Contact: Dan Hubbard, (202) 783-9360, dhubbard@nbaa.org
Washington, DC, October 28, 2012 – The clock is ticking down to the formal kickoff of NBAA’s 65th Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2012), which runs Oct. 30 to Nov. 1 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL.
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen and other representatives with the association will be available through the close of business on Thursday, Nov. 1 for interviews with news organizations. To make arrangements, simply call (202) 783-9360, or email dhubbard@nbaa.org.
About 25,000 business aviation industry professionals from across the U.S. and around the world are expected to attend the Convention. The show will feature two side-by-side displays of aircraft – one display will be located just outside the Orange County Convention Center, and another, larger display will be located at nearby Orlando Executive Airport. Over the three days of the event, about 1,000 indoor exhibits will feature the latest in business aviation products, technology and services, and attendees will have access to more than 100 Education and Maintenance and Operations Sessions (M&Os).
As one of the largest trade shows in the nation, NBAA’s Convention is a big contributor to the Orlando-area economy. The 2012 show is projected to generate an estimated combined direct and indirect economic impact of more than $51 million, according to the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“We are excited to be back in Orlando and delighted by the enthusiastic response we’ve received from exhibitors and attendees alike to this year’s incredible show lineup of events,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.
By way of illustration, Bolen pointed to two examples:
- The show’s Opening General Session on Oct. 30 will feature an outstanding lineup of leaders from industry and government, including Michael Huerta, U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Acting Administrator; John Mica, U.S. House Representative from Florida; Rich Karlgaard, Forbes magazine publisher; and Bill Crutchfield, CEO of Crutchfield Corporation, a leading electronics company. In addition, NBAA’s annual Al Ueltschi Humanitarian Award will be presented to FedEx and its chairman, president and chief executive officer Frederick W. Smith in recognition of the company’s work with ORBIS International, a nonprofit global development organization dedicated to saving sight worldwide.
- A Second-Day General Session on Oct. 31 will feature best-selling co-authors and key figures on the national political stage, Mary Matalin and James Carville, as the keynote speakers. Each has more than 30 years’ experience in politics, and the duo will provide an enlightening and entertaining look at today’s most important political issues and the election. Also, NBAA will honor the legendary Tuskegee Airmen squadron with the Association’s 2012 Meritorious Service to Aviation Award. Finally, the National Aviation Hall of Fame will present one of its awards.
“As always, NBAA’s Convention will showcase the size and importance of the business aviation industry, both in Florida and across the country,” said Bolen. “We invite members of the media to attend this year’s show to learn more about business aviation and its important contributions to citizens, companies and communities across the U.S.”
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Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The Association represents more than 9,000 companies and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention, the world’s largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at www.nbaa.org.
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International Business Aviation Council Ltd.