Paragon Leadership Conference
Experience the Leadership Meeting — a premier event exclusively for FBO general managers, executives, and owners. Gain valuable insights through onsite evaluations, interactive breakout sessions, and high-level networking. This collaborative setting is designed to tackle industry challenges, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions alongside fellow leaders.
Your participation ensures access to strategic discussions, expert insights, and actionable takeaways to strengthen your operation. With its focused and intimate format, the Leadership Meeting provides a unique platform for professional growth, meaningful connections, and long-term success.
Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Focus: Impactful relationship building, team collaboration, resource management, skill development, and hands-on participation in audits and operational reviews.
Activities: Engage with guest speakers, attend expert-led sessions, participate in interactive workshops, and take part in dynamic networking opportunities that will help you return to your operation with fresh ideas and actionable strategies.
This event is designed for executive-level professionals responsible for leading FBO operations and driving business strategy. We encourage the following individuals to attend:
- FBO General Managers
- Company Executives
- FBO Owners
- Operations Directors
- Business Development Leaders
Whether you're focused on growth, operational excellence, or long-term strategy, this meeting offers valuable insights and peer collaboration to help shape the future of your organization.
Tuesday, November 11
Welcome Reception
Kick off the Paragon Leadership Meeting with an evening of networking, light appetizers, and drinks. Connect with fellow FBO leaders and industry experts in a relaxed setting to set the tone for a productive event.
Wednesday, November 12
FBO Site Evaluation
Take part in an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Henriksen Jet Center (KEDC) Austin, Texas. Gain valuable insights into their operational excellence, customer service strategies, and innovative best practices.
Dinner & Networking
Enjoy a casual dinner with peers and industry leaders. This is a great opportunity to continue conversations from the day, share insights, and build lasting professional relationships.
Thursday, November 13
Site Evaluation Discussion & Guest Speaker
Participate in an open discussion to share feedback and observations from the FBO site visit. Then, hear from a featured guest speaker who will offer strategic insights and forward-thinking ideas to elevate your FBO’s performance and leadership.
Please email events@paragonaviationgroup.com or fill the following form.
Note: Timely submission is important to ensure we can secure the best rates and sufficient room availability for all attendees.
To help us secure the best possible arrangements for the event, we kindly request that you provide the following details:
Stay Tuned for Speaker Announcements
We’re curating an impactful lineup of industry leaders for this year’s Leadership Meeting in Austin, Texas. These experts will share valuable insights and strategies designed to empower FBO executives and enhance operational success.
Stay tuned as we finalize the speaker roster—full bios and session details will be announced soon.
We’re proud to welcome an exceptional lineup of speakers to this year’s Leadership Conference in Austin, Texas. These respected aviation professionals will share valuable insights, best practices, and forward-thinking strategies to inspire growth and strengthen connections across the Paragon Network.
We invite you to meet them below—explore their bios and discover the experience and expertise each speaker brings to the event.
Salvador Pettit Sales Manager, LATAM & US Southeast
Salvador Pettit is the Sales Manager for LATAM and the U.S. Southeast at Polaris Aero, bringing over 15 years of experience in business aviation. His background spans key operational roles, including Safety Manager and Operations Manager for a Part 135 operator, as well as management positions at an FBO and maintenance center.
Prior to joining Polaris, Salvador also led sales efforts for business aviation maintenance software, combining deep technical knowledge with a strong customer-focused approach. His diverse experience uniquely positions him to support operators in enhancing safety, compliance, and operational efficiency.
Greg Lamp - Co-Founder and CTO
Greg Lamp is the founder of AirPlx, a company built to help FBOs and airport operators get the most out of their ramp and hangar space. Greg first got interested in aviation after seeing how much day-to-day coordination at an FBO still depends on people’s experience and quick judgment rather than good tools. Having spent his career building software that makes complex operations simpler, he saw a chance to bring that same kind of help to aviation.
Today, AirPlx works with FBOs to make parking, scheduling, and hangar planning smoother, safer, and more efficient — so crews can focus on running great operations, not spreadsheets.
Dan Stacy - Sales Manager
Dan is a classically train chef who spent the first 20 years of his professional life holding various culinary positions in event and offsite catering. Dan joined the O'Neills inflight team in 2023 on the culinary side of the operation helping to run the Austin flight kitchen location. After having spent 9 months learning the ins and outs and unique nature that is inflight catering Dan moved to a sales role within in the company. Today Dan is in charge of sales and client relations for the Austin, San Antonio and Houston flight kitchens and works with FBOs and clients to make sure every order is exactly what they need.
Ruben Kempeneer - President
Ruben has served as president of AIN Media Group since January 2023. In this role he leads a team that has been producing award-winning content on business and commercial aviation for more than 50 years. AIN's events business includes the Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit series of live events in the US and Europe and the FBO Awards Gala Dinner. In January 2025 AIN acquired business aviation data company, AircraftPost.
Immediately before joining AIN, Ruben served on the executive leadership team of aviation analytics business Cirium (a Lexis Nexis Risk Solutions business), first as Head of APAC based in Singapore and then as Head of Sales, Americas based in Portland, OR, and Austin, TX.
Ruben is passionate about developing people, and building companies and teams.
Jim Wiley - Chief Executive Officer
Jim Wiley is a founder and CEO of X-1FBO, the company behind the X-1 suite of aviation management and payment platforms used by leading FBOs across the country. With more than three decades in aviation technology and operations, Jim focuses on helping teams blend innovation, efficiency, and great service through practical leadership and modern tools.
KEDC Austin Executive Airport (KEDC / EDC)
Henriksen Jet Center (KEDC) Austin, Texas is located at Austin Executive Airport. Its sister facility (KTME) is located in Houston, Texas, just south of Austin, and offers guests the flexibility they need when traveling in the Lone Star State. Henriksen Jet Center Austin is uniquely positioned as a gateway to bustling Austin, Texas, and offers convenient access to popular ATX destinations. Local hotspots include the famed Circuit of The Americas race track, SXSW, and the University of Texas.
Henriksen Jet Center is a full-service FBO at one of the newest business aviation airports in the country, Austin Executive Airport (KEDC). They are located just 15 minutes from downtown Austin and 8 minutes from the Dell and Samsung Campuses. KEDC is open 24/7 and offers an array of services such as Jet-A and Avgas fueling, charters, and quickturns, and is prepared to meet its guests' needs. Visit Henriksen Jet Center (KEDC) to experience exceptional customer service and enjoy their 18,000 sq. ft. arrival canopy to keep you out of the hot Texas sun!
Henriksen Jet Center in Austin, TX is the CAA Preferred FBO at KEDC.
Elevate your brand at the 2025 Paragon Leadership Conference
Position your company in front of key decision-makers in the FBO industry by sponsoring the Paragon Leadership Conference 2025. This exclusive event offers strategic visibility and unique opportunities to showcase your solutions to influential executives and general managers driving innovation across the Paragon Network.
Take a look back at memorable moments from past Leadership Conferences. From collaborative sessions to candid connections, these highlights showcase the energy, insight, and camaraderie that define the Paragon experience.
Get inspired—and excited—for what’s to come.
Thank you to the sponsors behind our 2025 Leadership Conference
SILVER SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
SUPPORTER PASS SPONSOR
TRANSPORTATION SPONSORS
This year’s Paragon Leadership Conference is more than just a gathering—it’s a unique opportunity for FBO executives and general managers to collaborate, exchange insights, and gain strategies that drive long-term success. Don’t miss your chance to shape the future of your operation and strengthen your leadership impact.
We look forward to seeing you in Austin!
