NBAA remains encouraged by early metrics for this year’s BACE scheduled from October 12 to 14 in Las Vegas, saying 90 percent of its planned exhibit space is booked. In addition, as the association prepares to open registration soon, it noted results of a recent survey that showed 88 percent of respondents indicating plans to attend live events later in the year. That response was a more optimistic number than in a similar survey taken earlier this year.

An informal AIN survey ongoing this week revealed that more than 63 percent of respondents said they planned to attend NBAA, while another 23 percent are maybes. Of the respondents, almost 97 percent had attended previous BACE shows. Meanwhile, 45 percent said they were “much more” enthusiastic about this year’s event, while Covid concerns weigh on 38 percent of the respondents and travel restrictions on 28 percent. Almost 90 percent listed networking and/or seeing friends as a reason for attending the show. AIN is keeping the survey open through tomorrow.

As for show plans, NBAA noted the exhibitor lineup will include dozens of new companies joining the mainstays that will all be housed within the Las Vegas Convention Center’s new West Hall. The West Hall includes 600,000 sq ft of exhibit space, 80 new meeting rooms, and a 14,000-sq-ft outdoor terrace for receptions.

This year’s event will have an expanded floor footprint for advanced air mobility technology, a focus on business aviation sustainability, and an increased program highlighting thought leaders.

“NBAA-BACE 2021 is shaping up to be a special event,” said association president and CEO Ed Bolen. “Although a small number of companies are not participating in trade shows this year, we’re thrilled that nearly all the leading companies in business aviation will be at NBAA-BACE, some in a very big way.”