Story ID: 
Bolen Applauds NBAA Maintenance Conference Success
By: Matt Thurber
Caption: The event in Portland attracted attendees from 46 states
Word Count: 237
The three-day 2024 NBAA Maintenance Conference concluded yesterday, and NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen congratulated attendees from 46 states who traveled to Portland, Oregon, for the annual celebration of the business aviation maintenance segment.
“We are thrilled that this year’s conference brought people together to learn from each other, to embrace change, and to inspire the next generation of maintenance professionals,” Bolen said. “We set a new standard with sessions on the latest thinking in safety management systems, expert panels focused on emerging technologies for aircraft maintenance, and an inspiring youth competition. Clearly, this event put a spotlight on a profession that is evolving in compelling directions.”
Although some exhibitors noted a thin crowd in the exhibit hall, education sessions were well attended and appreciated, as were keynote presentations by former U.S. Navy Blue Angels commanding officer Greg Wooldridge and organizational psychologist Amy Grubb, who is digital transformation advisor to the FBI’s chief information officer.
“Everything at the conference was about offering effective solutions for maintenance teams, and operators in general, to meet the industry challenges ahead,” said NBAA Maintenance Committee chair Nate Dietsch.
“Projected growth in business aviation means the sector will need thousands of new workers in the next decade, alone,” added vice chair Brett Semple.
Next year’s NBAA Maintenance Conference will be in Columbus, Ohio, from April 29 to May 1.