Over 2,500 Registered To Attend The Four-Day Conference

The 2014 NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference (SDC2014) officially began this morning at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA, and the number of registrants has already reached an all-time high, with a record 2,600 people signed up to attend the four-day event, the Association reports.

“We are thrilled by the momentum this show has gained through the years,” said Mike Nichols, NBAA’s vice president, operational excellence and professional development, as the show opened Jan. 15. “This conference is always high-energy, and this year’s exhibitors and attendees are clearly excited to be in New Orleans to get down to business, share ideas and learn from one another.
 
“The Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference has always focused on quality – quality of attendees, exhibitors, educational content, networking opportunities and professional development, and SDC2014 is reaching a watermark high in each of those areas,” Nichols added.
 
This year’s theme is “Take the Lead,” and keynote speaker Betty Shotton, CEO of LiftOff Leadership, took participants on a journey into the possibilities and obstacles faced in business aviation careers during this morning’s Opening General Session. Dozens of other thought-provoking, interactive education sessions are planned for the next four days.
 
“NBAA’s Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference provides a unique opportunity for business aviation professionals from all areas of flight departments and charter operations to stay up to date on timely operations issues, as well as visit with 495 exhibitors,” said Jo Damato, NBAA’s director, educational development and strategy, and staff liaison to the Schedulers & Dispatchers Committee.
 
SDC2014, now in its 25th year, also offers attendees a chance to participate in the Conference Training Initiative (CTI). Fourteen sessions have been selected to qualify for the CTI, with topics ranging from scheduling essentials, risk-assessment subjects and tax topics that a scheduler or dispatcher needs for continued professional development. Participants who meet the program requirements receive a training-acknowledgement letter from NBAA.
 
“SDC2014 attendees not only gain skills and knowledge that are beneficial to their flight departments and charter companies; they also develop expertise and industry contacts that promote their own professional development,” said Spring Adamo of FirstEnergy and chairwoman of the Schedulers & Dispatchers Committee.

FMI: www.nbaa.org