2026 CAF CONFERENCE - Elevate the Mission: Safety, Service, & Leadership

Join us February 26–28, 2026, at the CAF National Airbase in Dallas, TX, for the annual members-only CAF Conference. Whether you’re new to the CAF or a seasoned Unit leader, this event is the best way to connect, learn, and be inspired by our mission. Attendance is open exclusively to active CAF Colonels and Cadets.

Your registration includes all conference sessions, lunches, shuttle service between the CAF and the Hilton Garden Inn in Duncanville, TX, and one ticket to the CAF Hall of Fame Banquet. (Additional banquet-only tickets are available for guests.)

REGISTRATION FEES (per person)

• $300 through February 11
• $350 beginning February 12
• $95 CAF Hall of Fame dinner only - available for purchase through Sunday, February 22.

HOTEL INFORMATION
This year, the CAF has reserved the entire Hilton Garden Inn in Duncanville for conference attendees. The group rate is $139 per night plus tax and includes breakfast vouchers for up to two guests per room. The hotel offers a restaurant and bar, complimentary Wi-Fi, and free parking. To reserve by phone call the hotel directly at 972.283.9777. The CAF Room Block will expire on 2/5/2026.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR HOTEL ONLINE

Have a question about the conference? Email Craig Tuminaro at ctuminaro@cafhq.org or call (877) 767-7175, ext. 142.

PRELIMINARY EVENT SCHEDULE
All events will be held at the CAF National Airbase.
Schedule is subject to change.

Thursday, Feb 26
Registration Open Noon – 5 p.m.
8 - 9 a.m. American Airpower Heritage Foundation Board Meeting
9:15 - 10:30 a.m American Airpower Heritage Flying Museum Board Meeting
10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. American Airpower Heritage Museum Board Meeting
1- 4 p.m. General Staff Board Meeting
5 - 6:30 p.m. Welcome Reception
3:15 - 6:45 p.m. Shuttle circulates between CAF National Airbase and Hotel

Friday, Feb 27
Registration Open 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
7:00 - 9:00 a.m. Shuttle circulates between CAF National Airbase and Hotel
8:15 - 9: 30a.m. Opening General Session – State of the CAF
9:30 - 10: 45 a.m. Breakout Session 1
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Breakout Session 2
12:15 - 1:15 p.m. Lunch
1:15 - 2:30 p.m. Breakout Session 3
2:45 – 4:00 p.m. Breakout Session 4
4:00 – 5:15 p.m. Breakout Session 5
4:00 - 5:45 p.m. Shuttle circulates between CAF National Airbase and Hotel

Saturday, February 28
Registration Open 8:30 a.m. - Noon
7:45 - 9:45 a.m. Shuttle circulates between CAF National Airbase and Hotel
9:00 – 10:15 a.m. Breakout Session 6
10:30 - 11: 45 a.m. Breakout Session 7
11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch & CAF Awards
1:00 - 2:15 p.m. Breakout Session 8
2:30 – 3:30 p.m. CAF Town Hall and Advisory Board Meeting with the President (open to all)
3:00 - 6:45 p.m. Shuttle circulates between CAF National Airbase and Hotel

6:30 p.m. CAF Hall of Fame Cocktail Hour with cash bar
7:30 p.m. CAF Hall of Fame Ceremony and Banquet Dinner
9:00 - 11:00 p.m. Shuttle circulates between CAF National Airbase and Hotel
Suggested attire for the Hall of Fame dinner is CAF Uniform, military uniforms, or semi-formal attire


SESSION DESCRIPTIONS

DEVELOPMENT
Everyone's a Fundraiser!
Presented by Tina Styles
This interactive session with CAF’s new Chief Development Officer reframes fundraising as a shared effort across every Unit. This will be a guided conversation where we encourage you to share real-world fundraising successes, challenges, and lessons learned. We will explore practical, people-centered approaches to building relationships, engaging supporters, and strengthening Unit sustainability—proving that effective fundraising isn’t limited to officers or experts, but something everyone can support.

Funding Resources in Your Own Backyard
Presented by Tina Styles
This conversational session focuses on uncovering funding opportunities close to home. We will share strategies and ideas for tapping into local and national programs—such as grants and community support offered by retailers like Home Depot and Walmart—along with other neighborhood-based resources. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of where to look, how to start the conversation, and how local support can strengthen Unit initiatives and long-term sustainability.

CAF Matching Grant Programs
Presented by Nathan Huegen and Tina Styles
This session highlights CAF’s existing Pilot Scholarship Program and introduces a new matching grant program launching in 2026 to support Unit-level education efforts. Attendees will learn how matching grants work, how Units can prepare to participate by securing local support, and how these programs align with CAF’s Strategic Priorities by investing in education, youth engagement, and long-term Unit sustainability.

EDUCATION
Commemorative Air Force Museum & Archive Open House
Presented by Nathan Huegen and Kevin Hahn
Learn how to effectively care for, display, and interpret your artifact collection with examples from the exhibits located in the NAEC. In addition, learn the background of the CAF Nose Art Collection and the journey it has taken to the current exhibition.

Project Cub: A Hands-On Intern Project
Presented by Melissa Rogers
The CAF acquired a 1946 J-3 Piper Cub aircraft in need of restoration. CAF/NAEC staff, volunteers, and aviation experts have been overseeing high school interns who are driving the restoration process. Seven interns are currently working on the project under the supervision of a restoration project coordinator and their classroom aviation instructor. Hear from the project coordinator and the interns themselves about the project and the experience.

Education in a Box: Simple Models for Immediate Impact
Presented by Dr. Jennifer Stimpson
Move beyond static displays and create "Ready-to-Fly" education programs. Learn how to build and deploy "Education in a Box"—low-cost, easy-to-implement activities designed for diverse audiences. We will demonstrate our WWII Escape Boxes as a primary case study, providing you with full supply lists, sourcing guides, and design templates.

Lessons Learned from Our First Aviation Discovery Fest
Presented by Christiano Mazziotti and Dawn Roberson (Central Texas Wing)
Hear firsthand lessons from the Units that rolled out their first Aviation Discovery Fest in 2025. Presenters will share how the event was structured, what worked, what didn’t, and key takeaways—including attendance outcomes and visual impact—to help other Units plan and improve their own ADF events.

Aviation Discovery Fest Expo
Presented by Christiano Mazziotti
Try hands-on, make-and-take aviation activities you can use at your Unit to engage youth and families.

Start ‘Em Young, Keep ‘Em Flying: How to Build a Thriving Cadet Program
Presented by Nathan Huegen and Thad Short (Houston Wing)
Learn about what it takes to run a thriving Cadet Program that immerses young volunteers in the CAF mission and brings out the best in everyone. This presentation will cover the experiences that helped shape the Houston Wing cadet leadership team and how those experiences helped inspire the mission, vision, values, and structure of the cadet program in its current form. Gain insight into what has worked well, what has not, what is on the horizon for the cadet program in Houston, and how you can replicate what might work best in your own programs!

The CAF Oral History Collection
Presented by Nathan Huegen
The CAF Oral History Collection is a treasure trove of WWII testimonies. Starting in the late 1980s, CAF Colonels recorded these stories on audio cassettes, ultimately reaching over 4,000 interviews. Over the last year, CAF museum and education staff have worked to digitize, index, and organize this collection. Hear some of the most iconic clips and find out how they can be shared at your Unit for use in the museum or at an aviation event.

FINANCE
Finance Officer’s Role& Responsibility
Presented by Lance Linguist and April Robinson
This class will provide a better understanding of the role and responsibilities of a Unit Finance Officer. Other topics covered: Legal Structure; ASAP; Insurance; Sales Tax; Military Billing; Forms; Budgets.

Chart of Accounts
Presented by April Robinson
This class will provide a better understanding of the Chart of Account that each Unit must use and what goes under each account description and why. Describes why the same chart is used for each Unit.

QuickBooks Online Bookkeeping – Part I
Presented by April Robinson
This class provides the Finance Officer with the basics of QuickBooks Online (QBO)/Bookkeeping. Discuss the Chart of Accounts, Account Settings, and how to present financial information to your Unit (Classes/Locations and Tag replacement). (Bringing your laptop for hands-on experience would be helpful.)

QuickBooks Online – Part II
Presented by April Robinson
This class will show the Finance Officer how to set up and connect Bank Accounts in QBO; how to understand Expenses and Deposits along with doing bank reconciliation and seeing the report. (Bringing your laptop for hands-on experience would be helpful.)

Calculating Cost per Flying Hour
Presented by Lance Linguist
This class will discuss the variable; semi-variable; semi-fixed and fixed costs of operating an aircraft; and a methodology for calculating a cost per flying hour, as well as the long-term financial considerations that are often overlooked.

