March 28, 2024 11:50 PM
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NBAA proves business aviation is in recovery

 

Atlantic Aviation

Mid-sized exhibitors like Atlantic Aviation presented a new look to their booths at NBAA.

The massive banner hanging over the registration area in the lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center at the annual National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) show in October set the tone for the meeting. “NO USER FEES” it said.


For the third straight year since the current political administration started bashing business aviation, this huge annual event has had significant political overtones. A roster of aviation and political luminaries welcomed an energized crowd to the opening general session. Joining NBAA president Ed Bolen onstage were U.S. Senator Joseph Manchin III (D-W.Va), FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt, NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman, and former U.S. Senate majority leader Bill Frist of Tenn.

“What we are seeing is that the show is providing real value to the business aviation community, even in these challenging economic times,” said Bolen. “It’s clear that the Convention continues to be a must-attend event for anyone whose passion or profession involves business aviation.”

To illustrate his point, Bolen noted that:

  • The number of Exhibitors at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) was 1,106, a 2 percent increase over last year’s Exhibitor count of 1,086;
  • A total of 101 aircraft were displayed this year, including 85 at the sold-out Static Display of Aircraft at Henderson Executive Airport (HND), five more inside the Las Vegas Convention Center and 11 additional aircraft at the first-ever Outdoor Static Display adjacent to the LVCC.

“By every key measure, this year’s Convention met or exceeded NBAA’s expectations,” said Bolen. “Equally important, the level of enthusiasm we’ve seen from show participants tells us that their expectations were met or exceeded as well.

“This year’s Convention underscored the fact that the people and companies in business aviation are optimistic and forward-looking,” Bolen continued. “NBAA’s Convention continues to be a key part of that forward-looking vision, serving as the premier venue for bringing the industry together and advancing its interests. Our thanks to everyone who helped make this year’s event a success.”

Gulfstream

Gulfstream, typically one of the largest exhibits, launched a new exhibit property at NBAA this year.

So what did the show floor look like? All indications were that attendance would eclipse last year’s growth. By the end of the conference, attendance reached 26,077, seven percent ahead of last year’s numbers. What used to rank at the upper end of the former Tradeshow Week 200 list of top shows is still the world’s largest business aviation show.

From an exhibits perspective, after three years of reduced and re-used exhibits on the show floor, there was a refreshing new look to many of the large players this year. Airframe manufacturer Gulfstream, typically one of the largest exhibits, launched a new exhibit property, as did avionics supplier Honeywell. Both made use of newer, lighter-weight materials and lots of custom lighting.

Mid-sized exhibitors like fuel supplier AirBP Aviation Services and FBO operator Atlantic Aviation presented new images as well. Even though the show was split into the North and Central halls at Las Vegas Convention Center, walking the show revealed quite a number of new properties.

While the political battles continue and executives remain cautious on the economy, there is some movement within marketing departments in this industry to freshen their look after a long dry spell.

Jim Obermeyer has been in the tradeshow industry 30 years, both as a corporate trade show manager and exhibit house executive. He is a partner in the trade show and event marketing firm Reveal. He can be reached at
jobermeyer@revealexhibits.com.

 

 

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