Florida’s Sebring Regional Airport (SEF) has taken the reins of the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo from Bob Wood, who has been the driving force behind the LSA Expo for the past seven years.
Sebring’s board of directors recently gave staff permission to draft a document to transfer the Expo to the airport. The deal should be finalized in August.
In 2003, Wood conceived the idea of showcasing Light-Sport Aircraft at a first-of-its-kind Expo. In cooperation with Sebring Regional Airport Executive Director Mike Willingham, the inaugural event took place in 2004. Since then, the LSA Expo has become a must-attend event for LSA enthusiasts and the industry.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to help shape and grow this important trade show for the LSA market, the community and the airport,” said Willingham.
A native of Illinois, Wood got his private ticket while in college. He served 28 years in the Army, including two tours in Vietnam, two in Korea, and one in Berlin. In 1998, he moved to Sebring, built his own Velocity aircraft, and convinced Willingham to join forces with him create the first LSA Trade Show.
Wood continued to improve the Expo every year with more exhibitors and attendees, Willingham noted.
“We have big plans to increase the number of exhibitors and attendees for this year, which include more sponsorship opportunities, increased advertising, new entertainment and more,” he added.
Since its inception, the Expo has grown to more than 200 volunteers orchestrating the event for more than 10,000 attendees.
Next year’s expo is slated for Jan. 19-22.
For more information: Sport-Aviation-Expo.com
