While NBAA decided against in-person large gatherings for the remainder of the year out of precaution during the Covid pandemic, the association is rolling out its first-ever immersive online business aviation trade show, the Virtual Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (VBACE), on December 2 and 3.

“This first-of-its-kind online convention will propel the event into the digital space, offering new and exciting opportunities,” said Chris Strong, NBAA senior v-p of conventions and membership. “With this event, we’re doing more than moving online: we’re moving ahead.”

Free for members, the two-day event will feature a number of similar elements it typically has during its in-person tradeshows such as virtual exhibit booths, keynote speakers, product demonstrations, and education sessions.

Exhibitors will have the ability to fully engage with virtual attendees globally. The virtual event is designed to enable exhibitors to customize their booths as well. The event will be set up with product category directories with quick-search criteria. Attendees will also be able to fill “virtual backpacks” with information from exhibitors and other materials. 

“Our priority for this event is the marketplace, we believe we can deliver something special,” Strong said.

In addition, NBAA has designed the event to ensure it includes a range of networking opportunities through direct person-to-person connections among attendees and dedicated subject-matter lounges. Keynote speeches, a hallmark of most NBAA in-person events, also will be featured at VBACE, as will be educational sessions on a range of pressing topics.

NBAA will plan continued access to the show following the conclusion of VBACE, which is part of the NBAA GO network of virtual conferences that also has included the 2020 Maintenance Conference, 2020 International Operators Conference, and 2020 Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference.