Aviation Industry Week Records Successful Event

Aviation Industry Week, the premier event for the business of aviation, has announced that over 5,000 aviation professionals attended this year's show. Industry personnel from around the world gathered in Las Vegas, March 8-10, to share ideas, receive the latest information and technical training, preview new products and services, and discuss new ways of conducting business.

"We're very pleased with this year's event," says Jill Hilgenberg, Show Director. "You could feel the energy as you walked through the show. Exhibitors were displaying their products and services in larger booths than in previous years, significant sales were being made on the show floor, and most of our seminars were standing room only. It was a great show. Clearly, Aviation Industry Week continues to be the place for the industry to meet."

Aviation Industry Week attracted thousands of key decision-makers in the commercial, corporate and general aviation industries, manufacturers, and managers of airport-based businesses. A sold-out exhibit floor showcased the products and services of nearly 450 companies on over 109,000 net square feet of exhibit space, a 6% increase over last year's show. On display were the latest in ground support equipment, services and solutions, aircraft interiors and accessories, maintenance parts and supplies, fueling, training and avionics. With complimentary responses from attendees and exhibitors alike, the show's success has generated an exhibit floor that is already one third sold for the 2006 event.

"The exposure we've received from this show to the aviation industry has been phenomenal," says Jim Alton, Director of Military & Aviation Sales, Campbells Port-A-Cool. "Our business has continued to grow in this market as a direct result of participating in this show. We sold quite a few units at the show, with a 75% increase from last year."

Aviation Industry Week also boasted a strong conference program. GSExpo International Expo hosted a series of panel discussions focusing on key issues facing the ground support community, including alternative fuels, outsourcing trends, AOA safety and security, the changing needs of the Air Force, and the future of aviation and implications for GSE manufacturers and operators.

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and The Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA), co-sponsors of Aviation Industry Week, held their annual conferences in conjunction with the show. Together, NATA and PAMA's participation provided unique networking and educational opportunities, helping to make the show a complete event.

PAMA offered their largest number of professional development workshops to date, including sessions on Accident Investigation and Maintenance Resource Management. They provided high quality seminars that were very well attended.

The NATA seminars offered at the convention on customer service, safety and security, tax issues, and operations provided attendees important tools and information to help grow their businesses for the future and succeed. Additionally, discussion on a wide range of policy and regulatory issues were provided for attendees to better prepare for upcoming changes and adapt to the regulatory environment of this industry.