Register

Jack Pelton Debriefs the Cancellation of AirVenture 2020

Pelton said his leadership team experienced many sleepless nights before the decision was made to cancel this year’s show. EAA
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • AirVenture 2020 was cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns, a fact-based decision made by EAA leadership after considering risks to volunteers, exhibitors, and financial stability, which was largely supported by the aviation community.
  • To fill the void, EAA launched the "Spirit of Aviation Week" (SOAW), a virtual event offering online workshops, forums, and vendor showcases to engage members remotely.
  • SOAW proved highly successful, achieving hundreds of thousands of connections and millions of video views, demonstrating the EAA's capability to deliver valuable virtual content.
  • The success of SOAW validates EAA's strategy for future content delivery and informs planning for AirVenture 2021, which is actively underway with potential adjustments for ongoing health considerations.
See a mistake? Contact us.

When aviation aficionados around the world learned in May that AirVenture 2020 was cancelled, it sent an anxiety-fueled shock wave through the industry that confirmed the COVID-19 virus was going to be with us at least through the summer months. What would the tens of thousands of people who normally trek to Oshkosh do with that 10-day hole in their schedules?

Rob Mark

Rob Mark is an award-winning journalist, business jet pilot, flight instructor, and blogger.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE