After a year’s absence due to the pandemic, Heli-Expo returns this week in Dallas with a full program that includes nearly 600 exhibits, dozens of safety programs, and educational sessions, along with new features such as helicopter commuter flights to and from the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas, where the show is being held.
Helicopter Association International (HAI) president and CEO Jim Viola was encouraged that despite complexities associated with the pandemic, the metrics were pointing in the right direction leading up to this year’s event. More than 500 exhibitors had signed on by last month and that number continued to grow as the convention neared.
Early registrations also appeared on track, Viola said. “We're pretty optimistic and anticipate a very positive show,” he told AIN.
Pandemic restrictions may serve as a deterrent, Viola conceded and acknowledged that some businesses still appeared reluctant to fully open travel. However, as more international destinations opened up and the pandemic was appearing to ease in the weeks leading up to Heli-Expo, HAI officials were carefully monitoring to see if these trends would provide an attendance bump.
Most segments of the rotorcraft industry never shut down as other operations have, Viola noted. “This community has been working the whole time during the pandemic,” he said, pointing to powerline, firefighting, air ambulance, search and rescue, and numerous other operations.
This community, he said, had expressed a strong desire to reconnect in New Orleans, where HAI had hoped to stage its 2021 event but ultimately had to cancel as a result of the pandemic. “We were sad that we had to cancel that event. So, I know that [the industry] is ready to get back together. It’s really like a homecoming for the operators.”
According to Viola, a lot of business is conducted at the show and many organizations schedule their business around the show because they have the ability to meet customers face-to-face. “They realize that value, and we do our best to make sure that value is met,” he said.
HAI executives teamed with nearby Dallas Executive Airport for the staging of the traditional fly-in and fly-out that bookends the association's annual convention. Chris Martino, senior director of operations and international affairs, called the arriving aircraft the “star of the show” and said the association had assembled an aircraft and flight operations handbook for the smooth arrival and displays. “We want to make sure everyone is on the same sheet of music,” he added.
With the adjacent downtown Dallas CBD Vertiport available next to the convention center, Viola said he expects to see more helicopter activity during the show. In the weeks before the expo, HAI announced that it had formed a partnership with Longhorn Helicopters that can provide charter and tour flights to and from the vertiport. The flights can be booked at heliexpocharters.com.
“By bringing more helicopter services to our show, we are demonstrating the value of our entire industry,” Viola said. “Our plan is to work with local partners each year to provide access for anyone who wants to avoid traffic or enjoy the local sights the best way possible—from the air.”
Inside the convention hall, between 50 and 60 aircraft are typically displayed on the show floor, some located within exhibits but others in a dedicated static display exhibit space. The floor will also host a safety zone, one of the largest sections of the exhibitions, featuring multiple organizations and guest speakers.
Heli-Expo will further include a first-time exhibitors' pavilion and “tabletop exhibits" that may be showcased for a brief period rather than for the full run of the event. In addition, a few of the entrants in the emerging eVTOL sector are eying possible announcements during the show.
A full safety program will be offered, including the Rotor Safety Challenge courses that are typically one-hour presentations on a range of topics. Fifty of these courses will be presented and attendees can collect chips at each one. Those who collect one or more chips can turn them in at the HAI safety booth and receive a certificate. In addition, Heli-Expo is hosting several professional education courses that run from a half-day to multiple days and may result in certifications or renewal credits. Also, a number of the traditional manufacturer technical briefs will be held. Viola called the education segments one of the most important parts of the convention.
Along with the safety and educational programs, Heli-Expo is holding a career fair today with several hiring employers. In addition, support for resumes and LinkedIn pages as well as mentorship will be available. “Now is the time to get back into the industry because the industry is looking for pilots,” said Greg Brown, HAI director of education and training services. He added that companies will be hiring across a gamut of positions.
A key feature of this year’s event, Viola stressed, is its health and safety protocols, which will follow local, state, and federal guidelines and include social distancing in education events, cleaning and sanitation standards, and availability of masks and hand sanitizer.
“We believe everyone will agree that these guidelines are reasonable, which is why we think we will have a successful show,” he concluded.
After a year’s absence due to the pandemic, Heli-Expo is returning in March to Dallas with a full program that includes its typical exhibits, safety programs, and educational sessions, along with new features such as the possibility of helicopter commuter flights and air tours from the convention.
Helicopter Association International officials yesterday hosted a webinar outlining plans for this year’s event, which will run March 7 to 10 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas, as well as for the traditional fly-in on March 4 and 5 and the fly-out on March 10 and 11. HAI has teamed with nearby Dallas Executive Airport for the staging of the fly-in and has obtained FAA approvals for the short hop to the convention center, including a special route for experimental/restricted category aircraft.
Some 512 companies have signed up so far to exhibit. HAI exhibits manager Caylie Cook said limited space remains available for the show, which is now less than nine weeks away and is expected to draw some 600 participating vendors. The floor will host a safety zone, first-time exhibitors pavilion, and “tabletop exhibitors" that may be showcased for a brief period rather than for the full run of the event.
In addition, HAI president and CEO Jim Viola said some of the exhibits will showcase players in the emerging eVTOL sector. A full safety program will be offered, including the Rotor Safety Challenge, professional education courses, and the traditional manufacturer technical briefs.
Viola said plans are underway to further highlight the sector by working with operators that could provide transportation to and from the convention and perhaps line up air tours. In addition, a career fair is planned.
A key feature of this year’s event, Viola stressed, is its health and safety protocols, which will follow local, state, and federal guidelines and include social distancing in education events, cleaning and sanitation standards, and availability of masks and hand sanitizer.
“We believe everyone will agree that these guidelines are reasonable, which is why we think we will have a successful show,” he said.