NBAA Convention Kicks Off Next Week

It's business aviation's biggest get-together, and this year, in Orlando, Florida, it takes place just weeks ahead of a Presidential election. In a new format this year, the 61st annual convention runs Monday through Wednesday (Oct. 6-8). The Orange County Convention Center is the site of the exhibit halls and many of the meetings and sessions, while the aircraft static display will be assembled at Orlando Executive Airport (KORL). More than 30,000 attendees are expected; and more than 1,000 exhibitors are registered. There will also be more than 100 aircraft on display. The keynote speaker at the Opening General Session will be International Civil Aviation Organization President Roberto Kobeh Gonzalez. In keeping with the political climate of the season, political commentators Mary Matalin and James Carville will also address the crowd. The married couple are well known for their polar opposite political views -- Carville the Democrat and Matalin the Republican. For a full list of events and exhibitors, go to nbaa.org.