Cleared for Takeoff comes to Philadelphia.
Meet Captain Nia Gilliam for a book signing at the 2026 ACI-NA Annual Conference and Exhibition, the largest “for airports, by airports” gathering in North America, bringing together thousands of airport professionals from across the industry.
Long before she became a commercial airline captain, Nia dreamed of taking to the skies, inspired by pioneering Black aviators like Bessie Coleman, Janet Harmon Bragg, and the Tuskegee Airmen. Then, on September 11, 2001, everything changed. While waiting to be cleared for takeoff, she watched United Airlines Flight 175 crash into the South Tower from her cockpit window, a moment that would reshape her relationship with flying, her career, and herself. In Cleared for Takeoff, she shares her journey back to the skies through tragedy, motherhood, and a life-changing health battle.
Stop by for a chance to meet Captain Gilliam, get your copy of Cleared for Takeoff signed, and connect with her in person.
Event details
📅 Wednesday, September 16, 2026
🕐 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
📍 Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
✈️ Part of the 2026 ACI-NA Annual Conference and Exhibition
🎟️ Get tickets for the book signing when you register for the conference