Bolen Expects Strong NBAA Convention

NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen said he is expecting the 62nd Annual Meeting & Convention to be a strong show despite stiff economic headwinds.

“We are currently tracking at about 80 percent of where we were at this point last year, which is outstanding, since last year’s show set all-time records for the number of exhibitors and booth sales,” Bolen said.

Bolen said NBAA has reached out in a variety of ways to attract existing operators and first-time customers to the meeting.

In addition to the marketing and networking opportunities the convention has long been known for, a primary emphasis of this year’s show will be new education sessions designed to help buyers understand the considerations involved in purchasing a new airplane, as well as sessions to help NBAA members quantify and communicate the value of their business aircraft.

“The convention will also provide an important opportunity for the industry to put forward a positive image and promote the many benefits of business aviation — not just to operating companies, but to communities all across the country,” Bolen said.

Bolen noted that while a couple of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) planned to limit their participation in this year’s show, every major manufacturer would be displaying new airplanes, providing product-support personnel and conducting Maintenance & Operations Sessions.

To make the show as accessible as possible for all participants, NBAA has frozen last year's rates for exhibiting and attending the 2009 convention, which takes place Oct. 20-22 in Orlando, Fla.