GRAND FORKS, ND (KXNET) — The National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) has selected Grand Forks to host its annual conference in 2026. This is the second time North Dakota has been selected to host the conference since its inception in 1931. The first time, the conference came to Bismarck 32 years ago. “For North Dakota, this is more than just an event — it’s a celebration of our collective achievements and a testament to the strength, growth, and innovation of our aviation community,” said Kyle Wanner, the director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. “Our state has long been a national leader in aviation, from the cutting-edge research at the University of North Dakota’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences to our pioneering work in unmanned aerial systems with the Northern Plains UAS test site. Hosting the 2026 NASAO Conference in Grand Forks presents a valuable opportunity to showcase these achievements and reaffirm our commitment to advancing aviation nationwide." Saia ‘keeps on trucking’ with two new freight terminals The conference brings in more than 350 state, federal, and industry aviation leaders from across the U.S. to talk about the future of aviation and new technology. For more information about NASAO, and to find out about their 2024 and 2025 conferences, go to their website here. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW