Attendee, Vendor Registration Topped 2009 By Five Percent

As the NBAA concluded its 63rd Annual Meeting & Convention, Association President and CEO Ed Bolen said the highly successful show reflects its continuing value, even as the industry continues to confront a turbulent marketplace.

"It has been a pretty challenging couple of years for business aviation," Bolen said. "By almost any measure, our industry fell 25 to 40 percent over the past year. But even in this climate, the people and companies in business aviation continue to seek out effective venues for conducting business, sharing information and networking, which is why NBAA's Convention remains a must-attend on the industry's calendar."

As examples of the strength of NBAA2010, Bolen cited:

• Participation by 1,083 Exhibitors, a number that tops the Exhibitor count for the 2009 show.
• A sold-out Static Display of Aircraft, with 93 aircraft at DeKalb Peachtree Airport and a waiting list for participation.
• Attendee registration at 24,206, up more than 5 percent for attendance at the close of the 2009 Convention.

Other Convention successes Bolen pointed to included:

• Standing-room-only attendance at the show's Opening General Session, which featured addresses from leaders in government and business.
• An inspirational first-ever second-day General Session at the show. The event was held to recognize the industry's work to provide relief to victims of the January 12 earthquake in Haiti, recognize five industry legends as FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilots, and honor American icon Arnold Palmer's long-standing industry advocacy with NBAA's Meritorious Service to Aviation Award.
• A Charity Benefit that raised, through live and silent auctions, more than $220,000 to support the life-saving work of the Corporate Angel Network.
• Strong industry support for plans announced this week by NBAA and the Asian Business Aviation Association for the re-introduction of the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE) in Shanghai, China in 2012.

"This year's Convention clearly underscored two facts," Bolen continued. "First, in spite of the challenges confronting business aviation in the past two years, people and companies are optimistic and forward-looking. Second, the Convention continues to be a key part of that forward-looking vision, serving as the premier venue for bringing the industry together and advancing its interests. Our thanks to everyone who helped make this year's event a success."

FMI: www.nbaa.org