Wed, Oct 28, 2009
Organization Says The Annual Convention Remains The Industry's
Most Valued Event
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said that the 62nd Annual
Meeting & Convention (NBAA2009) again proved an essential venue
for the business aviation community, in spite of the formidable
headwinds the industry has endured in the past year.
"Even in the tough climate we're in, the support for this show
proves that it remains an absolutely essential venue for the buyers
and sellers in our industry to connect and promote a true and
positive image of business aviation," Bolen said.
"Equally important, this was an opportunity to come together all
in one place, and underscore the importance of business aviation to
citizens, companies and communities across the country, and
articulate a vision for our future. As everyone knows, the business
aviation community puts a premium on face-to-face meetings and
communications, and this year's show provided the ultimate
opportunity to benefit from that type of interaction."
Bolen pointed to several measurements for this year's show, as
compared to last year's record-setting totals:
- Ninety-one percent, or 1,075 of the Exhibitors from last year's
Convention had returned for the 2009 show.
- This year's show required 84 percent of the floor space needed
for last year's event.
- Representatives from 86 countries, from six continents, were in
attendance at this year's Convention – an increase from 82
countries represented last year.
- Representatives from all 50 states were in attendance –
up from last year, when 49 states were represented.
- The Static Display of Aircraft featured nearly 100 aircraft at
Orlando Executive Airport.
- New education sessions for entrepreneurs who rely on light
business airplanes had wide acceptance and overflowing
attendance.
- Attendance stood at 75 percent of last year's total, with
22,920 participants at the show’s final day (last year's
attendance total was 30,811).
"While we never expected to achieve last year’s attendance
total, we were determined to provide the value that the community
has come to expect – and all indications are we
succeeded,” Bolen continued.
Ed Bolen
Bolen pointed to other show successes, such as:
- An inspirational Opening General Session, including business
advocates and the introduction of new advocacy advertising
featuring American legend Arnold Palmer;
- The $168,000 raised by the industry for the Corporate Angel
Network, through the NBAA/CAN Charity Benefit;
- The dedication of this year's Convention to John Winant, the
legendary NBAA president and director, who passed away earlier this
year.
"In short, it's clear that this year's Convention was the place
to be for everyone whose passion and profession involves business
aviation," Bolen concluded. "Our thanks to everyone involved for
making this year's event a success."
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