Over the past few years new ways of working got a lot of us quite excited. Teams, Zoom and video conferencing software has kept us all in touch no matter our work location, and helps us to connect with colleagues and customers in different countries. It is no doubt a valuable tool.
This seems to have coincided with some of the largest business aviation events becoming smaller; with key industry players struggling to justify the cost of attendance to a lengthy show in expensive locations. I remember at one point seeing comments on "the death of the trade show".
But what we've also seen is smaller regional shows enjoying a boom. For example, The Air Charter Expo has expanded with more booths than ever before, and is already almost sold out.
The inside static aircraft display is sold out, and we have more aircraft joining the outside display each week. With just 13 booths remaining the show will be a sell out.
We have peak numbers interested in visitor tickets, and these will go on sale very soon. Every indication shows that this ACE'24 will be the biggest and busiest yet.
You can do a lot online, but you can't sit on an aircraft to appreciate the space available, or have that candid conversation with a new supplier over coffee; you know, one of those conversations where you just connect more meaningfully.
And when you can do that all in one day, conveniently and cost effectively... The proposition is much more attractive than visiting other events (and the free espresso coffee always helps!).
So let's all aim to meet at the next ACE show on 10 September at London Biggin Hill Airport; and failing that maybe we could schedule a virtual meeting instead. My preference will always be face to face first.
See you there.
www.aircharterexpo.com
The Air Charter Association
London Biggin Hill Airport
#businessaviation #aircharter
