Thousands Of Aviation Professionals Gather At Industry
Expo
Aviation Industry Week, the premier event for the business of
aviation, has announced that over 5,000 aviation professionals
attended this year's show. Industry personnel from around the world
gathered in Las Vegas, March 8-10, to share ideas, receive the
latest information and technical training, preview new products and
services, and discuss new ways of conducting business.
"We're very pleased with
this year's event," says Jill Hilgenberg, Show Director. "You could
feel the energy as you walked through the show. Exhibitors were
displaying their products and services in larger booths than in
previous years, significant sales were being made on the show
floor, and most of our seminars were standing room only. It was a
great show. Clearly, Aviation Industry Week continues to be the
place for the industry to meet."
Aviation Industry Week attracted thousands of key
decision-makers in the commercial, corporate and general aviation
industries, manufacturers, and managers of airport-based
businesses. A sold-out exhibit floor showcased the products and
services of nearly 450 companies on over 109,000 net square feet of
exhibit space, a 6% increase over last year's show. On display were
the latest in ground support equipment, services and solutions,
aircraft interiors and accessories, maintenance parts and supplies,
fueling, training and avionics. With complimentary responses from
attendees and exhibitors alike, the show's success has generated an
exhibit floor that is already one third sold for the 2006
event.
"The exposure we've received from this show to the aviation
industry has been phenomenal," says Jim Alton, Director of Military
& Aviation Sales, Campbells Port-A-Cool. "Our business has
continued to grow in this market as a direct result of
participating in this show. We sold quite a few units at the show,
with a 75% increase from last year."
Aviation Industry Week
also boasted a strong conference program. GSExpo International Expo
hosted a series of panel discussions focusing on key issues facing
the ground support community, including alternative fuels,
outsourcing trends, AOA safety and security, the changing needs of
the Air Force, and the future of aviation and implications for GSE
manufacturers and operators.
The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and The
Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA), co-sponsors
of Aviation Industry Week, held their annual conferences in
conjunction with the show. Together, NATA and PAMA's participation
provided unique networking and educational opportunities, helping
to make the show a complete event.
PAMA offered their
largest number of professional development workshops to date,
including sessions on Accident Investigation and Maintenance
Resource Management. They provided high quality seminars that were
very well attended.
The NATA seminars offered at the convention on customer service,
safety and security, tax issues, and operations provided attendees
important tools and information to help grow their businesses for
the future and succeed. Additionally, discussion on a wide range of
policy and regulatory issues were provided for attendees to better
prepare for upcoming changes and adapt to the regulatory
environment of this industry.