Explore Our PBExpo Panels

Our thoughtfully curated panels reflect the latest trends and challenges in the aviation sector.

PBExpo 2025 Panel Discussions

Engage with experts across the aviation ecosystem as they discuss pressing issues,
share best practices, and explore new opportunities.

1

Tech Meltdowns in the Aviation Space

A single product update failure from CrowdStrike brought airlines to a screeching halt on July 20, 2024. How can operators build and run resilient, tech-forward operations in 2025 and beyond?

Joseph Hernandez

Joseph Hernandez

VP of Technology, FEAM Aero

Joseph Hernandez, VP of Technology at FEAM Aero, leads IT and digital transformation strategies to modernize systems and boost efficiency. With nearly 20 years in IT, he previously managed global infrastructure at AMC Networks. He holds a BS in Information Technology and advises on tech in the aerospace sector.

Sean Gallagan

Sean Gallagan

President, Aviation Workforce Solutions

Dr. Sean Gallagan is an aviation workforce expert with over 30 years of experience in education and training. He has led diverse transportation programs and played a pivotal role in establishing FAA-approved aviation schools. With a Ph.D. and extensive leadership experience, Dr. Gallagan contributes to various aviation boards and committees.

Marc Bennett

Marc Bennett

Chief Operating Officer, Haven ASG

Marc Bennett, COO of Haven ASG, has 20+ years of executive experience across various industries, including healthcare, aviation, and telecom. A US Marine Corps veteran, he excels in sales, operations, marketing, and strategic planning.

Stan Podolski

Stan Podolski

Chief Executive Officer, BleedIO Tech

Stan Podolski, CEO of BleedIO Tech, is a growth-oriented technical executive with expertise in SaaS, AI development, and consulting. Holding an MBA with a Strategy/Finance track, he brings broad technical and business experience to drive entrepreneurial success in various industries.

Rodrigo Garcia

Rodrigo Garcia

Chief Operating Officer & Chief Technology Officer, PartsBase

Rodrigo Garcia is the COO and CTO of PartsBase, the world’s largest aviation marketplace, where he leads strategic direction and operational initiatives. He has worked with Fortune 500 companies like GE, Coca-Cola, and Baxter, focusing on digital transformation and operational excellence. He holds degrees in computer science and business administration.

2

Protecting the Integrity of the Aircraft Parts Supply Chain

There has been a lot of concern about aircraft parts fraud, because even one fraud is too many. In response to a high-profile fraud case, the industry has pulled together and implemented new protocols to help preserve the integrity of the aircraft parts supply chain. Come hear from a panel of experts about the strategies and new paradigms that are helping to keep the industry safe.

Eric Lussier

Eric Lussier

Principal, NEXT LEVEL Partners LLC

Eric Lussier, Principal at NEXT LEVEL Partners®, has 30+ years of Lean and Six Sigma expertise. A hands-on leader, he has driven operational excellence across industries, developing high-performance cultures. He specializes in strategy deployment, process improvement, and problem-solving worldwide.

Jason Dickstein

Jason Dickstein

President, Aviation Suppliers Association

Jason Dickstein, President of the Washington Aviation Group, has 30+ years of experience in aviation law. He advises global clients on compliance, transactions, and safety regulations. As General Counsel for ASA, he helps shape industry standards and international aviation policies.

Ryan Seifert 

Ryan Seifert

Co-Chief Executive Officer, Epiphany

Ryan Gregory Seifert, Co-CEO of Epiphany Solutions and Founder of Teric Technology, is a technology leader specializing in digital transformation and security. He excels in building strong team cultures, driving growth, and aligning IT solutions with company values for impactful results.

Todd Siena

Todd Siena

Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Block.Aero

Todd Siena, Founder & CEO of Block Aero, is a Tokyo-born entrepreneur with 16 years in aerospace, MRO, M&A, and aviation finance. He leads the first aviation blockchain network and has spoken at major industry events. Todd was named a Top 40 Under 40 Aerospace Professional in 2015.

