Derks Looks To The Future With Excitement... And Caution The hard-working staff of AEA chalked up an amazing presentation with the close of the 51st Annual AEA Convention, concluded just days ago in the shadow of Washington, DC. Nearly 1,800 avionics and aviation industry professionals from more than 15 countries attending the Aircraft Electronics Association’s four-day event from April 23-26. According to Paula Derks, president of the AEA, this year’s convention was truly an international gathering of industry professionals. During the AEA’s annual convention, 25 new products were introduced; nearly 95 hours of training was offered; more than $135,000 in scholarships were awarded, which was a record high; and 98 companies — another record — were honored with the Avionics Training Excellence Award. “Our efforts in creating the pipeline of prospects for our academic members runs parallel with our effort to provide continuous regulatory and technical training once these technicians enter the field,” said Mike Adamson, vice president of member programs and education for the AEA. “These record numbers are indicative of the success AEA has had in being the preferred provider of training and education resources for the avionics and repair station community.” The AEA Trade Show portion of the event featured 144 exhibitors throughout the 72,000-square-foot exhibit hall at the Gaylord National Resort on the Potomac River. Other convention highlights included: • Honoring three international members with the AEA Lifetime Achievement Award • Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the House of Representatives, spoke to attendees during the AEA Annual Awards Luncheon. • EMTEQ was named the 2008 AEA Associate Member of the Year, and Gary Harpster of Duncan Aviation was named the 2008 AEA Member of the Year. In between technical and business training, the AEA offered regulatory updates sessions and various FAA panels. Regulatory agencies were significantly represented during the ...
