NBAA Moves Convention to Orlando

Sept. 7, 2005
Due to the effects of Hurricane Katrina, NBAA moves its 58th annual meeting and convention to Orlando.

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has announced it has selected the Orlando Orange County Convention Center and nearby Orlando Executive Airport in Orlando, FL, as the new venue for its 58th Annual Meeting & Convention in November. The Convention will take place from Wednesday, Nov. 9 – Friday, Nov. 11, a week earlier than originally planned. The announcement comes after NBAA was forced to move the event from New Orleans, LA, because of the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina.

"Although we deeply regret having to leave New Orleans, we think that Orlando presents a very good opportunity for our Members and Exhibitors," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.

The Exhibition floor for the event will be located in the North/South hall of the Convention Center. The hall, which houses nearly a million square feet of floor space, will be able to accommodate more than 5,000 booth spaces. Orlando Executive Airport will have a static aircraft display capability in excess of 150 airplanes. NBAA has also secured a strong hotel package including nearly all of the major hotels in the Orlando area.

"In the time since it became clear that we couldn't stay in New Orleans, our goal has been to secure a large, exciting site, an outstanding static display facility, and adequate hotels to support our convention," Bolen continued. "We are pleased that we will have these assets in Orlando."

Bolen expressed confidence that NBAA could meet the significant logistical hurdles and other challenges involved in relocating the convention on such short notice.

"The NBAA Annual Meeting and Convention is one of the largest and most sophisticated shows in the United States," Bolen said. "Obviously, there are significant issues to address as we work through the process of moving the show. We know that the business aviation community understands this, but in the end, we will meet the challenges and produce a world-class event that makes our Members proud."

When NBAA announced earlier this week that it would need to find a new venue for the convention, it also said it would donate a portion of the proceeds from the convention to a charity in New Orleans, and give convention exhibitors and attendees an opportunity to contribute to a designated charity.

"The convention has always been important in generating the revenue that helps keep association membership costs low," Bolen said. "This year, it will also help the association and its members raise much-needed financial assistance for the citizens of New Orleans."

NBAA continues to facilitate efforts by the nation's business aviation community to provide resources to relief and recovery efforts in the Gulf Coast region. NBAA members can learn more about giving financial and other assistance to those in need by visiting the NBAA Hurricane Katrina Information Resource, located at the association's web site, www.nbaa.org.

NBAA Members and Convention Exhibitors can provide feedback by e-mailing to [email protected].

Founded in 1947, NBAA serves more than 7,000 member companies by promoting the aviation interests of organizations utilizing business aircraft in the United States and worldwide. The association 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.