Show Kicks Off Tuesday In Orlando, FL

With only days left until the NBAA’s 2016 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) kicks off in Orlando, FL, event organizers and attendees are preparing for an unprecedented range of speakers, seminars, awards and networking opportunities. NBAA-BACE, held Nov. 1-3, is expected to draw about 27,000 business aviation professionals to participate in the three most important days for the industry this year.

“NBAA-BACE will be the best opportunity to hear the latest on business aviation safety, maintenance, operations, and other issues,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “And as always, our business aircraft static display, with about 100 aircraft, offers an unparalleled opportunity to make side-by-side comparisons of aircraft capabilities and technology.”

A number of special events and presentations will be held during the show. The following is just a sampling of what attendees can expect to see.

Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske will be the featured speaker for the Tuesday, Nov. 1 Opening General Session. Kerlikowske oversees the nation’s largest federal law-enforcement agency with responsibility for 60,000 agents and more than 300 land, air and sea ports of entry.
Pulitzer Prize winner David McCullough, author of The Wright Brothers, will join Kerlikowske at the Opening General Session. McCullough will provide attendees with lessons in leadership, as drawn from his nonfiction work, which ranges from the building of the Brooklyn Bridge to the Wright Brothers’ pioneering pursuit of powered flight.

Authors and political analysts James Carville and Mary Matalin will enlighten and entertain attendees with election-year perspectives at the Second-Day Opening Session on Wednesday, Nov. 2. Carville and Matalin have will provide their unique perspectives on Washington politics, and will share their thoughts on this year’s presidential election and more.

NBAA will present its most prestigious awards to business aviation industry legends and leaders, including:

• Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), a former astronaut for NASA’s Space Shuttle program, who will receive the association’s highest honor: the NBAA Meritorious Service to Aviation Award. Nelson has been an outspoken advocate for business aviation since his election to the Senate in 2000.
• Roger Whyte, who will receive the John H. Winant Award. Whyte, a former chairman of NBAA’s Associate Member Advisory Council and NBAA board member, concluded his distinguished career at Cessna Aircraft Company (now part of Textron Aviation) in 2010, where he served as senior vice president of all Cessna sales and marketing.
• Louis Seno, who will receive the John P. “Jack” Doswell Award. Seno, chairman emeritus of Jet Support Services, Inc., has also provided more than 25 years of service to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, where he was vice president of corporate relations and government affairs, in addition to other positions.
• Bruce Whitman, a 55-year veteran of FlightSafety International, who will receive NBAA’s American Spirit Award. Whitman joined FlightSafety in 1961, and has served in a variety of capacities since then. He has made numerous contributions to the aviation community, including his service on the board of directors for the Corporate Angel Network, and as the director emeritus of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

Safety will again be at the forefront of NBAA-BACE, as the NBAA Single-Pilot Safety Standdown takes place on Oct. 31, showcasing the most effective safety strategies for owner/operators. The Standdown will feature a number of subject matter experts, including National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) member Earl Weener (pictured). NBAA’s second annual National Safety Forum will be held on Nov. 3. The forum will feature Bolen, NTSB Chairman Christopher Hart and FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety Peggy Gilligan as keynote speakers, as well as several interactive panel sessions. On Nov. 2, “Meet the Regulators.” one of NBAA-BACE’s most popular educational sessions, will include methods to build on business aviation’s safety record and also feature FAA officials addressing operational issues. Read more about the safety events taking place at NBAA-BACE.

Thursday, Nov. 3, is Careers in Business Aviation Day, which is free for all registered students, faculty and chaperones. Speakers will discuss the benefits of STEM (science, technology, math, engineering) education, and inspire the next generation of aviation professionals. The NBAA/University Aviation Association (UAA) Career Seminar for college students allows students to interact with business aviation professionals in a roundtable format. The 2016 Career Day event is dedicated to the legacy of Janice K. Barden, who was an important contributor to the business aviation community for more than 60 years.

NBAA-BACE also has events specifically tailored for those new to the industry. The Young Professionals (YoPro) Networking Reception, and an education session with this year’s theme of “Bridging the Communication Gap”, will provide opportunities for young aviation professionals to connect with each other as well as industry experts.

NBAA-BACE is business aviation’s most important annual event, where participants have an unequaled opportunity to view the latest business aircraft, products, technology, and services the industry offers. Held at the Orange County Convention Center, the event also offers a premier networking venue, and dozens of educational sessions.

(Source: NBAA news release. Images from file)

FMI: www.nbaa.org