The change in format for NBAA’s annual Schedulers and Dispatchers Conference to three full days of programming this year paid clear dividends as the show welcomed 2,707 attendees, a record. Last year’s 25th anniversary edition in New Orleans hosted 2,671 guests. The 455 exhibitors in the main hall at the McEnery Convention Center included 43 making their debut at the show.

In addition to the exhibition floor, the show boasted 29 educational sessions, most approved for CAM program credit. Topics included managing mission risk in disruptive weather situations, international operations and understanding fuel buying.

For the fifth time, the S&D advisory committee sponsored its “Pay It Forward” drive, which collects gently worn business attire from attendees and financial donations for local charities. When the program began in 2011, it collected 75 garments. This year, attendees and exhibitors donated 1,453 items, and the collection drew major donations from companies Shirt Boy, Landmark Aviation, World Fuel, Universal Weather and Aviation and Signature Flight Support, which sponsored a pedometer challenge to determine who walked the most during the three-day event. The challenge raised $4,060, which will be split between Dress For Success San Jose and Sacred Heart.

Next year’s conference will be held in Tampa, Fla., from January 19 to 22.