Almost every organization has an annual get-together for its members, and AOPA is no exception. Because AOPA Expo '99 takes place October 21 through 23, this month's column gives me a chance to explain the purpose of this meeting, as well as its relationship to other industry events and to your association.
AOPA celebrates its sixtieth anniversary this year, but the roots of a yearly gathering started in 1955 as a purely social event that many will remember as the Plantation Party. It was just that — a party. Yet, as general aviation continued to grow in the 1960s and '70s, we added relevant seminars and exhibits to the event. It also became a place where FAA officials and political figures would attend for speechmaking. The AOPA Convention dropped the word party and put the meeting in perspective with other industry events. In 1991, we changed the name to AOPA Expo in an attempt to capture the exposition flavor of the event, and the association also began a major effort to focus on building attendance from some 3,000 pilots annually — which represented only 1 percent of our membership. During this decade, we have seen that number double and triple.
When one thinks of an organization's convention, it most likely is a trade association, which caters to the business interests of its members. The difference between these shows and our event is that in most cases an employer picks up the tab for registration fees and other expenses. Most who attend AOPA Expo do so because flying is their passion and hobby. The expense is personal, not covered by expense accounts, and many members take time off work to attend.
This fact, and the need to have a static display of aircraft at a nearby airport, means AOPA has to work within unique parameters in choosing a location. Since this is vacation time, many members bring their spouses or families to the event. The city has to accommodate the need for things to do for the nonpilot attendees. Often members take time beyond the Expo days to vacation in the area. This is why Orlando, Florida; Palm Springs, California; and Atlantic City, New Jersey, have become recurring venues. One other factor that has come to light in recent years is the substantial number of pilots who come for just one or two days. Attendee surveys indicate that the location must be within a 500-mile radius of a large pilot population. Put all these parameters together, factoring in October's flying weather, and there are fewer and fewer cities that can accommodate our needs — especially as we grow in attendance with a more demanding need for exhibit space and adjacent hotel rooms.
Also, unlike other organizations, AOPA's annual convention is not the centerpiece of our existence, either financially or operationally. Trade associations often must depend on deriving more than 75 percent of their annual budgets from exhibit and registration fees. These funds essentially provide the income to operate the organization's advocacy and information efforts. Financially, AOPA Expo is a break-even affair; the association is not built around this annual event, nor do we depend on its success for our continued work in all areas for AOPA members. In addition, members who cannot attend do not subsidize the event with their dues.
For the second time in 30 years, from October 21 to 23 — a Thursday through Saturday — we return to the new Atlantic City for three great days. More than 450 exhibitors will display their products in the new, high-tech Atlantic City Convention Center. With technology for the cockpit and products for pilots changing at a more rapid pace, this area of AOPA Expo allows attendees to get up close and personal with considerations for their flight bags or airplanes. It's a businesslike, air-conditioned atmosphere, with qualified representatives from the manufacturers who can take the time to answer technical questions and provide in-depth product knowledge. Exhibitor product demonstration rooms offer hands-on demonstrations. Our static display of more than 70 aircraft takes place at nearby Bader Field.
Each of the three mornings begins with an educational general session meeting that, this year, will feature top industry officials addressing new technology; FAA Administrator Jane Garvey; and your AOPA managers in an annual session dubbed Team AOPA. Pilot education also includes 90 one-hour seminars covering some 80 topics, more than double the sessions available just four years ago. Flying companions — those without piloting experience — can participate in the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's popular Pinch-Hitter Course.
For entertainment, a special retrospective will highlight the Expo opening luncheon, with charter members — those who joined AOPA within one year of May 1939 — as our guests. In addition, there are the welcoming reception, awards banquet, and an exclusive Friday night Halloween party.
Many smaller groups, type clubs, and professional flying organizations have joined with us to make AOPA Expo their annual meeting site. You may find that your specific interests are well-served by looking at their membership benefits.
It's not an airshow, it's not a trade show, but it is your association's annual event for getting the membership together for education, exhibits, and entertainment. Most important, it's a chance to meet other pilots from around the world. Much of your AOPA staff is there to personally share thoughts with you and accommodate your Expo needs. Check out all the details of this year's event, which we hope will set a record attendance of more than 10,000, on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/expo/); see the schedule on p. 22. And be sure to come up to me and say hello during this exciting three-day event.
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