Patty Wagstaff, aerobatic champion and founder of  Patty Wagstaff Airshows and Patty Wagstaff Aviation Safety

I first started going to NBAA shows in the mid-1990s when I was working with and sponsored by BF Goodrich Aerospace. BF Goodrich always had a big presence at the convention and I was lucky enough to be a part of their booth, static displays, and social events. And let's face it—NBAA has the best, first-class social events of any convention in the world.  

One of the fun things we did was raffle off a flight with me in an Extra 300. I met people who were very persistent in waiting at the booth until their name was called, and sometimes it was. Persistence pays off! I made friends from those raffles that I still keep in touch with today. Since then I have been to NBAA shows for other companies, and most recently with Simcom as its upset training provider. I am a regular at some of the big trade shows such as AOPA in the past, AEA, WAI, and, of course, Sun’n’Fun and Oshkosh, but what I most enjoy about NBAA is seeing friends that I don't see often at those events.

NBAA also has an international flair, which is always fun. One year I saw some friends, big shots from Mexico, at one of the large airplane manufacturer booths and went over to greet them.  They were in a meeting and looked bored and I knew they would want me to say a quick hello. Security immediately stopped me from getting any closer with a look: "What's this girl want with our most valued customers? She doesn't even have a business suit on." About then one of my friends spotted me and the whole group came out with big hugs and kisses and heartfelt greetings.

I left, giving security a small nod, and you know what—it felt good to break a stereotype.   

Just one of many fun memories of NBAA. Let's plan many more. Have face mask, will travel.