Contact: Dan Hubbard, 202-783-9360, dhubbard@nbaa.org
San Diego, CA, April 8, 2022 – After months of hard work and anticipation, the first-in person NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference (SDC) since the pandemic energized the industry with large crowds, enthusiastic exhibitors and a focus on the future.
“We are stronger today because we are a community with enduring values,” NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “Investing in people is key to embracing our future and our ability to deliver excellence. This conference shows that it’s not about what we can’t do, it’s what we can do.”
“The schedulers and dispatchers community is critical to business aviation, and after two years of being unable to gather as an industry, their energy was almost uncontainable,” said NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Committee Co-Chair Mitch Greene, CAM, scheduler with Nike, Inc.
University of Kansas Aviation Services scheduler and committee Co-Chair Lori Montgomery agreed, adding: “From our opening evening networking reception to the education sessions and into the exhibit halls, the participation and enthusiasm was exceptional. It was simply a great week for the industry.”
More than 2,500 attendees were on hand in San Diego, CA, for a keynote session with preeminent leadership expert Dr. Jackie Freiberg, recognized as one of the “Top 30 Best Minds on Leadership.” Freiberg inspired attendees with a message about courageous leadership in these uncertain times. “Don’t hold back on what you can do today,” she said. “Whether it’s joining that committee, or taking on a leadership position, be the change you wish to be.”
More than 350 exhibitors were on hand for the event, many of whom underscored the opportunity to not only reconnect, but to move forward.
“Turnout has been phenomenal – we made some new connections and nurtured current customers – this kind of event is exactly what we’ve been waiting for,” said Erin Croop, marketing coordinator, Base Operations at Page Field (FMY).
Craig Anderson, vice president, car rental revenue at Go Rentals added, “Our company has exhibited at SDC many times before. It was hard to be away, but it’s fantastic to be back to share our progress and see what everyone has accomplished.”
Many exhibitors took a “Green Pledge” to help make the show more sustainable by conserving energy, utilizing reusable materials in their booths, reducing printed literature and more. Read more about the SDC2022 Green Pledge.
Sustainability also was front and center during a beach cleanup “Day of Service” facilitated by San Diego Coastkeeper. Dozens of NBAA Young Professionals in Business Aviation members spent time cleaning up more than 91 pounds of trash on Mission Beach. Learn more about the Day of Service event.
Dozens of education sessions and Professional Development Program courses covered a wide range of topics, from safety management systems and international trip planning to tax issues and managing medical emergencies.
Awards, Scholarships
Longtime business aviation scheduler Francea Bolden, CAM, was honored during the conference with the Schedulers & Dispatchers Outstanding Achievement and Leadership Award. Bolden began her aviation career in 2005 as a scheduler at Enterprise Holdings, and in 2009 was promoted to senior scheduler. In 2014, she was promoted to her current position of scheduling manager, where she is responsible for overseeing the scheduling process for three aircraft. Read more about Bolden.
Also recognized during the event were those who received monetary and training scholarships.
Read more about the S&D scholarship winners.
Read more about the S&D training award winners.
The 2023 NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference is set for Jan. 24-27 in Nashville, TN. Learn more about SDC2023.
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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 10,000 company and professional members and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), the world’s largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at nbaa.org.
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