By Rose Dorcey, ANN Correspondent

Peggy Chabrian, president, Women in Aviation, International opened the 2005 Annual Membership Meeting to a standing-room only crowd at the 16th Annual International Women in Aviation Conference in Dallas.

Looking positively vibrant in a pink business suit, Chabrian warmly welcomed WAI members and recognized her staff and board members. Cheers went up when Chabrian announced that Women in Aviation, International is now nearly 7,000 members strong, and again when she said that a near-record number of conference attendees had registered - over 2,300. (Actual conference registration numbers will be announced soon). Nearly 300 military men and women are in attendance.

Chabrian said the exhibit hall is filled with a record number of exhibitors, with representatives from diverse aviation fields… including manufacturers, avionics companies, airlines, aviation associations, publications, colleges/universities, military recruiters, government agencies and aviation-themed miscellaneous goods.

While Chabrian announced that the organization is working with the Girl Scouts of America to complete requirements for an aviation merit badge. She also said that an up-to-date and expanded Explore Aviation Kit is near completion. The kit is available to those who speak to school groups and other youth on aviation subject matter.

The meeting ended with a warm salute to the organization's 200 volunteers who Chabrian said really makes the conference happen. "We couldn't do it without the tremendous effort of our members who come from all over the country to volunteer their time," she said.

FMI: www.wai.org