The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) is replacing its annual convention with two new conferences. The FBO Leadership Conference will be held at the same time and place as was planned for the annual convention, March 19 to 22 in Orlando, Fla., and still coincident with the exhibits at the Aviation Industry Expo show (to be held from March 20 to 22). In early summer, the association will hold its new Air Charter Summit near Washington, D.C., targeting its charter, fractional and management company members. The annual meeting required of organizations such as NATA will be held during the FBO Leadership Conference, and attendees will be able to visit Aviation Industry Expo exhibitors for no additional charge.

The reason for splitting the annual convention is that NATA members want events focused on their segment of the industry. “To achieve this most successfully,” explained NATA spokesman David Almy, “we’re increasingly tailoring our events for specific markets. The same business efficiency that’s driving them is leading us to schedule highly effective events designed around just one business segment.”