Story ID: 
AEA Convention Lands in Palm Springs
By: Matt Thurber
Caption: This year's AEA convention featured new product announcements from 28 member companies. 
Word Count: 220
The 62nd annual Aircraft Electronics Association International Convention & Trade Show opened yesterday at the Palm Springs Convention Center in California, welcoming nearly 2,000 attendees from avionics manufacturers, repair stations, installers, and other general aviation companies.

At this year’s convention, long-time AEA president and CEO Paula Derks handed over the reins to incoming leader Mike Adamson. “As I walk off the stage for the last time after 40 years [at AEA],” Derks said at the opening session yesterday morning, “I consider myself such a lucky woman. [I know] I’m leaving the AEA in the most capable hands of Mike Adamson.”

Adamson praised Derks for her leadership as president and CEO for the past 23 years, helping grow AEA to nearly 1,300 members in 40 countries. “Paula taught us all important lessons in relationship building and networking,” he said. “Congratulations, Paula, on a well-deserved retirement.”

AEA announced the winner of the 2019 AEA Member of the Year Award, Todd Winter, president and CEO of Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics and CEO of True Blue Power. The 2019 AEA Associate Member of the Year is Applied Avionics.

At the new product introductions held after the opening session, 28 companies highlighted new avionics, electronic components, and test equipment. Attendees were able to participate in 70 technical training and professional development courses.