5 Hidden Gems Enhance Attendee Experience at NBAA-BACE

Oct. 14, 2018

As the world’s premier business aviation event, NBAA’s 2018 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), taking place Oct. 16-18 in Orlando, FL, features dozens of workshops and educational sessions, an anticipated 1,000 exhibitors and more than 100 aircraft on static display, informative keynote sessions and dynamic speakers.

“Interspersed throughout the three-day program, and at various times during the show, attendees will still find some ‘hidden gem’ experiences and offerings that may surprise them,” said Chris Strong, NBAA’s senior vice president, conventions and membership. For 2018, Strong picked five gems:

1. Honoring The Aviation Industry’s Iconic Figures

During the Day 2 keynote on Oct. 17, NBAA will present its Meritorious Service to Aviation Award to the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). During World War II, more than 1,100 WASP pilots flew more than 60 million miles and delivered 12,650 airplanes across the country as an adjunct to the Army Air Forces at a time when trained male pilots were in short supply. “This is sure to pull at everyone’s heart strings,” said Strong. Read more about the WASP organization and the award.

2. Showcasing Futuristic Technologies

Electric propulsion, artificial intelligence, remotely piloted vertical takeoff and landing aircraft – these and other technologies are very much on the horizon and shaping the future of air transportation. Sessions on “The Electric Aircraft Revolution” and “Imagining the Future of Pilotless VTOL Aircraft” on Oct. 17 will explore the technical challenges and speculate on marketplace viability timelines. Additionally, Eric Allison, head of aviation programs at Uber, will speak about the developing industry for electrically powered vertical takeoff and landing aircraft during the Day 1 Keynote on Oct. 16. Read more about Allison and the future of urban transport.

3. Making Social Media a Snap: Join the NBAA-BACE Conversation

“There’s no better way to find out about speakers, education sessions, exhibitors, show hours and more than by following NBAA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram,” said Dan Hubbard, NBAA’s senior vice president of communications. “We also encourage attendees to be a part of the show by using #NBAA18 on social media and getting involved in the conversation surrounding the convention.” This year’s show also features spots on the exhibit hall floor and at the static display where attendees can “Stop, Snap and Share.” Learn more about NBAA’s social media platforms.

4. Sporting A New Look at the Innovation Zone

“This year’s Innovation Zone offers a warm coffee-shop inspired setting for attendees to learn, network or just take a break,” said Strong. “The design will feature soft seating and an eclectic atmosphere that will innovate and inspire.” View the program schedule to learn which education sessions are taking place in the Innovation Zone.

5. Celebrating Five Years Supporting ‘YoPros’

Join NBAA’s Young Professionals in Business Aviation (YoPro) program in a convention-wide celebration, with a full schedule of YoPro events. Most activities are scheduled for Tues. Oct. 16, the opening day of NBAA-BACE. In just five years, YoPro has grown from a single networking event into a multi-faceted industry workforce development initiative. Learn more about NBAA YoPro at NBAA-BACE.