Tyler Wilson

Tyler Wilson

Director of Customer Success, PartsBase

Tyler Wilson, Director of Customer Success at PartsBase, has 13 years of experience in the aviation aftermarket. With a background in SAAS sales and supply chain solutions, he leads a team of 20+ managers, supporting 4,000+ companies globally, ensuring exceptional retention and customer service.

Jason Lewis

Jason Lewis

VP Global Quality, FDH Aero

Jason Lewis is the Vice President of Quality at FDH Aero, overseeing quality and compliance processes. With 20+ years of experience, including 18 years at Boeing Global Services, he has expertise in supply chain quality and operations. Jason holds a BS in Engineering and an Airframe and Power Plant License.

3

Bidding and Winning With the US Federal Government

Participating in US Federal Government solicitations poses countless opportunities for small and mid-size businesses across America to tap into the multi-billion-dollar defense industry. Getting started and being successful can be daunting, but there are proven pathways. Learn about the resources available, how to get started, and how to win in 2025 and beyond.

Leandra Cain

Leandra Cain

Chief Executive Officer & President, Hurricane Aerospace

Leandra Cain is the CEO & President of Hurricane Aerospace Solutions, a HUBZone-certified, women-owned business in Pompano Beach, FL. She leads operations, drives innovation, and ensures excellence in aerospace solutions. A passionate leader, she values team growth, industry impact, and community service.

Zach Dolack

Zach Dolack

Manager of Customer Success, PartsBase

Zach Dolack manages the Government Data Customer Success Team at PartsBase, guiding 1,000+ defense contractors in securing federal contracts. With hands-on experience in DoD sales, he previously grew his former company’s contracts from $0 to $1.5M in two years.

Mark Lindley

Mark Lindley

Vice President, QT Aerospace

Mark W. Lindley brings 25+ years of aviation industry experience to QT Aerospace, now WEBENC-certified. His expertise in sales, operations, and strategy drives growth and innovation. Previously, he held key roles at top MRO firms, building strong industry relationships and revenue success.

Zach Johnson

Zach Johnson

Chief Executive Officer and Founder, The H.A.B.I.T.S Group

Dr. Zach Johnson, CEO & Founder of The H.A.B.I.T.S Group, is a visionary leader, Army veteran, and advocate for underserved communities. With 25+ years in workforce development, he drives innovation in construction, education, and clean energy, empowering individuals through job training and entrepreneurship.

Vanessa Cantave

Vanessa Cantave

President & Co-Founder, Lyons Aerospace

Vanessa Cantave is the President & Co-Founder of 2Lyons Aerospace, leading its tenfold growth through strategic sales and government contracts. With 20 years in finance and a decade in entrepreneurship, she brings expertise in logistics, bidding, and innovation to the aerospace industry.

4

Taking Off in Florida

From the bustling commercial aviation market of South Florida to the beyond-stratospheric reach of the Space Coast aerospace industry, Florida is a hotbed for growth and innovation. How does the local aviation market look for the next 10-20 years, and why should businesses invest in the Sunshine State?

Silvia Gutierrez

Silvia Gutierrez

Founder & Chief Executive Officer, TIC Aerospace

Silvia Gutierrez is the CEO & President of TIC Aerospace, an FAA Certified 14 CFR Part 145 MRO facility. She has been recognized for her industry and community contributions, including service on multiple aviation boards and advisory committees, and providing mentorship for women in aviation.

Aviv Tzur

Aviv Tzur

Chief Executive Officer, Greater Miami Aviation Association

Aviv Tzur, CEO of Avbiz Aerospace Ventures, is a leader in South Florida’s aviation community. Named a “Florida 500” leader, Tzur is also President of the Greater Miami Aviation Association, overseeing scholarships for aspiring aviators, and is active in multiple aviation boards.

Milo Zonka

Milo Zonka

Senior Real Estate Analyst, SpaceX

Milo Zonka works to secure the necessary real estate assets to provide the office, manufacturing, test, launch, landing, recovery and related facilities to SpaceX’s Launch team in support of the company’s goal of operating fully reusable launch vehicles that will be the most powerful ever built, capable of carrying humans to Mars and other destinations in the solar system. It all starts with getting the dirt!

