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.

FMI: www.aea.net