Just a few days ago, the ever-inquiring news-gnomes of ANN and Aero-TV were enjoying their annual rite of avionics overload at the Aircraft Electronics Association's 2009 Tradeshow. Unlike the a number of other aviation-oriented gatherings, there was some sense of hope in the air (some, mind you) as this year's attendees found some reasons for optimism.
“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.”
In addition to the activity in the AEA Exhibit Hall and educational sessions, company- and organization-sponsored scholarships valued at more than $120,000 were awarded by the AEA Educational Foundation. Jack Pelton, chairman, president and CEO of Cessna, spoke to attendees about “Weathering the Storm,” while NFL Super Bowl-winning coach Dick Vermeil addressed the AEA Annual Awards Luncheon crowd with an inspiring message about leadership. J.D. McHenry, founder and president of Global Jet Services, reinforced the positive message during his presentation called “Grow Yourself and Your Business.”
During the Awards Luncheon, Tom Richmond, a technical specialist for Gulfstream Aerospace in Appleton, Wis., and long-time member and international officer for the Association, was named AEA Member of the Year. Aspen Avionics of Albuquerque, N.M., received the AEA Associate Member of the Year honor. Both of these awards are voted on by the AEA membership.
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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