O.K., there are differences between Las Vegas and Orlando, but change is good. In fact, change has proven to be better than good for the 10th Aviation Industry Expo, March 20-22 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.
According to AIE Show Director Jill Ryan, numbers for the show have increased from the 2006. 454 was the total number of exhibitors signed up at this time last year, compared to 495 as this column is being written. This includes a significant increase in the number of GSE companies; 225 compared to 203 in 2006. We are also looking at nearly a 10 percent increase in floor space.
AGE at AIE
For the first time, the Aviation Industry Expo is hosting the United States Coast Guard's Aeronautical Support Equipment Conference. More than 70 USCG representatives from all 26 USCG Air Stations, sponsored by USCG Aircraft Repair and Supply Center in Elizabeth City, N.C., will be in attendance for this special conference. USCG Aeronautical Support Equipment Conference, March 20-22, will serve as a forum for review of the USCG Aeronautical Support Equipment policies and procedures to supply, maintain and sustain subject equipment. All Coast Guard personnel in attendance will take part in Aviation Industry Expo's GSE Expo.
The Joint Panel on Aviation Support Equipment or JPAVSE ("Jay-PavZ"), returns this year as well. Whenever the Aviation Industry Expo puts on an event, the JPAVSE traditionally chooses to meet at our location for one of its quarterly meetings. JPAVSE principal members and associate members enjoy the same benefits of the marketing and networking opportunities as other AIE attendees. This is the JPAVSE link to the industry to perform informal market surveys and link military aviation service requirements to commercial technology.
This year, the JPAVSE will share information regarding ongoing AGSE acquisition programs and will review programs that are in the research and development, or requirements development stage to determine if there is a common interest in future technology.
A Leader Among Us
We have chosen, and in less than two weeks will be proud to recognize the 2007 leader of the GSE/AGE community at the 3rd annual "Ground Support Leader of the Year" Awards Luncheon spotlights an individual or company that has made a significant contribution to the industry. Due to the fact that the awards ceremony has been a huge success, new categories for additional awards in 2008 will be announced.
We know that the GSExpo is the gathering of everybody that's anybody in ground support, but more important, it's the one time of the year that we have a chance to come together as an entire community and exchange the past year's business dealings, future industry developments and of course, catch up on how the family is doing. I can't wait to see all of you this month! If you are unable to attend, you can learn about the show in our April issue of Ground Support Worldwide.
Thank you for reading.
