The European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (EBACE), which will take place from May 20 to 22 this year in the Palexpo Convention Centre at Geneva International Airport, is second only in the business aviation industry calendar to the NBAA Convention in the U.S. and serves as a particular focus for operators in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. It also takes place only about one month after ABACE in Shanghai (April 15 to 17), and is organized by NBAA (Booth H529) and the Brussels-based European Business Aviation Association (EBAA).
EBACE organizers told AIN that at least 320 exhibitors–around half of them from Europe–have signed up, already exceeding last year’s total of 294. The static display looks likely to feature more than 50 aircraft and some 12,000 industry professionals are expected to attend on the three main show days.
“EBACE has proven to be the premier business aviation marketplace in Europe, and the best forum for promoting the industry,” said Kathleen Blouin, NBAA’s senior vice president, conventions and forums.
On Monday, May 19, the day before the official opening, EBACE organizers are offering three all-day seminars: a safety workshop, an international aircraft transactions seminar, and a cabin crew/flight attendants conference.
“These three pre-convention seminars are designed to augment the education program taking place during EBACE 2014,” explained Mike Nichols, NBAA vice president, operational excellence and professional development. “Each of the meetings takes an in-depth look at a specific area of interest and offers an opportunity to delve deeper into the subjects.”
The physical layout of the EBACE site is changing this year, Ed Bolen, NBAA president, told AIN at a reception during ABACE. He said that the long Hall 7 was not going to be used except to provide access to the aircraft static park, with the footbridge to this being moved much closer to the main halls. The Palexpo site has also been improved so that the main halls now encompass the open area previously occupied by helicopters, so these will now be inside.
