Business Aviation's Big Days

The National Business Aviation Association's Annual Meeting and Convention returns to Atlanta this year, for the first time since 1999. The event will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center from September 25 through 27.

The association expects this year's meeting to build on the success of last year's, which boasted more than 33,000 attendees, 1,100 exhibitors and 115 aircraft on static display.

While the event began in 1947 as a gathering for industry folks, it now offers much information for business jet passengers as well. Perhaps most interesting is the display of new and used aircraft, to be hosted this year by Fulton County Airport, which is six miles west of the city. However, there will be plenty for end users at the convention center, too, including seminars on such topics as aviation insurance, taxes and security. Many sessions will begin before the event officially opens, so check out www.nbaa.org for a complete list.

The agenda includes a variety of recreational and charitable activities. On September 23, before the convention begins, the association will host its 11th annual golf tournament, proceeds of which will benefit NBAA Charities. Also that day, the association will build an aviation-themed playground for the children of Atlanta, in partnership with Home Depot and the nonprofit group Kaboom. The NBAA is looking for 400 volunteers to participate.

Finally, Huey Lewis and the News will provide musical entertainment at the annual benefit gala, which will celebrate the association's 60th anniversary.

Those flying in for the convention will likely find Peachtree City-Falcon Field (25 miles southwest of Atlanta) the most convenient airport with runways suitable for a business jet.

If you go to the show, be sure to pick up NBAA Convention News, which will be published daily for attendees. If you can't make it to Atlanta, check out www.AINonline.com and www.AINtv.com for all the latest news of the event. (Our sister publication, Aviation International News, produces both the Web sites and the convention magazine.)