QuickBooks Online – Part III
Presented by April Robinson
This class will show the Finance Officer how to pull invoices and transaction receipts into QuickBooks (QBO) automatically, then apply the GL accounts to use; setting up QBO Banking Rules – aka Accounting Import magic; Bank Receipts – importing transaction invoices and receipts manually and automatically (includes emailing invoices into QBO). (Bringing your laptop for hands-on experience would be helpful.)

Aircraft Account & Open Invoice Report, Hull Insurance and ACH Payment
Presented by Lance Linguist
This class will focus activities impacting the aircraft; how to request reimbursement from the aircraft account; how to pay an invoice from the aircraft account; accounting treatment for requests from the aircraft; MFB and Aircraft Sponsorship. This class will provide further understanding of Hull Insurance and discuss how to send ACH payments to CAF-HQ.

New Topics/Roundtable
Presented by Lance Linguist
This class will focus on some of the new efforts and activities by the CAF, including Hull Insurance; Unit Health Monitor; CAF Strategic Priorities; cost savings initiatives. This class will also allow questions from the Finance Officers and allow other Finance Officers to present their ‘best practices’.

LEADERSHIP
New Unit Officers Check-In: Laying the Foundation for Success
Presented by David Oliver, Lance Linguist and Craig Tuminaro
Step confidently into your leadership role with this essential session tailored for new Unit officers. Join members of the CAF’s Executive Leadership Team as they guide you through strategies for fostering connection, keeping members engaged, and building a motivated team. Discover practical insights into effective leadership while ensuring your Unit operates smoothly and meets organizational requirements. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your approach, this session will equip you with the tools and knowledge to elevate your leadership and inspire excellence in your Unit.

Unit Leader Forum: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities
Presented by David Oliver
Join CAF President/CEO David Oliver for an engaging and collaborative forum designed exclusively for Unit Leaders. This session will explore the unique challenges and exciting opportunities faced by those at the helm of the CAF’s Wings and Squadrons. Gain valuable insights into effective leadership strategies, learn from shared experiences, and discover practical solutions to common obstacles. Attendees are encouraged to contribute their own perspectives, share success stories, and discuss pitfalls to avoid, making this an invaluable opportunity for peer-to-peer learning and growth. Let’s work together to inspire excellence and lead our units to new heights!

Building a Unit Health Assessment Tool
Presented by David Oliver
This conversational session invites participants to share how they currently assess their Unit's health, what metrics they use, and what truly helps with prioritization and long-term planning. Participants will also see a draft Unit Health Assessment Tool and help shape a simple, functional resource that supports strategic decision-making and sustainable Unit health.

How CAF Colonels Govern the CAF
Presented by David Oliver, Dennis Schell (Indiana Wing) and Eric Zipkin
Being a CAF colonel means participating in the mission and voting on and possibly serving as a Unit officer, but what do CAF Colonels have to do with the governance of the CAF? This session will cover the governance structure and relationship of the CAF entities, and how members truly govern the CAF.

MARKETING
Right Message, Right Moment: Communicating Smarter With Your Audience in 2026
Presented by Leah Block
Not everyone on your list needs the same message — and sending everything to everyone is a missed opportunity. This session explains how audience segmentation improves engagement and reduces noise. We’ll talk about which communication methods work best today, how expectations have changed, and why personalization matters more than ever. You’ll leave with a clearer strategy for reaching members, donors, volunteers, and the public more effectively

Your New Marketing Wingman: Practical Ways to Use AI Without the Overwhelm
Presented by Kevin McNulty
AI doesn’t replace your voice — it helps you use it better. This session explores simple, realistic ways Units can use AI tools to save time and spark ideas. From drafting social posts and emails to brainstorming event promotions, AI can act as a helpful assistant. We’ll talk about where it shines, where caution is needed, and how to keep everything sounding authentically you. No tech background required.

From Local Headlines to Local Heroes: How to Get Your Unit Noticed in the Press
Presented by Sergio Rogina
Getting media attention is about telling the right story the right way. This session walks through how to connect your Unit’s mission, aircraft, and people to what local media actually cares about. You’ll learn practical tips for pitching stories, building relationships with reporters, and timing your outreach for better results. We’ll also cover what not to do when reaching out to the press. Leave with ideas you can use immediately to raise your Unit’s visibility in the community.

