GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – As the ninth European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) drew to a close, event organizers cheered the show's place in the record books as the third-largest EBACE ever, with 10,917 registered attendees.
Jointly presented by the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), EBACE is the flagship event for the business aviation community in Europe, drawing participants not only from the region, but also from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and North America.
"This year's EBACE has met and exceeded all expectations," says Brian Humphries, EBAA President and CEO. "I take great encouragement from the level of participation and support we had for this year's event, and from all the favorable comments we have received from exhibitors."
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen agrees. "As everyone knows, the business aviation community has been confronting one of the worst economic storms anyone can remember," says Bolen. "That EBACE would have its third-largest turnout this year demonstrates the value of the show to our industry."
Humphries and Bolen lauded exhibitor participation in the event. A total of 411 exhibitors, occupying approximately 1,900 booth spaces, were at Geneva PALEXPO, and a static display of aircraft at nearby Geneva International Airport included 65 business aircraft, up from 60 the previous year.
In addition to the value EBACE provided for dxhibitors and attendees, the event showcased the essential role of business aviation in supporting jobs, mobility, and economic opportunity around the world. For example:
- The show's opening general session and education sessions highlighted findings in a recent study showing that business aviation in the European region was responsible for 164,000 jobs and €19.7 billion in economic activity in 2007 alone. (For more information on the study click here.)
- Featured for the first time at EBACE was a session titled "Business Aviation: Perception Versus Reality," focusing on efforts by EBAA, NBAA, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), and the European General Aviation Manufacturers Group to inform policymakers and opinion leaders about the true value of business aviation to citizens and communities in all parts of the world. (To hear an audio clip from the session click here.)
- The 2009 European Business Aviation Awards honored individuals and organizations who have championed the industry, and repeatedly advocated for business aviation at federal, state, and local levels. (For more information on this year's awards click here.)
"More than ever, EBACE demonstrated that business aviation is the right tool for challenging times," says Humphries.
Next year's EBACE, which will mark the 10th anniversary of the event, is scheduled for May 4-6, 2010, at Geneva PALEXPO and Geneva International Airport. EBAA and NBAA have secured dates for EBACE through 2015.
To review highlights from the event, including photos and presentations, visit the official EBACE web site at www.ebace.aero.
