National Aviation Competition Coming to Quad Cities in 2026
June 10, 2025
The National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) is pleased to announce that the host of SAFECON 2026 will be the Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) and Visit Quad Cities. The event will take place from May 18 to 23, 2026.
The Safety and Flight Evaluation and Conference (SAFECON) brings the best of the best in collegiate aviation to the national stage. Over 500 aviators from 30 colleges will compete in ground knowledge, simulator, and flying events, as well as vie for achievement, safety, and scholarship-based awards. Throughout the week, participants will have the opportunity to network with aviation industry partners at booths, seminars, and sponsored meal events. Teams will earn invitations this fall at one of nine regional SAFECONs.
“NIFA is excited that Quad Cities will be hosting SAFECON 2026! Teams will enjoy a variety of venues, and the Quad Cities is a spot that NIFA has never competed at before, which brings a heightened sense of anticipation to next year’s National Competition,” said Taylor Newman, NIFA Executive Director. “We look forward to everything that the Quad Cities community has to offer NIFA and our member schools.”
“We are thrilled to serve as host of 2026 SAFECON and welcome the country’s leading collegiate aviators to the Quad Cities region,” said Dave Herrell, President and CEO, Visit Quad Cities. “Tourism leads to talent attraction, and SAFECON will help further advance our community’s positioning as a world-class destination and a region that is positioned for the future. The Quad Cities is grateful for the National Intercollegiate Flying Association’s (NIFA) confidence in selecting our community and the Quad Cities International Airport for this prestigious national event and unique opportunity. This further demonstrates our goal to advance the future of aviation, and we can’t wait for the Quad Cities to embrace these talented leaders from across the nation.”
“We’re proud to welcome this premier event and showcase our region as a hub for aviation excellence,” said Benjamin Leischner, A.A.E., Executive Director, Quad Cities International Airport. “Being selected to host SAFECON 2026 highlights the Quad Cities’ long-standing influence in the national aviation landscape. For our airport, it’s a chance to demonstrate our commitment to education, workforce development, and industry leadership. SAFECON brings the nation’s top collegiate aviators to our community, along with the energy, skills, and innovation that will shape the future of the industry. This opportunity places the Quad Cities at the forefront of aviation’s next chapter.”