Conrad Shares Updates & Future Of Sun n Fun Since Taking Helm

Sun n Fun’s Gene Conrad, President and CEO of the Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE) was excited to share their progress to date, a future look to Sun n Fun 2023, and beyond.

 He began by showing a video montage, and shared a little about his beginnings in aviation, specifically that he was born in the city of Oshkosh, grew up around Mr. Steve Wittman and his wife Dorothy…the PB&J sandwiches she used to make him, being around all things aviation, which also included a stint as Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) manager for 12 years, serving in the same role for a similar duration at Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL), and also brings 20+ years of aviation management experience. He then shared the essence of what ACE does through the eyes of a volunteer as capturing the “magic of aviation through a variety of aircraft (vintage, homebuilt up close), the magic of technology (through drones and flight simulators)…the magic at twilight (with night airshows, fireworks, bonfires)…and the magic of aviation (inspiring the dreams of future aviators).

Mr. Conrad stated that 2023 will mark the 49^th Annual Sun n Fun Aerospace Expo and will occur from 28 March 2023 to 02 April 2023. He acknowledged the support of his team, having taken the helm of ACE on 11 April 2022 following the conclusion of last year’s Expo. He announced several changes and improvements coming down the pike in preparation for the 2023 Expo:

• Website – new and improved with online ticketing in two clicks for General Aviation admission and parking
• Activities – enhanced airshows, airshow viewing areas, flying activities, and attractions
• Parking – additional overflow space secured for the peak days Friday and Saturday, thanks to partnership with the local community
• Internet access – improved WiFi across the campus
• “Pilot Oasis” – additional services catering to the on-site campers, essentially filling that “dead zone” with large service tent, ticketing, concessions and eating spaces, FBO drop-off, Tram Stop, and of course Instacart service delivery!
• Innovation Preview – Opening day showcase for 20 vendors/exhibitors to highlight innovative products/developments and hosted by the Aero-News Network  

True to their mission of “Engage, Educate, and Accelerate, ACE has been steadily working to inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals while catering to the present. Mr. Conrad stated that they have invested heavily and will continue to do so, particularly through their partnerships in the local Polk community in revenue generation opportunities and Fundraising, their STEM initiatives with Central Florida Aerospace Academy, Polk State College, Lakeland Aeroclub, Traviss Career College, Florida Air Museum, “Ramus” Skylab Innovation Center, and ELEVATE (the Aerospace and Logistics incubator). To paraphrase Mr. Conrad, they seek to “inspire from the cradle to the cockpit”, and hence the expansion and development planned for the Florida Air Museum will cater to that audience. The ACE SnF Expo 2023 posters, rates, and additional information is available, and 2024 will mark the 50^th Anniversary of the Sun n Fun Aerospace Expo, so expect big things and lots of fanfare!

FMI: https://flysnf.org