The International Airport GSE Expo housed nearly 200 exhibitors and welcomed a large crowd of attendees for two and half days at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
The International Airport Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (IAEMA) and Ground Support Worldwide magazine teamed up to host the event Oct. 18-20, and welcomed nearly twice as many attendees from the previous year’s GSE shows.
“I think attendees realize that this show is the best place to meet with so many GSE manufacturers and suppliers in person and see the equipment and products up close,” show director Sue Ralston said. “Since it occurs only every-other-year, it is an event not to be missed.”
A total of 186 ground support equipment companies exhibited at the show – with 122 utilizing 17,100 square feet of indoor space and another 64 displaying equipment in 47,000 square feet of outdoor space and demo booths.
“I was looking forward to seeing a wide array of equipment, products and services and our exhibitors did not disappoint,” said Ralston.
She added that many exhibitors expressed they were busy throughout the show with highly qualified attendees.
“I believe most saw the customers they wanted to see and also developed new leads to sales,” Ralston said. “Hopefully, they enjoyed the beautiful, sunny days and managed to have a little Las Vegas fun in the evenings, too.”
In addition to networking opportunities at various events before and after the show, a special recognition was held for the 2016 Ground Support Leaders of the Year during an opening night reception on the show floor.
Xced Aviation Services was chosen as the 2016 Service Leader of the Year by Ground Support Worldwide while Jonathan Bluth of Atlantic Aviation was selected as the Team Leader of the Year.
A large portion of the crowd at the opening night reception was there to honor Dick Cloud of United Airlines as the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award. Cloud has spent more than 50 years of service in the ground support industry.
With plans for additional exhibiting space, the biennial International Airport GSE Expo will return to the Rio in Las Vegas in the fall of 2018.
“Thanks to all of our exhibitors and sponsors for making this the best GSE show possible,” Ralston said. “Special thanks to those who used their personalized registration code to promote the show in advance and invite customers and prospects to attend for free.”
