NBAA Cancels the 2020 Annual Convention

BACE typically attracts between 20,000 and 25,000 attendees each year. NBAA

Orlando’s Convention Center and the surrounding areas are going to be quite a bit quieter this October after the National Business Aviation Association yesterday announced the cancellation of the 2020 Business Aviation Convention and Exposition. The show, originally scheduled to run October 6 to 8, typically attracts between 20,000 and 25,000 attendees.

In a news release, NBAA said, “The cancellation is based on clear guidance from public health officials at all levels of government addressing the unique, complex COVID-19 related challenges associated with large indoor venues. For example, the Florida Department of Health has recently issued an advisory recommending that individuals avoid participation in gatherings of more than 50 people. In addition, numerous states, including Florida, have onerous travel restrictions in place, and flights to and from many international countries are banned. These restrictions make it not only difficult, but in many cases impossible, for individuals and companies to participate in the world’s largest business aviation event.”

NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said, “The promotion of safety is a primary reason NBAA was founded in 1947, and safety is at the foundation of all we are today. As COVID-19 has emerged as a pandemic, NBAA has consistently looked to local, state, federal and global health officials to inform our decisions and guide our actions with regard to live events.”

According to Bolen, “NBAA has always advised its members to conduct a thorough risk evaluation before every flight to determine whether or not the mission can be safely conducted. We have brought that same discipline to the upcoming NBAA-BACE, and we regret that this year’s event must be grounded. We will immediately begin working with exhibitors and others as we wind down this year’s event and begin preparations for next year’s NBAA-BACE.

Next year’s NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition will take place from Oct. 12 to 14 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The annual event alternates each year between Orlando and Las Vegas.

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

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