The 12th annual Aviation Industry Expo has returned to Las Vegas, and will be offering must-see events for the ground support industry. The expo will be held March 10-12 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Here’s what to look forward to at this year’s show:
Leaders of the Year Awards
Wednesday, March 11, 5-6:30 p.m., room 109 & 110
Aviation Industry Expo is home to the Ground Support Leaders of the Year awards reception. Hosted by Ground Support Worldwide magazine, the ceremony will recognize the work of an individual or company that has stood out in the industry. Each award is for any and every aspect of the ground support industry, including ground service providers, commercial airline and/or military personnel, associations and individuals at manufacturers, suppliers and distributors.
The recipients will be recognized in six separate categories:
Team Leader — similar to the original Leader of the Year Award, this title is for an individual who has taken a leadership role with personnel.
Safety Award — for a person or company who has introduced a new method, procedure or product to improve industry safety records.
Kaizen Award — Japanese for continuous and incremental improvement, this award is for a person or company who has implemented a new business philosophy about business workplace practices focusing on efficiency and improvement in productivity, performance or processes.
Engineer/Innovator Award — for a company or a person who has introduced a revolutionary product.
Green Award — for a person or a company who has introduced environmentally friendly equipment or processes.
Lifetime Achievement Award — for a person who has demonstrated commitment to the industry through a lifetime of dedicated service.
Demos on Demand
For the first time in show history, the expo will feature demos on demand. It will give attendees the chance to get hands-on experience with the latest industry equipment. The demonstration area will be located just outside the exhibition hall and will be open for attendees to visit, when escorted by an exhibiting company representative.
Green Pavilion
In addition to the demos, the show will introduce the Green Pavilion. Located on the show floor and open during show hours, it will showcase environmentally friendly products and services. Attendees will also get the chance to discuss green practices with exhibitors.
Ground Support Seminars
Alternative Fuels
Tuesday, March 10, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
There will be a panel discussion featuring leading industry experts. As environmental pressures and the cost of gasoline and diesel continue to rise, alternative fuels are looking increasingly attractive for GSE operations. Learn about alternative fuel types, such as ethanol and natural gas, what types of vehicles accommodate the fuels and requirements for refueling stations.
Electric Power
Thursday, March 12, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
A panel featuring leading industry experts will discuss how some GSE operations (especially those located in clean air quality non-attainment areas) are replacing their fossil fuel fleet with electric battery-powered vehicles. Learn the latest about electric power technology, how airport infrastructures are upgrading to accommodate electric vehicles and battery-charging techniques that can reduce energy.
Business Seminar: Department of Commerce presents “Doing Business Globally”
Wednesday, March 11, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Presented by Andrew Eldelstein
The fast-paced growth of international aviation industries, modernization/upgrading of global transportation infrastructures, and the growing international demand for quality U.S.-supplied GSE/FBO/MRO equipment and services, all are creating a wealth of business opportunities for American companies. The resources available to U.S. companies, allowing them to tap into these tremendous business opportunities, explore international markets, and participate in industry trade events, are plentiful and accessible. Learn what the U.S. government is doing to help its aerospace companies achieve their international business goals.
