Will Defer Selection Of Trophy Winner And Annual Recognition Gala

The Wichita Aero Club is the latest on a LONG list of events and organizations that has decided to forego their annual get-togethers.

There will be no selection of a Wichita Aero Club Trophy recipient this year and they will not hold their annual Trophy Gala during the last week of January, 2021.

"After COVID-19 pandemic restrictions resulted in the cancellation of numerous industry events this year, including the National Business Aviation Association -Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) where we normally announce our WAC Trophy recipient and the date for the Gala to celebrate the winner, we realized we couldn't continue to defer a decision. We reluctantly decided to cancel this year's selection and celebration," explained Dave Franson, Wichita Aero Club's president.

"Obviously, this year has been a difficult one in which to focus on awards and pursue fundraising activities. We had hoped that both the health and economic concerns of 2020 would be largely behind us by the fourth quarter, but the situation only became more challenging with each passing month. It's painfully obvious that pursuing our foundational mission of getting together to address industry issues and accomplishment-without being able to physically gather in the same place at the same time- has forced us to alter our plans for the next few months," he added.
 
"We will not proceed with the naming of a WAC Trophy recipient or a gala this year but hope to return in 2021 with enthusiasm and an encouraging outlook for our industry and the Aero Club. We're sorry we can't get together, but health and safety are paramount. In the meantime, we plan to announce a couple of online events in the next few weeks, designed to address relevant topics and help our members and friends cope with these difficult times.

FMI: www.wichitaaero.club