As our CEO Rob Balzano noted in his column, the 2025 CJP Convention promises to surpass expectations with a four-day gathering in the scenic Texas Hill Country north of San Antonio, TX. Below are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding this year’s event, taking place Sept. 3-6.
Where Are We Going?
Founded in 1718 as a Spanish mission and colonial outpost, San Antonio became the first chartered civil settlement in present-day Texas in 1731. The city was named in 1691 by a Spanish expedition in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua. It was part of the Spanish Empire, then the Mexican Republic from 1821 to 1836, before joining the United States.
Known for its famed downtown River Walk and as home of the historic Alamo (more on that later) San Antonio is today the seventh-most populous city in the United States, second-most populous city in Texas and second-most populous city in the Southern U.S., with a population of 1.43 million as of the 2020 census. San Antonio is in the Central time zone (CDT.)
Where Are We Staying?
The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa offers a luxurious escape with stunning views and world-class amenities. This expansive resort features elegant rooms, a championship golf course, and a sprawling spa for ultimate relaxation. Guests can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming in the resort’s pools, exploring the lush landscape, or indulging in exquisite dining options. The resort combines comfort, convenience and natural beauty to create an unforgettable experience.
Where Do I Fly To?
CJP is pleased to partner with Million Air San Antonio at San Antonio International Airport (SAT) as our preferred FBO for the 2025 CJP Convention. They will honor CAA fuel prices, with ramp fees waived with fuel purchase (minimum amount varies by aircraft type; check here for more information.)
SAT is a Class C commercial airport offering three runways: 4/22 (8505′ x 150′); 13R/31L (8502′ x 150′); and 13L/31R (5519′ x 100′.) Million Air SAT is located at the south end of the airfield, adjacent to runway 4. Textron Aviation will once again have a mobile service unit (MSU) on the ramp to provide AOG support during the event.
Transportation will be provided compliments of CJP from Million Air SAT to the resort on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 2 & 3, from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. On Sunday, September 7, CJP will again provide complimentary transportation from 6:30 am to 10:30 am.
Note that shuttles will not run on Saturday; if you choose to arrive or depart when shuttles aren’t running, you will need to make your own transportation arrangements. It’s a 20-25-minute drive between the resort and SAT.
When Should I Arrive?
Attendees should plan to arrive to the J.W. Marriott no later than late afternoon on Wednesday if you wish to make all the seminars and events, including the Welcome Reception at 6:00 pm.
For those who’ve just purchased their first Citation or Premier, or are considering moving up to a jet, plan to arrive EARLY on Wednesday to participate in the First Jet Ownership seminar at 1:00 pm! Don’t miss this in-depth, practical session designed specifically for first-time owners and those exploring jet ownership, from maintenance programs and pre-buy inspections to aviation medical tips, insurance and what it’s really like to fly a jet.
This seminar will be followed at 5:00 pm by the First Timers Reception, a special cocktail event for new attendees to mingle and network in a relaxed atmosphere, meet the CJP Board Members and become a part of the close-knit CJP community.
What’s on the Agenda?
Click Here to View the Complete 2025 CJP Convention Agenda
Following breakfast, the 2025 CJP Convention officially begins Thursday morning at 8:00 with the Opening Session, featuring CJP executives Rob Balzano, Charlie Precourt, Blake Curd and Liz Nixon. The Textron State of Business gathering, featuring insights from Textron Aviation CEO Ron Draper (left), will follow at 8:30 am – moving this popular session to opening day and kicking off our annual Convention with the latest news and announcements about Citation aircraft.
Additional sessions Thursday morning include the CJP Safety Standdown and updates from the CJP Safety Committee, including details about the new Gold Standard Safety Training initiative. CJP will also honor and recognize members who have achieved this year’s Gold Standard Safety Award and reached flying hour milestones. After lunch, sessions will offer a refresher on departure and arrival procedures, best practices for crosswind landings and a FOQA (flight operations quality assurance) panel.
At 3:30 pm Thursday afternoon, Textron Aviation’s Peter Basile will present his annual Accident Investigation session, including an in-depth early analysis of the May 22nd loss of a Citation S550 that crashed on an early-morning IFR approach to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego.
