NBAA is calling its 2015 convention, which ended Thursday in Las Vegas, “enormously successful” on a business and community level. On the business side, CEO Ed Bolen said there were 1,100 exhibitors in two halls of the Las Vegas Convention and the static display at Henderson Executive Airport was “sold out.” He said attendees came from 96 countries. “In addition to the strong participation from exhibitors and attendees alike, our industry’s largest event once again showcased the size and significance of the business aviation community, as well as the passion and professionalism of its people,” Bolen said.
The major political issue tackled by NBAA during the convention was the bid to stop privatization of the air traffic control system through the use of user fees. Attendees were invited to join a Twitter campaign to oppose the move. Keynote speakers included country music star Dierks Bentley, retired Capt. Chesley Sullenberger, who was in the left seat of the US Air A320 that ditched on the Hudson River in New York in 2009, and FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. Next year’s convention will be at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando Nov. 1-3.
