Where Aviation Meets Opportunity:

Elevate Speaker Series Takes Flight in Gig Harbor Aviation, career inspiration, and community come together August 26 at the Gig Harbor Vintage Aero Museum.

By Like Media Team

For anyone who has ever looked up at an airplane and wondered where a career in aviation could lead, an exciting new event is coming to Gig Harbor, Washington.

On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 6 to 7:30 pm, the Gig Harbor Vintage Aero Museum at Tacoma Narrows Airport will host the inaugural Elevate Speaker Series, bringing together aviation professionals, industry leaders, students, educators, and local community members for an evening focused on the future of aviation and the many career paths available in the industry.

Set among the museum’s collection of historic aircraft, the evening offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from people who have built careers in aviation—from military flight and commercial airlines to airline leadership and aviation workforce development.

A Night With Leaders in Aviation

The Elevate Speaker Series features an impressive lineup of aviation professionals, each offering a different perspective on what it takes to build a career in the aviation industry.

Featured speakers include:

Captain Steeeve– aviation creator and former U.S. Navy pilot

Andy Schneider– President and CEO of Horizon Air

Deja Hubbard– Director of Talent Acquisition Outreach at Alaska Airlines

Gary Baumgardner– Boeing 777 First Officer

Together, their stories highlight just how many different directions a passion for aviation can take.

For some, that path may lead to the cockpit. For others, it could mean airline management, aviation recruiting, military aviation, aircraft operations, engineering, maintenance, education, or one of the many other careers that keep the aviation industry moving.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals

While the event will appeal to aviation enthusiasts of all ages, one of its most meaningful goals is to connect Peninsula students with real-world aviation career opportunities.

Funds connected to the Elevate Speaker Series will help support students in the Peninsula School District who are exploring aviation careers, with donations directed through the Peninsula Schools Education Foundation.

That mission makes the event especially relevant to students and families interested in the Peninsula School District Aviation Academy, as well as young people throughout Gig Harbor, Tacoma, and the South Sound who are curious about aviation and aerospace.

Hearing from professionals who are actively working in the industry can make the idea of an aviation career feel much more tangible. A student who simply loves airplanes today may begin to see a future as a pilot, airline executive, aviation specialist, or another aviation professional tomorrow.

An Unforgettable Setting for an Aviation Event

Of course, there may be no better place in the South Sound to talk about the future of flight than inside the Gig Harbor Vintage Aero Museum.

Located at Tacoma Narrows Airport, the museum is home to a remarkable collection of restored historic aircraft and serves as both an aviation museum and a unique community gathering space. The museum focuses heavily on classic civilian aircraft of the 20th century, particularly the pre-World War II era, and is dedicated to preserving aviation history while inspiring future generations.

For the Elevate Speaker Series, guests will have the opportunity to experience those historic aircraft up close while listening to conversations about where aviation is headed next.

It creates a fitting connection between aviation history and the future of flight—looking at the aircraft and innovators who came before while hearing from the people helping shape the next generation of aviation.

More Than an Aviation Event

The Elevate Speaker Series also reflects the growing aviation community surrounding Gig Harbor and Tacoma Narrows Airport.

The airport is home to a variety of aviation-related activities, including flight training, aircraft services, the Peninsula School District Aviation Academy, and the Gig Harbor Vintage Aero Museum.

That makes Gig Harbor an especially interesting place for students, families, and aviation enthusiasts who want to learn more about the industry beyond simply watching airplanes take off and land.

Events like Elevate help strengthen those connections by bringing students face-to-face with professionals and giving the community an opportunity to learn more about the people and careers behind the aviation industry.

Plan Your Visit

If you’re looking for a unique event in Gig Harbor, have an interest in aviation, or know a student who is considering a future in aviation or aerospace, the Elevate Speaker Series is an evening worth checking out.

Elevate Speaker Series

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

6:00–7:30 pm

Gig Harbor Vintage Aero Museum

1108 26th Ave. NW., Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Tickets are currently available through the museum.

Whether you come because you love vintage airplanes, want to learn more about aviation careers, are interested in the Peninsula School District Aviation Academy, or simply want to experience one of Gig Harbor’s most unique venues, the Elevate Speaker Series offers an evening built around inspiration, opportunity, and the future of flight.

Because sometimes, all it takes to launch a dream is hearing from someone who has already taken flight.

vintageaeromuseum.org/elevate-speaker-series/