Spotlight on Optimism

As I am writing this, I am waiting for a shuttle to take me to John Wayne for my flight home from HAI or Heli-Expo 2009 in Anaheim. I am glad I was able to attend because this show was in contrast to much of the doom and gloom I am hearing from many parts of the industry. It was, in fact, upbeat, active, and positive. There were more than 17,000 in attendance and the convention center was filled with exhibitors that appeared to be making sales or servicing clients. I was unable to attend any of the seminars but the feedback on these was excellent. The show was professionally organized and ran smoothly from the opening reception. The awards dinner was a feast and a choir of young boys who really know how to sing entertained us. HAI is clearly a strong association with an involved and active membership. I am pleased to say our booth was a bustle of activity. We gave out more than 600 magazines and signed up several hundred new subscribers. Many were new acquaintenances, including internationals and students from various schools local and not so local, who asked to receive the magazine, and many more were old friends and clients who stopped by to say "hi" and share the excitement of the event. In two weeks we will be attending the Aviation Industry Expo in Las Vegas. This is the former AS3 show that includes maintenance, ground support and repair station, charter, flight school, and air taxi operators. A truly eclectic group from our industry. We are looking forward to another exciting and positive event.