The Elsie Awards GalaBrampton · 2026
WIA-Canada will be at the 17th annual Elsie MacGill Awards Gala, the evening Canadian aviation and aerospace sets aside to honour eight of its own. We are hosting a corporate table and a display, and we would be glad to see you there.
- Date
- Oct 3, 2026Saturday
- Doors
- 4:30 PMThrough to 11:00 PM
- Where
- Pearson Convention CentreBrampton, Ontario
- Honourees
- Eight womenAviation and aerospace
Who Elsie MacGill was, and why the award carries her name
The Elsie MacGill Award, known simply as “The Elsie”, was established in 2009 to honour outstanding women in aviation and aerospace in Canada, and to encourage others to follow them into the industry. Up to eight honourees are named each year through nomination and judging.
Elsie MacGill is acknowledged as the first female aircraft designer in the world. She designed the Maple Leaf II, was pivotal to production of the Hawker Hurricane in Canada during the Second World War, and later served on Canada’s Royal Commission on the Status of Women. She did all of it while living with the effects of polio.
The gala tells each honouree’s story properly, through visuals, display materials and speakers who have known her across her life and career. It is a room worth being in.
We would be delighted to welcome you. Whether you are curious about corporate membership, exploring a partnership, or simply want to learn more about our work, please stop by and introduce yourself. Some of our best collaborations began with a conversation at an evening like this one.
Agenda
The industry displays are open before dinner and again after the presentations. Those are the best times to visit our table.
Visitor information
Get directions →Who you will find from WIA-Canada
Seven of us will be there across the evening. Come and say hello during the display windows, or find us at the table.
WIA-Canada at last year’s gala
A few moments from the 2025 evening. The same room, the same community, and the reason we keep coming back.
Ways to work with us
If the gala is where we meet, here is what can come next. Reach out personally on the night, or any time after.
Corporate membership
Bring your organization alongside ours and collaborate on initiatives across the year. Our corporate membership brochure has the full details.
View the brochure →Volunteer with us
Help run events, mentor, or build chapter activity in your city. It is the quickest way to get to know the people doing this work.
Apply to volunteer →Become a member
Join a national network of students and professionals across Canadian aerospace. Sign up at our table during the gala and receive 40% off your membership.
Join now →Hosted by
See you at the Elsie Awards Gala
An evening honouring eight remarkable careers, and a room full of people worth knowing. If you are attending, please come and find our table. We would love to meet you in person.
