As If There Aren't Enough Lights And Electronics In
Reno...
This year marks the 50th anniversary
of the Aircraft Electronics Association, as well as its 50th annual
AEA convention. The association has spent months preparing to
celebrate both milestones during its upcoming annual
convention & trade show slated for March 28-31, 2007, at the
newly renovated Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV.
"We are laying down the red carpet in Reno to celebrate this
special anniversary," said Paula Derks, president of AEA. "This
2007 convention and trade show will represent the pinnacle of the
organization's 50 years of association excellence. We are hoping
[the] event will attract as many members as possible to come to
Reno and join in this monumental celebration."
Not only is the AEA calling this its largest show ever --
with more training, more exhibit space, more workshops, and more
new products -- the Association also is booking some memorable
entertainment for its first-nighter 50th anniversary party on
Wednesday, March 28, during which the association plans to honor
past AEA members of the year. Other highlights of the show include
an AEA history gallery and a 1950s Sock Hop.
As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the AEA is
encouraging companies within the industry to host reunions for
present and former employees during this year's convention. The
association is offering a special convention rate for retired
industry veterans.
In addition to presenting its lifetime achievement award to
former AEA president Monte Mitchell and announcing the winners of
the 2007 AEA member of the year and 2007 AEA associate member of
the year, a new honor will be awarded at this year's convention.
The lifetime achievement
in aviation media award winner will be announced and presented at
the new media luncheon on Thursday, March 29, following "New
Product Introductions." The media luncheon and the new AEA press
headquarters at the convention are sponsored by Adam Aircraft and
Sporty's.
The association says the convention will feature hours of
FAA-recognized technical training, important regulatory updates,
announcements of new products, manufacturers' workshops, business
management sessions, and a user-fee panel discussion, as well as
recognition of the Avionics Training Excellence Award winners and
the AEA Educational Foundation Scholarship recipients.
The AEA silent auction, which takes place from Thursday to
Saturday, March 29-31, in the Exhibit Hall, will feature dozens of
interesting items on which to bid, with proceeds benefiting the AEA
Educational Foundation.
The AEA exhibit hall will be filled with avionics and instrument
manufacturers and distributors showcasing the industry's latest
innovations in technology, along with shop owners, managers and
technicians. The show is dedicated to providing those in the
avionics industry with the chance to participate, network and
extract valuable information to boost their business.
A complete schedule of events for the convention is on the AEA
website.
AEA says its membership is at an all-time high with more than
1,315 corporate members from around the world. According to the
association, in 2006, the AEA experienced record growth with 134
new member companies, which it says is the largest number of new
member companies in a single year in the organization’s
50-year history.
The Aircraft Electronics Association represents more than 1,300
repair stations specializing in maintenance, repair and
installation of avionics and electronic systems in general aviation
aircraft. AEA membership also includes manufacturers of avionics
equipment, instrument repair facilities, instrument manufacturers,
airframe manufacturers, test equipment manufacturers, major
distributors, engineers and educational institutions.