NAFA 50th Annual Conference

Agenda

More information coming soon!

NAFA Announces Dawn Hudson as Keynote Speaker for 50^th Annual Conference

The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is pleased to announce that Dawn Hudson will be the keynote speaker at their upcoming 50^th Annual Conference, to be held April 19^th through April 22nd, 2022, at The Meritage Resort in Napa Valley, California. 

Whether serving as CEO, Chief Marketing Officer, or Chairman of the Board, Dawn Hudson has led an impressive career spanning high-level posts in media, retail, consumer goods, consulting, and healthcare at some of the biggest corporations in the world including the NFL, PepsiCo, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Allergan, PF Chang’s, the LPGA, and NVIDIA. From “Super Bowl Babies” to the return of the “Pepsi Challenge,” Hudson’s track record of success is packed with groundbreaking ideas born of an ability to see what’s around the corner and an expertise in crafting revenue-boosting competitive advantages. For her revolutionary work strengthening brands’ positioning and marketing, tapping into culture change as fuel for innovative business strategies, and championing inclusive leadership and diversity, Hudson has been recognized as the “Most Vital Leader in Tech, Media, and Marketing” by AdWeek—topping a list of 50 industry titans—and twice as one of Fortune magazine’s “50 Most Powerful Women in Business.” Exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau, she speaks with electricity about the power of brand, how to embrace change and drive innovation, and the importance of strong and inclusive leadership.

Hudson is an advocate of smart reinvention and growth with more than 20 years’ experience at some of the world’s best-known and most-loved brands. She shares insights on turning adversity into an advantage, building a global presence, and why, in today’s business climate, innovation must be central to everything from distribution to selling stories to human capital management. Energetic and engaging, her near-photographic memory and story-telling delivery style allow her to present in a way that at once demonstrates tremendous business savvy and connects with audiences. Asking questions like, “What are your organization’s core capabilities?” and “How can you capitalize on those abilities in a way that’s authentic?”, Hudson imparts valuable insight that helps audiences unlock new ideas, reimagine what’s possible, and take a closer look at short- and long-term value creation strategies.

Ushering in a New Era at the NFL. Hudson assumed her role at the NFL during a climate of controversy and change. Charged with steering the massive brand back on track, Hudson worked to bring more humanity, laughter, and a younger focus to the League through industry-leading advertising efforts (including her many well-received Super Bowl campaigns), an overhaul of events programs to generate fan engagement, and partnering with institutions to develop brand encounters for fans—like the “NFL Experience” operating out of Times Square in New York City.

Prior to the NFL, Hudson was the vice chairman of The Parthenon Group, where she focused on strategic analysis and vision setting, negotiating sports and customer deals, and share growth through brand building and industry-leading innovation.

Voice of a New Generation’s Drinks. At PepsiCo, Hudson served as CEO of PepsiCo’s $6 billion North American beverage business. She shepherded volume gains across an assortment of products by promoting greater focus on core brands and activities, and by revolutionizing marketing and tie-ins with sports organizations. She played a major role in brand-building and improving sales, manufacturing, and information technology to better serve an evolving retail marketplace. Her impact on advertising and communications within the beverage industry is legendary. Under her leadership, Pepsi also maintained its status among the most purchased brands in the country.

Hudson was twice named to Advertising Age’s list of “Top 50 Marketers” and was additionally named “Advertising Woman of the Year” by Advertising Women of New York. She is inducted into the American Advertising Federation’s Advertising Hall of Achievement.

In addition to her work with the NFL, PepsiCo, and The Parthenon Group, Hudson has served on the boards of Allergan, Lowe’s, NVIDIA, Interpublic Group, and PF Chang’s, and served as Chairman of the Board of the LPGA for two years.

Makes plans to attend by registering online now!

The Meritage Resort & Spa

The Meritage Resort & Spa blends an iconic, one-of-a-kind place with locally inspired enrichment programs designed for the curious traveler. A uniquely laid-back approach to the good life reflects its warm, sunshine-soaked California roots. This acclaimed resort in Napa Valley, truly sets the stage for the extraordinary.

The unique property offers an exclusive encounter with an iconic location along with a flawless blend of luxury and comfort. Indulge in lavish accommodations, inimitable amenities, and world-class service while being inspired by the natural beauty, effortless bliss, and unexpected adventure found at The Meritage Resort & Spa. 

A link to book rooms at the Meritage will be provided after registering to attend NAFA's 50th Annual Conference.  Your registration confirmation email will contain a link to the hotel room reservation site.  

NAFA Announces Johnnie White as Keynote Speaker

for the NAFA Aircraft Education Program

Eagle Vines Golf Club

Please join us at NAFA's 50th Annual Conference and enjoy a round of golf at the beautifully designed Eagle Vines Golf Club.  This year we are offering random pairings for greater networking or the option to form specific teams.  

The additional charge to create specific teams will go to our Scholarship Fund.

Please refer to the event registration page for specific pricing.  

More about Eagle Vines Golf Club:

Located about 4 miles (approximately 15 minutes) from the resort, and founded on the belief that nature and golf were meant to co-exist in magnificent harmony, Eagle Vines has made a profound commitment to protecting the extraordinary natural environment of beautiful Napa Valley.

Growing cherry trees and a vast array of celebrated specimen oaks stand undisturbed as 18 holes weave amongst them, bringing majestic character to the course designed by Johnny Miller.

After four tranquil hours experiencing the rolling hills, babbling creeks, shimmering waterfalls, working vineyards, glorious trees, countless birds, and an occasional birdie, you will fully understand the essence of Eagle Vines...a first-rate facility highlighted by a challenging golf course perfectly blended with the beautiful landscape of the Napa Valley.

Lunch & Wine Tasting at The Village

Join us for lunch on the lawn at The Village, located directly across the street from The Meritage Resort.  Tickets to this event include a voucher which can be used after lunch to explore their 5 of the 8 winery tasting rooms and/or 1 local brewery tasting room. Your voucher* is good towards options such as a tasting flight, bottle of wine, glass of wine, or retail at a tasting room of your choice.  Enjoy the best of Napa with this unique wine country experience.

*Voucher must be redeemed in full at one tasting room and cannot be split between tasting rooms.

Sponsorship Opportunities

More information coming soon!