF, and particularly the Unit leadership team. Unit Leaders are encouraged to join in to share strategies and tactics toward successful leadership, and any pitfalls to avoid along the way.

Organizing Warbird Ride Days for Fun and Profit
Learn many of the basics of how to organize and execute a warbird ride day for your Unit. The emphasis will be on small to mid-size units. Topics include selecting ride aircraft, partnering with other CAF units, advertising, ride desk operations, safety, plus much more.

OPERATIONS
Intro/Safety Review & Operations Update
Presented by Chief Aviation Officer Jim Lasche & Director of Operations Bob Heath

Maintenance training, supervision, documentation, and special requirements for LOA aircraft
Presented by Director of Maintenance Phil Pedron

CAF Insurance review plus Q & A with Greg Hiser & Jim Lasche
Bring all your CAF insurance questions.

Operations Training with special emphasis on RallyPoint for Unit Leaders
Presented by Director of Training Bill Ervin

Crew Resource Management – presented by TJ Cook & Nancy Kwiecien
This session looks at Crew Resource Management and how it relates to accident prevention. We’ll talk about how CRM came to be, why it’s important and how it applies to the CAF. We’ll take a look at some accident data, and discuss barriers to good performance and how to defend against them. We’ll close with some observations on teamwork and identify some strategies for top performing crews.

Update on Instructor/Check Pilot Training Requirements for 2023
Presented by Bob Heath

Aircraft Restoration Update
Presented by Alan Brooks. This session offers the latest on CAF aircraft undergoing restoration plus a sneak peek on those that will be returning to service in 2023.

PT-19/22/23/26 Standardization
This breakout session will provide the opportunity for Wings with PTs to network with other PT Wing leadership, share best practices in the operations and maintenance of PT aircraft, discuss economies of scale for maintenance, collaboration on parts inventory, discussion on PT rides program and passenger briefing techniques and finish with PT safety and pilot training.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2023 CAF CONFERENCE BOOKLET

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE