Avionics News May 2021 - 4

Ready to Reunite
I

increasing number of exhibitors committed to showcasing their
don't know about you, but I'm personally beyond
products and services on the trade show floor is encouraging
ready to see the avionics community again - in person.
and a positive sign for a successful show.
Webinars and Zoom meetings are nice, but it's time to
Will everyone who normally attends the AEA Convention be
reunite and talk shop. It's past time. And I suspect many others
in Dallas? Logic says probably not, particularly with the strict
feel the same way. Perhaps not everyone, but many.
international travel restrictions still in place for Europe, Canada,
In early April, the Aircraft Electronics Association sent a
Latin America, and the South Pacific regions. And those who
broadcast email to its members with a headline that read: " The
aren't comfortable traveling yet are certainly welcome to stay
Essential Show for Essential Business! "
home and wait for another industry event later this year.
Of course, the email referred to the upcoming AEA
As an aviation professional, you already know
International Convention & Trade Show slated for
that safety is our industry's top priority. Together,
June 22-25 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas.
we strive to eliminate risk for all things manned and
Simply put, it is the premier event where the
unmanned in-flight. Do any of us live in a world with
avionics industry goes to get business done.
zero risk? Of course not. But we learn and take action
The email continued: " With skies clearing and
for continuous improvement. The same concept is true
show business coming back to life, we are excited
for our health, show business and virtually every other
to welcome the avionics industry (our family) back
industry on the planet. Personally, I'm excited to see
together. AEA Dallas will provide the opportunity to
aviation shows return in full force, just as it did last
get back out there, make new connections, explore
Geoff Hill
month at Sun 'n Fun in Lakeland, Florida.
new products, learn from the experts and find out
Like so many, I have personally lost friends and
what the future holds. "
loved ones to this terrible virus. I know countless others who
Indeed, it is time for aviation's technology experts to gather
were ill. Are we out of the woods yet? Of course not. But make
again. When the AEA moved its show dates from March to late
no mistake: We are winning the battle each day.
June, the intent was to allow more time for vaccine approval
In that spirit, for my avionics colleagues who are ready to
and for vaccinations to occur in large numbers. That appears to
reunite, the AEA Convention in June is the place to be. You can
be a wise decision. According to the Centers for Disease Control
see a comprehensive convention preview beginning on page
and Prevention, nearly 121 million people had received at least
63 of this edition of Avionics News. Continuous convention
one dose of the vaccine in the United States as of April 12. That
updates also are available at aea.net/convention. Please register
accounts for more than 36% of the total U.S. population. In fact,
in advance by selecting a full registration or a daily registration
the CDC reports that 46.5% of the U.S. population at least 18
that fits your schedule and budget. If you are ready to reunite,
years of age had received at least one dose, along with 78.9% of
let's meet in Dallas, June 22-25! q
the country's population at least 65 years of age.
In addition, more than 74 million people in the U.S. were
fully vaccinated as of April 12. By the time we reach the AEA
Convention's opening day, June 22, those numbers likely will
be infinitely greater.
As resilience abounds, the avionics industry seems to
GEOFF HILL
concur with the decision to move forward with a June event.
Editor, Avionics News
In fact, AEA Convention registrations roll in each day, and the

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http://aea.net/convention
Avionics News May 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News May 2021
