Tue, May 05, 2009
We've known Paula Derks for quite a number of years and a number
of adjectives come readily to mind when we consider the leader of
the Aircraft Electronics Association... competent, decisive,
expert, cheerful and insightful... and now we feel compelled to add
one more -- inspiring.
This year's rendition of the annual AEA Convention took up the
Derks mantra and therefore wound up being a surprisingly upbeat
affair. While everyone bemoaned the awful economic situation forced
upon them, to a person there was unanimity in the belief that the
industry would not only survive but come back bigger and stronger
than before... and Paula set the tone.
“We are purposely choosing to emphasize the positive
attributes of the industry this week,” said Paula Derks,
president of the Aircraft Electronics Association on the opening
day of this year’s annual convention and trade show, which
took place from April 1 to 4, at the Gaylord Texan Resort in
Dallas.
Setting this tone seemed to work as nearly 1,500 attendees
crowded the AEA Exhibit Hall and the meeting rooms to research
products and gain knowledge through educational forums on technical
and regulatory issues.
Among the positive highlights of this year’s convention
were:
- More than 31 companies taking part in the “New Product
Introductions” session.
- More than 140 companies and organizations displaying during the
trade show.
- Attendees receiving more than 75 hours of FAA-accepted
technical training classes.
“It would be premature to announce the light at the end of
the tunnel,” Derks said, “but many of the manufacturers
told me they are making good contacts and writing orders at the
booths, which means their dealers — our members — are
buying product.”
Next year’s AEA International Convention & Trade Show
is set from April 7-10, 2010, at the Gaylord Palms Resort in
Orlando, Fla.
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