Feb. 21, 2023
NBAA’s 2023 International Operators Conference (IOC2023) in Austin, TX may have been the 50th edition of the event, but the 500-plus attendees on hand agreed that the conference set a new standard in bringing together the best expertise available for utilizing business aviation in a world that is at once more integrated, but also more complex, than ever.
Conference attendees had an opportunity to hear directly from specialists with guidance on how geopolitical concerns, privacy and security considerations, government policies and other factors have implications for business aviation in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, the Americas and elsewhere. Federal Aviation Administration leaders with expansive knowledge about the international aviation landscape also provided practical advice for mission planning.
“This year’s International Operators Conference celebrated 50 years of bringing people together, sharing our wisdom, sharing our strength, helping each other operate everywhere, safely and securely,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “The world is reconnecting in pursuit of new opportunities, driving a renewed excitement and sense of urgency to events like this one, which brought together as never before the expertise needed for conducting business in the global marketplace.”
Conference highlights included an inspiring keynote address by Matt Byrd, a veteran U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds pilot who also flew the F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter and the A-10 Thunderbolt II, explained the importance of preparation for mission success. The event also featured a series of panels focused on key geographical areas, including Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
At the conference, NBAA International Operators Committee members Steve Thorpe and Debbi Laux received the Guy Gribble IOC Appreciation Award for their years of dedicated service. NBAA also announced three recipients of 2023 International Operators Scholarships, which provides honorees with funding to pursue professional development within business aviation careers focused on international operations. Read more about the International Operators Scholarship recipients.
The 2024 NBAA International Operators Conference is scheduled for April 15-18 in Orlando, FL.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.