National Conclave 2026 · Recap

WildWestCon

Held in Dallas, Texas · 3–7 April 2026 · Hyatt Regency Dallas. Thank you to every member who joined us.

When3–7 April 2026
WhereHyatt Regency Dallas
2027 LocationPentagon, Washington, DC
See the photos  2027 National Conference
AboutPhotosSpeakersScheduleStaff

About NATCON

Two organizations.
One conclave.

NATCON is a multi-day national conference where members of Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings from all over the nation convene to discuss AAS/SW legislation, the incoming HQ, NATCON HQ, and the new Joint National Project. It is an opportunity to recognize squadrons and chapters through national awards and to build connections with fellow members.

WildWestCon 2026 has concluded · 2027 National Conference: Pentagon, Washington, DC

Event highlights

  1. Networking — members from every region connected with one another and the national staff.
  2. Professional development — distinguished speakers from the Air Force, Space Force, and beyond addressed the conclave.
  3. Service — delegates voted on the Joint National Project and recognized squadrons and chapters with national awards.

Photos · April 2026

WildWestCon in pictures

Scenes from the general sessions at the Hyatt Regency Dallas.

General session in the Hyatt Regency Dallas ballroomDelegates cheer during a WildWestCon sessionCadet addresses the conclave from the podiumMembers ask a question from the floorDelegate speaks to the conclaveMembers take the mic during a general session

Keynote speakers

Distinguished guests

KEYNOTE
Gen Kenneth S. WilsbachChief of Staff of the Air ForceThe 21st CSAF. A command pilot with 6,200+ hours and 71 combat missions, Gen Wilsbach leads the 665,000-strong Total Force. From the F-22 cockpit to the Pentagon, he is the architect of modern air dominance.
KEYNOTE
CMSAF David R. WolfeChief Master Sergeant of the Air ForceThe voice of the enlisted force. From Security Forces to the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force, Chief Wolfe advises the Secretary and Chief of Staff on the readiness and development of every Airman.
KEYNOTE
Lt Gen David A. HarrisDeputy Chief of Staff, AF FuturesThe man designing the future of flight. As HAF A5/7, Lt Gen Harris leads the strategy and requirements that ensure we win tomorrow’s fight. A Master Navigator with 2,500 hours.
KEYNOTE
Col Eugene “Easy” MooreCommander, AFROTCResponsible for the training and commissioning of the leaders who will follow in these legends’ footsteps. He is here to help you navigate your path to gold bars.
KEYNOTE
Col (Ret) Mike FinckeNASA Astronaut & SpaceX PilotA true legend of the final frontier. 549 days in space and 9 spacewalks; recently returned from commanding the ISS during Expedition 73/74. Has flown everything from the Soyuz to the SpaceX Crew Dragon.

Schedule

Five days in Dallas

Friday

Travel day

Hotel check-in

Delegates meeting

Saturday

Joint Opening Ceremony

AFA Luncheon

Sunday

Distinguished speakers

Monday

Distinguished speakers

USAA Military Banquet

Tuesday

Travel day

How the week unfolded in Dallas, 3–7 April 2026.

NATCON staff

Two teams, one mission

NATCON Staff and National Staff combine their skills, expertise, and dedication behind a single mission: to make NATCON an unforgettable experience for everyone. Meet the people who brought WildWestCon to life.

NATCON
Alissa ZeneroArnold Air Society NATCON CCBaylor University · NATCON-CC@arnold-air.org
NATCON
Natalea AckmanSilver Wings NATCON CCBaylor University · NATCON-CC@silver-wings.org
NATCON
Shauntia CarusoArnold Air Society Deputy CCBaylor University · NATCON-CV@arnold-air.org
NATCON
Johnathon NorsDirector of OperationsBaylor University · NATCON-DO@arnold-air.org
NATCON
Isabella McGeeInformation ManagementBaylor University · NATCON-IM@arnold-air.org
NATCON
Jose RodriguezFinancial ManagementUniversity of North Texas · NATCON-FM@arnold-air.org
NATCON
Shannon BartonPublic AffairsBaylor University · natconpublicaffairs@gmail.com
NATCON
Christian GustPublic Affairs DeputyBaylor University · natconpublicaffairs@gmail.com
NATCON
Jacob ShofnerCo-NATCON Chief of ProtocolBaylor University · natcop@arnold-air.org
NATCON
Shayla CurtisCo-NATCON Chief of ProtocolBaylor University · natcop@arnold-air.org
NATCON
Shelby MaysDirector of SupportBaylor University
NATCON
Megan ThamerDirector of TransportationBaylor University

Special thanks

Conclave NACs: Tory Brandhuber, Cammie Robinson, Max Heidacker. EMC: Brig Gen (Ret) Jimmy “Vegas” Canlas, Executive Director; Marianne Tango Williams, Senior Director.

Meet the full national staff
Aerial view of the Pentagon, Washington, DC

The new conference

2027 National Conference

Location: Pentagon, Washington, DC

The next National Conference will be held at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Dates and registration details will be announced by the national staff.

Event details  Instagram