The 13th Annual Aviation Archaeology and Wreckchasing Symposium is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the historic Bob Hope Hotel and Richard C. Holbrooke Conference Center in Dayton, Ohio. This year’s gathering features a full day of phenomenal presentations, followed by an informal dinner with an internationally recognized keynote speaker.
Arguably the most anticipated event of its kind, this gathering attracts professional and avocational archaeologists, wreck chasers, historians, authors, and adventurers from around the globe. Anyone interested is invited to attend, learn and network.
Presentations at this year’s event will be offered by speakers from throughout the international community, sharing their experiences on both land and underwater. Symposium attendance is all inclusive at $65.00 USD, which covers printed materials, morning and afternoon refreshments, as well as a sandwich buffet at noon, sponsored by the Colorado Aviation Historical Society.
In addition to the symposium, participants are offered a number of optional tour opportunities along the historic Wright Brothers Trail (09/24), as well as the National Museum of the United States Air Force (09/25). These are sure to satisfy the most ardent aviation history enthusiasts.
Saturday evening, following the symposium, a casual social gathering is offered with a buffet dinner and keynote speaker. Dr. Colin Colbourn, Lead Historian for Project Recover, will present an informative talk about Project Recover and some of its more challenging and interesting missions to locate and repatriate missing airman’s remains from around the world. The cost for the evening’s entertainment is $65.00 USD.
A block of rooms at the Hope Hotel has been reserved at the special rate of $125.00 USD per night, if you wish to stay on site. (Please be sure to reference the Aviation Archaeology Symposium when making reservations.) Numerous other accommodations are available within the immediate area.
For more information and or to register for the symposium and dinner, please visit the website at coahs.org/symposium.
