The 15th edition of the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) is shaping up to rival the show’s strongest years, with 460 exhibitors occupying 2,200 exhibit spaces and 58 aircraft on static display, according to Steve Brown, COO of NBAA, which co-hosts the annual event with EBAA.

EBACE organizers have been in negotiations with Geneva Airport executives about the future of the show, and Brown told journalists yesterday at an eve-of-show briefing that he anticipates the convention “will be here for many years to come.”

Fabio Gamba, CEO of EBAA, pointed to informational sessions here this week that are designed to prepare attendees for regulatory, economic and other adjustments that are ongoing in the European industry. Noting the changes that have occurred over the past five years, Gamba said, “It is fascinating to see how the sector is adapting to this new era…this new reality.”

Industry leaders want to make sure that the changes are understood so business aviation can anticipate and mitigate their effects. As part of that effort, EBAA inked a contract with consultancy Booz Allen Hamilton to study the scope of the industry and its impact on the economy, said Gamba. He is hoping this study will be complete by year-end.

This data is key as European politicians and regulators make decisions that could affect the industry long-term, according to Gamba. As examples, he pointed to European Commission efforts to improve the competitiveness of the aviation sector in the European Union, as well as an in-development white paper that will outline strategic vision for the transportation sector. “We want to make sure business aviation is accounted for [in these efforts],” he said. He also cited the European Aviation Safety Agency’s work to revise the Basic Regulation as another area where business aviation needs to have a voice.

Eying future mandates anticipated around “just culture,” Gamba said the association is signing an agreement this week during EBACE with UK-based firm Vistair for a web-based reporting platform for safety incidences involving business aircraft. Also this week in Geneva, EBAA will focus on the expected shortage of skilled workers in the industry.

General Aviation Manufacturers Association president and CEO Pete Bunce, meanwhile, stressed the need for the industry to work collectively with regulators in Europe, the U.S. and other countries to improved the aircraft certification process and leverage resources.

Nicholas Chabbert, senior vice president of the Daher’s airplane business unit, echoed the sentiment of speaking with “one voice.” He also praised the new direction that EASA is taking with aviation regulation.