NBAA has unveiled plans for its first virtual business aviation trade show – the Virtual Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (VBACE). The two-day event will be held on 2-3 December 2020 and is free for members to attend. VBACE will feature many elements of NBAA’s live events in virtual form – including exhibition booths, keynote speakers, product demonstrations and educational sessions.
“This first-of-its-kind online convention will propel the event into the digital space, offering new and exciting opportunities,” said Chris Strong, NBAA senior vice president, conventions and membership. “With this event, we’re doing more than moving online: we’re moving ahead.”
Exhibitors will be able to engage with virtual show-goers from around the world, network with visitors at their booths and exchange contact and other information in real time. Booths can be customised by exhibitors to meet their specific needs. “Our priority for this event is the marketplace, we believe we can deliver something special,” said Strong.
Attendees will be able to connect with exhibiting companies by product category and other quick-search criteria. Networking opportunities will be afforded through direct person-to-person connection among attendees, and dedicated subject-matter lounges. As part of their VBACE experience, attendees will be able to fill bottomless ‘virtual backpacks’ with information from exhibitors, and other materials.
Each day of the show will include keynote speakers from the aviation community and beyond. VBACE will also feature a host of education sessions on pressing industry topics, from issues facing the new entrants coming into the marketplace as a product of COVID-19, to operational issues and more.
Access to the show will be available following the event’s conclusion, so attendees will have ample time to continue to experience the booths and education sessions, and exhibitors will have the opportunity for additional exposure to new and returning customers.
VBACE will be part of the NBAA GO network of virtual conferences the association has produced for other events, including the 2020 Maintenance Conference, 2020 International Operators Conference and 2020 Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference.
