"I Believe That Today We Need Our Community More Than Ever..."

The Regional Airline Association has decided that 2020 is not going to happen as far their annual convention is concerned.

Faye Malarkey Black, the President & CEO of the RAA, noted that, "This is a difficult announcement to make. After holding one of our strongest annual conventions in a decade in Nashville last year, we were looking forward to implementing numerous investments in our schedule and events designed to offer even greater value this year. More importantly, we know our convention provides for an important venue to bring our community together. I believe that today we need our community more than ever. In fact, our team is working on a virtual event to tide us over until we can meet again in person. However, in view of the extraordinary worldwide crisis of COVID-19, and as chances for a safe and productive 2020 event diminish by the day, rescheduling our in-person Annual Event provides us with an opportunity to preserve value for our members, attendees, exhibitors and sponsors.
 
In view of this, RAA plans to move its 45th Convention forward by one year, held at the same time and place next year, on September 25 - 28, 2021 in Phoenix, AZ.  Most importantly, allowing for a full year before we reschedule allows us to rebuild our show and focus on creating a milestone event that will showcase the industry’s resilience and determination to rebuild together.  

In another part of the communication, she noted that, "On a personal note, you have probably read that two RAA member airlines liquidated this year, and other airline and associate member companies have announced furloughs. Never before in my career have, I seen our industry face so many challenges at once. This of course, sits atop the incredibly sobering human impact of this health crisis. My fellow Pittsburgh native, Fred Rogers, famously told his viewers, in times of trouble, to “look for the helpers.” In this industry, we need only scan social media to see incredibly inspiring stories of our member airlines, supply company partners and their essential workers locking arms (from an appropriate social distance of course) to meet the vast and evolving human needs associated with this health crisis. Whether it is an airline making special announcements to a lone passenger traveling to a sick parent, or a manufacturer re-purposing its work to create ventilators, a uniform company making masks and other PPE to protect frontline workers, or your employee groups supporting one another and various charitable health organizations, I have never been more humbled to be part of this community. You inspire me every day, and on behalf of our entire team I want to commit to you that we will continue to be here for you in return, as we fight to protect our shared industry."

FMI: www.raa.org