The Easiest Win You're Not Using: How aircraft rides, appearances, and follow-up can do more for your Unit—and the CAF
Presented by Leah Block
If your Unit flies, gives rides, or accepts appearance requests, this is one of the easiest ways to amplify the impact of what you’re already doing—without adding more work. We'll discuss how small process improvements make a big difference, and why Units that stay engaged with these basics see stronger results in membership, donations, and advocacy.

Marketing That Inspires the Next Generation: Reaching Students and Young Audiences with Purpose
Presented by Libby Belcher
As Units expand educational programming, marketing has to evolve right along with it. This session focuses on how to connect with younger audiences in ways that feel genuine and engaging. We’ll talk about tone, platforms, storytelling, and how to spark curiosity rather than “sell” history. You’ll also hear ideas and examples that have worked for other Units reaching students, families, and educators.

Why Your Posts Aren’t Landing: What’s Changed in Social Media — and What to Do About It
Presented by Kevin McNulty
If your social media posts suddenly feel invisible, it’s not just you. Major platform changes at the end of 2024 reshaped how content is shown and shared. This session breaks down what’s changed, why older strategies may no longer work, and how to adapt without chasing trends. We’ll focus on practical adjustments that help you reconnect with your audience and get more value from the time you’re already spending.

One Login, Fewer Headaches: Is Google Workspace the Right Fit for Your Unit?
Presented by Nick Boland (Indiana Wing)
Keeping files, calendars, and communication organized can feel like a full-time job. This session explores how Google’s business tools can streamline operations and reduce tool overload. We’ll look at real-world examples of how Units use Google Workspace to stay connected and organized. You’ll learn what works well, what to watch out for, and whether it’s a smart fit for your Unit’s needs in 2026.

Websites Without the Headache: Building and Maintaining a Unit Site That Works
Presented by Gary Stark (Inland Empire Wing)
A good website doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. This session removes the intimidation factor from building and maintaining a Unit website that looks professional and does its job. We’ll cover what content actually matters, what can be skipped, and how to keep things updated without constant stress. You’ll walk away with clear guidance on tools, structure, and best practices — even if “web design” isn’t your thing.

MEMBERSHIP
Membership 101: Unlocking the Keys to Growth and Retention
Presented by Craig Tuminaro
What do terms like Active, Lapsed, Dropped, New, Renewed, and Rejoined really mean for your Unit’s membership strategy? Join the CAF’s Membership Team for an in-depth exploration of the processes behind recruiting, fulfilling, and retaining members. This session will demystify membership terminology, provide actionable insights into building a thriving membership base, and offer practical tips to enhance engagement and long-term retention. Whether you're looking to boost your recruitment efforts or strengthen member loyalty, this session will equip you to elevate your Unit’s membership success to new heights.

The Three R's of Membership: Recruit, Retain, & Regain
Presented by Craig Tuminaro
Elevate your Unit’s membership success with a deep dive into the three essential pillars: recruiting passionate new members, retaining their engagement, and regaining those who have drifted away. In this collaborative session, participants will exchange effective strategies, share proven tactics, and explore innovative approaches to fostering a “Member First” culture. Learn how to build strong connections, inspire long-term commitment, and position your Unit for sustained growth. Join us to gain actionable insights and take your membership efforts to the next level!

OPERATIONS
Ops Intro/Safety Review
Safety Review and presentation by Director of Safety John Lohmar.

Operations Updates With Director of Operations TJ Cook.

Maintenance Update Review of Maintenance initiatives including Traxxall by Director of Maintenance Noel Mareno.

Strix Aero Engine Monitoring
Presentation on Strix Aero engine monitoring systems by Cory Miler.

Loadmasters: The Forgotten Crew Members
Presented by Michael Rothmeier (Inland Empire Wing)
Explore how Units are redefining the Loadmaster role—from “extra hands” to essential crew—by sharing ideas for training, responsibility, and effective integration into Unit operations.

Ground Safety Review
Review of the New Ground Safety Guide and Q& A with Director of Ground Safety Sam Walters.

How to Host an Airshow!
Learn how to plan and deliver an inspiring airshow at you unit with CAF Experts Gena Linebarger & Jarrett Bertoncin.

CAF Insurance review plus Q & A
Presented by Jim Lasche & Lance Linguist

Aircraft Restoration Update
Presented by Alan Brooks


REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY
CAF Conference or Hall of Fame registration canceled on or before February 15, 2026 is refundable. Registrants canceling on or after February 16, 2026 will not receive a refund. Registration fees may be transferred to another individual.