By Aaron Amundson
With more than 250 scheduled exhibitors and 3,500 attendees, the 14th annual Cygnus Aviation Expo (formerly Aviation Industry Expo) remains a leading annual event for members of the ground support industry. Cygnus Aviation Expo is produced by Cygnus Aviation, a division of Cygnus Business Media Inc., parent of Ground Support Worldwide, airport business, and Aircraft Maintenance Technology magazines, as well as the technician association AMTSociety. The Expo is put on in conjunction with the educational forum Spring Training Week, hosted by the National Air Transportation Association.
Leaders from ground support, maintenance, and tenant operations will come together to focus on new regulations, technologies, and market opportunities driving the industry. The Expo, held Feb. 23-25, 2011 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, features expanded learning and networking opportunities, including:
Ground Support Leaders of the Year
The Ground Support Leaders of the Year awards acknowledge excellence in the industry. Nominations are voted upon by members of the GSW editorial advisory board. The awards will be presented to recipients at a reception at Cygnus Aviation Expo in Las Vegas on Thursday, Feb. 24 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
The awards target major aspects of the ground support industry, including ground service providers, commercial airline and/or military personnel, associations, and individuals at manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors.
Team Leader – similar to the original Leader of the Year Award, this award is for an individual who has taken an outstanding leadership role with personnel.
Safety Award – for a person or company that has introduced a new method, procedure, or product to improve industry safety records.
Kaizen Award – Japanese for continuous and incremental improvement, this award is for a person or company who has implemented a new business philosophy about business workplace practices focusing on efficiency and improvement in productivity, performance, or processes
Engineer/Innovator Award – for a company or a person that has introduced a product that has had a significant impact on the marketplace.
Green Award – for a person or a company that has introduced environmentally friendly equipment or processes.
Lifetime Achievement Award – for a person who has demonstrated commitment to the industry through years of dedicated service.
Full-Day Pre-Show Seminar: Managing the GSE/Maintenance Team
This special pre-tradeshow session offers management training for technical personnel promoted to supervisory positions within their organizations. ServiceElements and Global Jet Services, two leading aviation management training firms, will spearhead a full day of training.
Demos-On-Demand
Demos-On-Demand is a special Expo feature which allows attendees to get first-hand experience with equipment in action. The demonstration area is located just outside the exhibition hall and will be open for attendees to visit when escorted by an exhibiting company representative. The Demos-On-Demand area is open continuously during show hours, making this unique opportunity accessible for all attendees to experience upon request.
Going Green Pavilion
With growing environmental concerns across the globe and more stringent compliance regulations in place, the Going Green Pavilion offers attendees a showcase of green technologies to help make smart, environmentally friendly business decisions. Attendees will have the chance to meet with exhibitors face-to-face to discuss best strategies for “going green.”
Exhibitor Industry Theater Presentations
Exhibitor Industry Theater Presentations will feature 30-45 minute demonstrations, and technical and business discussions on the latest aviation issues, trends, solutions, techniques and products. Theaters are located on the show floor and are free to attendees.
Networking Party
On Thursday, Feb. 24, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., the show will be hosting a networking party in the exhibit hall. There will be live music, drinks, food and all qualified attendees and exhibitors will be entered for a chance to win a 2011 Ford F-150.
