LAS VEGAS — What happened in Las Vegas last week likely will not stay in Las Vegas, as nearly 1,500 avionics manufacturers, distributors, repair stations and other general aviation professionals left the 56th annual Aircraft Electronics Association International Convention & Trade Show armed with new product knowledge, networking and training experiences.
The four-day event, which took place March 25-28, featured:
More than 25 new avionics products and systems introduced to the market.
- The unveiling of the first AEA Avionics Market Report, which reflects the monetary size of the general aviation avionics market.
- More than 75 hours of regulatory, technical and business management training and professional development.
- An Exhibit Hall filled with the latest avionics technologies and more than 130 exhibitors.
- The latest regulatory updates with international agency personnel.
- More than $100,000 in scholarships awarded to avionics and aviation maintenance students.
- Recognition of Dan Derby, the 2013 AEA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
- Recognition of Kent McIntyre of Bevan-Rabell Inc., recipient of the 2013 AEA Member of the Year Award.
- Recognition of Sandia Aerospace, recipient of the 2013 AEA Associate Member of the Year Award.
- Free Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) certification and endorsement exams to convention attendees, in partnership with the National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technologies (NCATT).
“Despite continuing economic and regulatory challenges, this week in Vegas AEA members shared ‘what’s working’ within their own environment and pledged to take back home with them the knowledge gained to help grow their businesses,” said Paula Derks, AEA president. “Certainly, the new products introduced to the market will help our industry identify new opportunities to grow and better serve customers. This was evident throughout the four days in our training sessions, the Exhibit Hall and our interaction with the regulators.”
The AEA Convention is dedicated solely to the general aviation avionics industry. Not open to the public, this event’s primary focus is providing avionics professionals with educational and marketing opportunities between equipment manufacturers, distributors and government-certified repair stations.
Next year, the AEA International Convention & Trade Show moves to Nashville, March 12-15, 2014.
Founded in 1957, the Aircraft Electronics Association represents more than 1,300 member companies, including government-certified international repair stations specializing in maintenance, repair and installation of avionics and electronic systems in general aviation aircraft. The AEA membership also includes manufacturers of avionics equipment, instrument repair facilities, instrument manufacturers, airframe manufacturers, test equipment manufacturers, major distributors, engineers and educational institutions.