SCAA Conference brings together aviation professionals to focus on the business of aviation

More than 300 aviation professionals, airport leaders, and business partners  gathered at the Myrtle Beach Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes Feb. 11-13, 2026, for the  annual South Carolina Aviation Association (SCAA) Conference. This year’s theme, The Business of  Aviation, highlighted the strategic, operational, and economic impact of airports across the state.

A major feature of the conference was Breakout Education, divided into two tracks — Commercial Service  and General Aviation — allowing attendees to participate in sessions suited to the type of airport they serve.  Breakout Education included participation from the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission (SCAC) and  various airports across the state, such as Greenville-Spartanburg International, Columbia Metropolitan,  Myrtle Beach International, Hilton Head Island, Charleston International, Florence Regional, McCormick  County, Greenville Downtown Airport, Bamberg County, Anderson Regional, Spartanburg Downtown  Memorial, and others.

Event and education highlights included: 

• Legislative Fireside Chat – Featuring Rep. Heather Crawford, House Transportation Subcommittee  Chair, and James Stephens, SCAA President
• Legislative Reception Preview – Featuring SCAA Lobbyist Ben Homeyer
• South Carolina Aeronautics Commission annual update – A comprehensive review of statewide  aviation initiatives and priorities.
• General sessions:
  • State of Aerospace – Gary Siegfried, SCAC; Bradley P. Van Dam, AAAE
  • Hangar Valuation Panel – Zach DeVeau, Kimley Horn; Ryan Maxfield, Vantage Aviation;  Gary Siegfried, SCAC
  • Aviation Education Program Panel – Sebastian A. Van Delden, Winthrop University; Kevin  Kyzer, ACES Flight School; Mark Bunch, Marion County School District; Michael Stone,  Marion County School District; Charles Taylor, Marion County Airport; moderated by Hunter  Boniface, Parrish & Partners
• Keynote: YOU. In the Pilot’s Seat, presented by Elizabeth McCormick.
• Keynote: Leading Through Adversity, presented by Anton Gunn.
• 2025 Airport Project of the Year Awards:
  • McCormick County Airport – Airport Grading Project
  • Columbia Metropolitan Airport – Checkpoint Modernization
• Golf tournament and silent auction – Events supporting the SCAA Scholarship Program to help  develop the next generation of aviation professionals.

“This year was a perfect mix of education and inspiration as we focused on what our members needed most from our sessions and speakers. It really drove home our theme and helped prepare attendees for the full year ahead,” said James Stephens, SCAA President.

SCAA extends its gratitude to the speakers, sponsors, and attendees who made this event a success. SCAA  remains committed to supporting South Carolina’s airports, professionals, and aviation industry through advocacy, education, and collaboration.

About SCAA

The South Carolina Aviation Association (SCAA) actively promotes aviation growth through airport development and safety to meet the air transportation and economic development needs of South Carolina. South Carolina’s airports serve as vital economic drivers, supporting businesses, residents, and visitors while also playing a critical role in health, safety, and national security. SCAA and its members serve as key resources for aviation-related policy and advocacy, working closely with state legislators and industry leaders. The association’s efforts have led to significant advancements, including amendments to the State Aviation Fund and reductions in county property tax. For more information, please visit scaaonline.com.