Convention Now Scheduled For November 9 - 11

NBAA has announced it has selected the Orlando Orange County Convention Center and nearby Orlando Executive Airport in Orlando, FL, as the new venue for its 58th Annual Meeting & Convention in November. The Convention will take place from Wednesday, November 9 - Friday, November 11, a week earlier than originally planned. The announcement comes after NBAA was forced to move the event from New Orleans, LA, because of the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina.

"Although we deeply regret having to leave New Orleans, we think that Orlando presents a very good opportunity for our Members and Exhibitors," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.

The Exhibition floor for the event will be located in the North/South hall of the Convention Center. The hall, which houses nearly a million square feet of floor space, will be able to accommodate more than 5,000 booth spaces. Orlando Executive Airport will have a static aircraft display capability in excess of 150 airplanes. NBAA has also secured a strong hotel package including nearly all of the major hotels in the Orlando area.

"In the time since it became clear that we couldn't stay in New Orleans, our goal has been to secure a large, exciting site, an outstanding static display facility, and adequate hotels to support our Convention," Bolen continued. "We are pleased that we will have these assets in Orlando."

Bolen expressed confidence that NBAA could meet the significant logistical hurdles and other challenges involved in relocating the Convention on such short notice.

"The NBAA Annual Meeting and Convention is one of the largest and most sophisticated shows in the United States," Bolen said. "Obviously, there are significant issues to address as we work through the process of moving the show. We know that the business aviation community understands this, but in the end, we will meet the challenges and produce a world-class event that makes our Members proud."

When NBAA announced earlier this week that it would need to find a new venue for the Convention, its also said it would donate a portion of the proceeds from the Convention to a charity in New Orleans, and give Convention Exhibitors and Attendees an opportunity to contribute to a designated charity.

"The Convention has always been important in generating the revenue that helps keep Association Membership costs low," Bolen said. "This year, it will also help the Association and its Members raise much-needed financial assistance for the citizens of New Orleans."

FMI: www.nbaa.org