NBAA Convention
 

Can anyone give me some insight into what exactly the NBAA Convention is in October in ORL? I got invited to go and was wondering what exactly it is all about and what goes on there. Sounds like a good place to start networking for corporate gigs?? Thanks guys and gals...

Nbaa
 

The bulk of what goes on is manufactures unveiling there next gen aircraft and selling to the fracs and charter operations.
FBO's and maintenance facilities and specialty (avionics) folks promoting there services.
Some pay by the class (expensive) training (RVSM, SMS, CRM,MRM, Bla Bla Bla)

If you already know someone who knows someone that is going to be there, then the beginnings of a network opportunity for you is possible.

I will more than likely be there this year. PM me if you like, maybe I can help.

Later,

When I worked at a flight school on the field at ORL, I went to the events in 2005 and 2006. Have to say I had a blast and made alot of connections even thou I was just a CFII.

Basicly the Static display is on the Showalter ramp on the north side of the field. The Orange County convention center has all the other stuff.

I ended up getting a student pass for I think it was 75.00 (didnt have to show my id) and got into anywhere I wanted to go during the event.

The Gulfstream pens are the best =)

Still you can make alot of connections from your basic FBO to some pilot flying a G550, Boeing BBJ or Airbus CJ, or Cirrus, Embraer, or Bombardier. Its a really fun time.

Im heading back this year and if you want any tips let me know. :)

Hey thanks a lot guys, I appreciate the information. This is my first year of getting turbojet time logged and so I am looking to finally be able to start networking out for a descent corporarte job. My dad is the chief pilot/director of aviation for a large company and he told me I should go with him and try to make some contacts. I was hoping to get an outside perspective from guys that had been there, done that, so I thank you. Any other information is greatly appreciated and if I come up with anything I will PM you guys. Thanks again.

are the Marathon Battery girls still there?

NBAA is the BOMB! FBO's from all over bring their HOTTEST counter girls to staff their kiosks, OEM's give away tons of bags, lapel pins and the like, somebody always has a lottery for a new car, you can sit in the cockpits of the coolest new jets and helicopters, you can learn a thing or two at an operator's conference, and you can make connections that might pay off someday. If somebody is giving you a ticket, run, don't walk to the registration desk. I live in one of the host cities and can't wait til it comes back here (talking the boss into a badge could be problematic, however).