Van Nuys NBAA Forum Breaks Attendee, Exhibitor Records

A record crowd turned up for NBAA’s Van Nuys Regional Forum on Thursday, with about 2,000 people attending, as well as 145 exhibitors, 21 aircraft and five vehicles on display. The event included an update by NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen on recent developments in FAA reauthorization, which is facing a July 15 deadline.

There also was a panel session on business aviation advocacy; a presentation on successful aircraft transactions by Aerlex Law Group’s Stephen Hofer; Van Nuys Airport Association president Curt Castagna highlighting how public-private partnerships such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities at general aviation airports can help business aviation; and a session by the International Business Aviation Council’s Sonnie Bates and Terry Yeomans on how IS-BAO and IS-BAH can help improve business aviation safety. AIN sister publication Business Jet Traveler also hosted readers who attended the forum to learn more about the latest business aviation products.

Exhibitors such as first-timer Flight Research reported positive results from the forum. “I think it’s great, especially because you get to connect with people you can’t connect with at some of the other [NBAA] shows,” said company representative Shannon Weidekamp. 

“It’s a good chance to network,” said Andy Fernandes, regional sales manager, Northwest U.S. and Canada, for Gogo Business Aviation. “It’s a one-stop shop.”

Local NBAA group Southern California Aviation Association (SCAA) appreciated the local flavor of the Van Nuys Forum. “This is a great addition to what we’re already doing,” said SCAA executive director Debi Carpenter.

The next NBAA Regional Forum is scheduled for September 15 at Westchester County Airport in White Plains, N.Y.