The National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) SAFECON 2026 will be hosted at the Quad Cities International Airport (KMLI). The Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON) brings the best of the best in collegiate aviation to the national stage, where more than 500 aviators from 30 colleges and universities will compete in ground knowledge, simulator, and flight events while vying for achievement, safety, and scholarship-based awards. Throughout the week, participants will engage with aviation industry partners through career booths, seminars, and sponsored networking events. Teams earn invitations to the national competition through one of nine regional SAFECON events held across the country each fall.

As part of this year’s program, DreamLaunch will deliver a special presentation to SAFECON attendees, providing inspiration and practical guidance on aviation career pathways, scholarship opportunities, and workforce development resources through AviationStart. The session will help competitors and students translate their collegiate aviation experience into real-world opportunities and next steps in their professional journeys.

For more information on SAFECON please read this feature by General Aviation News- NCAA of Aviation