Friday morning kicks off with Platinum Partner updates from Tamarack Aerospace, Garmin, FlightSafety International and Collins Aerospace. These will be followed by an expanded roster of breakout sessions not only covering updates, operations, engines and avionics for the full range of Citation and Premier jets, but also such timely topics as upset prevention and recovery training (UPRT), aircraft survival equipment and winglet performance.
On Saturday, the final day of the 2025 CJP Convention begins with the return of the insightful Owner-to-Owner Panel, featuring tips and banter from CJP owner/operators. That will be followed by an Insurance Underwriter Panel offering firsthand information about the state of the Citation and Premier insurance market, with a presentation on CJP’s flight operations quality assurance (FOQA) program that aims not only to further enhance the safety of Citation operations, but to also showcase these benefits to insurance providers.
We’ll Also Have a Chance to Let Loose a Bit… Right?
Oh, will we ever! CJP Platinum Plus Partner Textron Aviation will again host a Thursday night party for all attendees, headlined by a private concert by country music songwriter and star Jordan Davis, who will perform chart-toppers including “Buy Dirt,” “Singles You Up” and “Next Thing You Know.”
Friday evening, the CJP Dinner and Silent and Live Auction will bring together the CJP community to enjoy the best in fine dining and adult beverages, and to bid on an extensive roster of aircraft equipment and services, luxurious vacations and more, with proceeds going to support the CJP Safety & Education Foundation.
After the Convention wraps up Saturday, attendees will have the chance to experience two unique and fun activities, with an afternoon private tour of the historic Alamo that includes exhibits and artifacts from the Phil Collins Collection, the Donald and Louise Yena Spanish Colonial Collection and more. Saturday night brings a private Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf experience on a vibrant, black-lit neon course, creating playful competition and unforgettable memories.
How About Our Companions?
CJP’s 2025 Convention will again feature a robust slate of activities for Companions, including FlightSafety’s Companions Ground School featuring information on how to be safest in your airplane and assisting during an emergency. Whether this is your first or fifth time in the class, you’re guaranteed to learn something new!
Thursday afternoon, Companions will enjoy an extraordinary hour with award-winning magician Ben Jackson. Whether he’s reading your mind, displaying elegant sleight-of-hand or turning skeptics into believers, Ben’s performance is equal parts charm, humor, and astonishment.
Throughout Friday morning, Companions may participate in any of the following activities:
- “Morning at the Spa” at the JW Marriott’s luxurious Lantana Spa, with world-class amenities, serene surroundings, and 10% off all services exclusively for CJP companions
- A guided nature walk through the scenic trails, native wildlife and gentle terrain of the JW Marriott’s stunning 600-acre Texas Hill Country landscape
- Private golf lessons at The Learning Center at TPC San Antonio, a top-tier facility known for personalized instruction and stunning views
- Poolside cocktails, offering the chance to sip, shake and stir your way into the weekend with a lively, hands-on session led by JW Marriott’s mixologists
- A session on “How to Live for 150 Years,” presented by Dr. Michael Seidman
- Or, simply relaxing and enjoying the resort on your own schedule!
Friday afternoon, Companions will have the chance to attend a fireside chat with internationally acclaimed figure skater Tara Lipinski (left), winner of the gold medal at the 1998 Nagano Olympics at the age of 15. Hear about her experiences as the youngest individual gold medalist ever in Winter Games history, her work as a figure skating analyst for NBC Sports Group and as the author of two bestselling books, Totally Tara – An Olympic Journey and Triumph on Ice.
Throughout the Convention, the Companions Lounge, sponsored by Textron Aviation, is the perfect spot to meet other companions, sip on a refreshing beverage and grab a light snack.
Companions are also encouraged to take part in one of several oxygen mask demonstrations throughout the show, providing important guidance in responding quickly to an inflight loss of cabin pressure.
Sounds Great! So, how do I Register?
You may complete the online form here to register for the 2025 CJP Convention. Make your plans to attend now, and we hope to see you there!