The NBAA's Big Bash

Much has changed since last fall, when the National Business Aviation Association held its 61st Annual Meeting and Convention in Orlando. When the event returns to the city October 20 to 22 with the theme "Helping Business Aviation Ascend," the focus will be on how the industry can thrive in today's challenging economic climate-and in the wake of the negative publicity that corporate aircraft have recently attracted.

When it began in 1947, the NBAA convention was exclusively for industry folks, but today it offers many resources for business jet passengers as well. In addition to sizing up the 125 airplanes on the static display, for example, visitors can attend seminars on topics such as insurance, taxes and safety. Check www.nbaa.org for up-to-date listings.

Orlando Executive Airport, 15 miles from Orange County Convention Center, is again hosting the static display and welcoming business jets flying in for the event.

If you go to the show, be sure to pick up BJT sister publication NBAA Convention News, which will be published daily. If you can't make it to Orlando, check out www.AINonline.com and www.AINtv.com for all the latest news from the event.

For more on this event, visit www.nbaa.org. For a calendar of other notable events, see 'Traveler Calendar'.