TJ Villamil

TJ Villamil

President of Business Development, eMerge Americas

TJ Villamil is the President of Business Development at eMerge Americas, leading initiatives to establish Florida as a global technology hub. With 15+ years of experience, he previously served as President of Business Development at FloridaCommerce, where he attracted international investments and led trade missions globally.

Meet Our Keynote Speakers

Get ready to hear from the visionaries, pioneers, and change-makers transforming aviation, aerospace, and defense. Our keynote speakers will deliver fresh insights, real-world strategies, and inspiring stories that will empower you to navigate the industry with confidence.

Captain Barrington Irving Keynote speaker 2025

Captain Barrington Irving

Entrepreneur, STEM+ Explorer and Ambassador

Captain Barrington Irving, a record-breaking pilot, STEM+ explorer, and educator, inspires through hands-on aviation and technical training. As the founder of Flying Classroom, Experience Aviation, and Barrington Irving Technical Training School (BITTS), he has impacted millions, bridging education and workforce gaps while pioneering STEM+ learning worldwide.

Share Your Expertise

PBExpo 2025 is all about collaboration and the exchange of ideas. We invite you to be a part of our program by submitting your speaker applications. Whether you’re an industry veteran with years of experience or a rising star with fresh insights, we want to hear from you!

Why Apply to Be a Speaker?

  • Showcase your expertise: Position yourself as a thought leader in front of a global audience.
  • Influence the conversation: Shape the agenda and contribute to discussions that will impact the future of aviation.
  • Engage with peers: Collaborate with fellow experts, share your knowledge, and gain new perspectives.

PBExpo 2025 isn’t just another conference – it’s where the aviation industry’s future comes to life. Mark your calendars and prepare to be part of an event that will propel your career and business forward. We can’t wait to see you in Miami Beach!

Speaker applications for PBExpo 2025 are currently closed. Please check back later if you’re interested in speaking at the 2026 show.

PBExpo 2024 Panel Discussion

Captain Barrington Irving

Entrepreneur, STEM+ Explorer and Ambassador

Captain Barrington Irving has traveled to over 70 countries, conducted more than 80 STEM+ expeditions, and successfully challenged middle school students to build a car faster than a Ferrari 430 and then high schoolers to build a plane he flew on its test flight. In 2007, he set two Guinness world records—at age 23—as the youngest person and first black pilot to fly solo around the world.

He has a passion to explore, inspire, and educate others. Captain Irving is an educator, workforce development ambassador and explorer that investigates real world STEM problems across the globe.

Established by Captain Irving in 2014, the Flying Classroom celebrates 10 years of bringing STEM+ curriculum into classrooms across the country, challenging students to design innovative solutions to the problems he investigates around the world. Flying Classroom has serviced over 3 million students through school day and after school programs. Before founding Flying Classroom in 2005, Captain Irving created nonprofit Experience Aviation which offers hands-on, STEM- based programs and career guidance to middle and high school students.

In 2023, Captain Irving launched the Barrington Irving Technical Training School (BITTS) geared toward serving high school and adult students in providing technical career training and guidance. BITTS was established to provide skilled training, micro credentialing and job placement within aviation industries. This program helps bridge the gap between individuals seeking employment and fulfilling the great need for technicians in technical skills related job placement. Within its first 15 months of being launched, BITTS helped create over $1 million worth in employment salaries and hosted over 12 industry leading maintenance competitions across the country. Expanding upon this work, Captain Irving has aligned with industry leaders as a proud ambassador for Bombardier Aircraft, Atlantic Aviation and Signature Aviation amongst others.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica and brought up in inner-city Miami, Barrington was inspired to pursue aviation at age 15, when an airline pilot offered to mentor him. He rejected college football scholarships to pursue a career in STEM and never looked back. A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Florida Memorial University, Barrington was the recipient of a Congressional Resolution acknowledging his pioneering work in aviation education and was named a National Geographic Emerging Explorer in 2012. In 2019, he was the recipient of the prestigious NBAA American Spirit Award.

As Captain Irving continues to navigate the challenges of STEM+ learning along with workforce development, his goal is to transform the experiences of those seeking to achieve their highest self through STEM+ and Aviation.

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