Convention Now Scheduled For November 9 - 11
NBAA has announced it has selected the Orlando Orange County
Convention Center and nearby Orlando Executive Airport in Orlando,
FL, as the new venue for its 58th Annual Meeting & Convention
in November. The Convention will take place from Wednesday,
November 9 - Friday, November 11, a week earlier than originally
planned. The announcement comes after NBAA was forced to move the
event from New Orleans, LA, because of the devastating impact of
Hurricane Katrina.
"Although we deeply regret having to leave New Orleans, we think
that Orlando presents a very good opportunity for our Members and
Exhibitors," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.
The Exhibition floor
for the event will be located in the North/South hall of the
Convention Center. The hall, which houses nearly a million square
feet of floor space, will be able to accommodate more than 5,000
booth spaces. Orlando Executive Airport will have a static aircraft
display capability in excess of 150 airplanes. NBAA has also
secured a strong hotel package including nearly all of the major
hotels in the Orlando area.
"In the time since it became clear that we couldn't stay in New
Orleans, our goal has been to secure a large, exciting site, an
outstanding static display facility, and adequate hotels to support
our Convention," Bolen continued. "We are pleased that we will have
these assets in Orlando."
Bolen expressed
confidence that NBAA could meet the significant logistical hurdles
and other challenges involved in relocating the Convention on such
short notice.
"The NBAA Annual Meeting and Convention is one of the largest
and most sophisticated shows in the United States," Bolen said.
"Obviously, there are significant issues to address as we work
through the process of moving the show. We know that the business
aviation community understands this, but in the end, we will meet
the challenges and produce a world-class event that makes our
Members proud."
When NBAA announced earlier this week that it would need to find
a new venue for the Convention, its also said it would donate a
portion of the proceeds from the Convention to a charity in New
Orleans, and give Convention Exhibitors and Attendees an
opportunity to contribute to a designated charity.
"The Convention has always been important in generating the
revenue that helps keep Association Membership costs low," Bolen
said. "This year, it will also help the Association and its Members
raise much-needed financial assistance for the citizens of New
Orleans."